Pay Equity Crucial for Rural Communities - RWNZ
Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) says it welcomes the release of a new report into pay equity.
A $3000 education scholarship is available for health professionals with an interest in the rural sector.
The Rural Women New Zealand and Access Scholarship is aimed at applicants who are working in the health field with rural connections, and wish to further their studies in health or disability studies.
Preference will be given to applicants who are studying at post-graduate level.
"Access is proud to support ongoing professional development for health professionals working in the rural community, and we are pleased to continue to offer the scholarship alongside Rural Women New Zealand," says Simon Lipscombe, chief executive of Access.
Wendy McGowan, national president of Rural Women New Zealand says the organisation is committed to offering the scholarship to rural health professionals.
"We advocate for equity in health services in rural communities on a par with urban areas. That includes upskilling our health professionals to offer quality information and advice to rural patients."
Last year the scholarship was awarded to Heather Leong, a Community Registered Nurse based in Waikato.
Heather intended to use the scholarship to fund her studies to complete an International Integrative Nurse Coach Certificate in the United States.
Heather is now using the skills gained from her studies in her nursing work in the Waikato rural community.
Applications close on 1 July 2016. Full information and application forms can be found at www.ruralwomen.org.nz or www.access.org.nz
Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) has released its 2026 election manifesto, outlining priorities to support the sector’s growth, resilience, and contribution to New Zealand’s food security and export revenue.
Farmers have voted to continue the Milksolids Levy that funds DairyNZ.
Fonterra chief executive Miles Hurrell has resigned after eight years in the role.
Matt McRae, a farmer from Mokoreta in Southland who runs a sheep, beef and dairy support business alongside a sheep stud, has been elected to the Beef +Lamb NZ Board as a farmer director.
Ravensdown's next evolution in smart farming technology, HawkEye Pro, was awarded the Technology Section Award at the Southern Field Days Farm Innovation Awards in February 2026.
While mariners may recognise a “dog watch” as a two-hour shift on a ship, the Good Dog Work Watch is quite a different concept and the clever creation of Southland siblings Grace (9) and Archer Brown (7), both pupils at Riverton Primary School.

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