Dry weather classification expands to North Island
The dry weather in some parts of the North Island has received medium-scale adverse event classification from the Government.
Rural Women New Zealand is concerned for the mental well being of farmers as they struggle with the current drought.
"However, the overriding concern for Rural Women™ is women, who are often at the sharp end when mental illness strikes," says president Wendy McGowan.
"While they are seen as carers and nurturers they are not immune to stress and depression, but are most likely to put their own mental wellbeing on hold and 'keep calm and carry on'."
It is well recognised that family violence spikes after an adverse event. Increased reports of violence can continue for up to two years following the event. Rural women are especially vulnerable, given their distance from neighbours, health care, childcare, family, friends and services. The insidiousness of a drought when there is no end in sight further compounds the problem.
The uniqueness of the farm/home environment and joint nature of agribusiness can complicate matters further if a woman wishes to leave an abusive relationship. The economic and emotional ties make it very difficult to walk away from those responsibilities.
"Women play a major role in achieving resilience in rural communities. A quiet word may be all that it takes to initiate help and support, and prevent a tragedy," says McGowan.
"Rural Women™ is well placed and committed to supporting women and families in rural communities."
Trade Minister Todd McClay says New Zealand has no intention of backing down in a trade dispute with Canada over dairy products.
There have been leadership changes at the Hamilton-based Dairy Goat Co-operative, which has been struggling financially in recent years.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.
OPINION: In recent years farmers have been crying foul of unworkable and expensive regulations.
Another 16 commercial beef farmers have been selected to take part in the Informing New Zealand Beef (INZB) programme designed to help drive the uptake of genetics in the industry.
Trade Minister Todd McClay says Kiwi exporters will be $100 million better off today as the NZ-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) comes into force.