Rural Women New Zealand board welcomes long serving member

Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) is welcoming long serving member Heather Sorenson to its board following the resignation of Emma Higgins.

Heather Sorenson is currently the regional leader for the Top of the North region and has had a long involvement with Rural Women New Zealand, beginning when she was a young mum moving into a new rural community.

Heather says she is excited to be bringing her skills and experience to the RWNZ board table.

“I’m proud to be a member of an organisation that is determined in its commitment to supporting our rural women and communities as much as we can. I look forward to serving on the Board as we move towards our very exciting milestone of 100 years in existence in 2025,” Heather says.

RWNZ President Gill Naylor says the Board decided to appoint a temporary replacement as opposed to holding a by-election as Emma’s role is up for election at this year’s Annual General Meeting in November.

“Offering leadership development and building succession opportunities for our regional leaders was a key consideration for the Board. We’re delighted Heather put her hand up for this temporary appointment, as we have seen her considerable skills and expertise demonstrated in her role as a Regional Leader,” Gill says.

“I also want to take the opportunity to thank Emma for her significant contribution during her three year tenure on the Board. Emma has been a huge asset with her strategic thinking, enthusiasm, future focus and ability to draw on both her professional skills and her understanding of Rural Women New Zealand and its rich history. Emma has reluctantly resigned from the Board to better balance her substantial work and family responsibilities. We will miss her contribution but are pleased that Emma will remain an active member of the organisation.”