New Zealand postal service changes leave rural communities disappointed
Changes to New Zealand’s postal service has left rural communities disappointed.
Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) has appointed Heather Sorenson to its board following the resignation of Emma Higgins.
Sorenson is currently regional leader for the Top of the North region and has had a longstanding involvement with RWNZ, beginning when she was a young mum moving into a new rural community.
She says she is excited to bring 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,” Sorenson says.
“I look forward to serving on the Board as we move towards our very exciting milestone of 100 years in existence in 2025.”
RWNZ president Gill Naylor says the Board decided to appoint a temporary replacement instead of holding a by-election as Higgins was due to go up for re-election at the organisation’s annual general meeting in November this year.
“Offering leadership development and building succession opportunities for our regional leaders was a key consideration for the Board,” says Naylor. “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.”
Naylor says she also wants to thank Higgins for her contributions during her three-year tenure on the RWNZ 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,” she says.
“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.”
According to ASB, Fonterra's plan to sell it's Anchor and Mainlands brands could inject $4.5 billion in additional spending into the economy.
New Zealand’s trade with the European Union has jumped $2 billion since a free trade deal entered into force in May last year.
The climate of uncertainty and market fragmentation that currently characterises the global economy suggests that many of the European agricultural machinery manufacturers will be looking for new markets.
Dignitaries from all walks of life – the governor general, politicians past and present, Maoridom- including the Maori Queen, church leaders, the primary sector and family and friends packed Our Lady of Kapiti’s Catholic church in Paraparaumu on Thursday October 23 to pay tribute to former prime Minister, Jim Bolger who died last week.
Agriculture and Forestry Minister, Todd McClay is encouraging farmers, growers, and foresters not to take unnecessary risks, asking that they heed weather warnings today.
With nearly two million underutilised dairy calves born annually and the beef price outlook strong, New Zealand’s opportunity to build a scalable dairy-beef system is now.

OPINION: The Greens have taken the high moral ground on the Palestine issue and been leading political agitators in related…
One of the most galling aspects of the tariffs whacked on our farm exports to the US is the fact…