Rural NZ faces shift as copper network deregulation looms
Rural communities say support is required to shift away from the copper network that has been the only source of internet connection for some parts of rural New Zealand.
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 the most recent Rabobank Rural Confidence Survey, farmer confidence has inched higher, reaching its second highest reading in the last decade.
From 1 October, new livestock movement restrictions will be introduced in parts of Central Otago dealing with infected possums spreading bovine TB to livestock.
Phoebe Scherer, a technical manager from the Bay of Plenty, has won the 2025 Young Grower of the Year national title.
The Fencing Contractors Association of New Zealand (FCANZ) celebrated the best of the best at the 2025 Fencing Industry Awards, providing the opportunity to honour both rising talent and industry stalwarts.
Award-winning boutique cheese company, Cranky Goat Ltd has gone into voluntary liquidation.
As an independent review of the National Pest Management Plan for TB finds the goal of complete eradication by 2055 is still valide, feedback is being sought on how to finish the job.
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