New Zealand postal service changes leave rural communities disappointed
Changes to New Zealand’s postal service has left rural communities disappointed.
Two months on from Cyclone Gabrielle, Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) says it is experiencing high demand from those seeking to access the organisation’s Adverse Events Fund.
RWNZ national president Gill Naylor says the demand for funds was anticipated and it was expected that the response would be ongoing.
“We are grateful for the support shown by our members, groups like the Soil Sisters who have fundraised for us and the generosity of a private benefactor,” Naylor she says.
All up, the donations have resulted in $70,000 in funds being collected so far this year.
“This combined with existing funds means we have been well placed to assist,” she says.
As of this week, over $50,000 in grants have been made to individuals, families and groups in the affected areas.
The majority of grant have been for $1,000 and paid out in the last month.
Over 20 further applications are under consideration and additional requests for support are being received almost daily.
“We value our relationships with agencies such as Rural Support Trust and Catchment Group co-ordinators who are able to alert and refer those in need to this funding,” says Naylor.
“We receive feedback from grant recipients regularly. It is notable, and humbling, that their appreciation is not only for the financial assistance but also the boost of knowing that someone cares about their situation and is willing to help,” she says.
“We know that demand will be ongoing for some time, and we encourage those who are in a position to do so to donate to the Fund knowing that it provides immediate, necessary assistance to individuals and families for costs not covered by insurance or other support.”
If you’d like to donate to the fund, head to https://ruralwomennz.nz/
Meat co-operative, Alliance has met with a group of farmer shareholders, who oppose the sale of a controlling stake in the co-op to Irish company Dawn Meats.
Rollovers of quad bikes or ATVs towing calf milk trailers have typically prompted a Safety Alert from Safer Farms, the industry-led organisation dedicated to fostering a safer farming culture across New Zealand.
The Government has announced it has invested $8 million in lower methane dairy genetics research.
A group of Kiwi farmers are urging Alliance farmer-shareholders to vote against a deal that would see the red meat co-operative sell approximately $270 million in shares to Ireland's Dawn Meats.
In a few hundred words it's impossible to adequately describe the outstanding contribution that James Brendan Bolger made to New Zealand since he first entered politics in 1972.
Dawn Meats is set to increase its proposed investment in Alliance Group by up to $25 million following stronger than forecast year-end results by Alliance.
OPINION: Ageing lefty Chris Trotter reckons that the decision to delay recognition of Palestinian statehood is more than just a fit…
OPINION: A mate of yours truly recently met someone at a BBQ who works at a big consulting firm who spent…