Tuesday, 03 June 2025 14:55

Rural Women New Zealand welcomes $250K government funding to support rural communities

Written by  Jessica Marshall
Associate Agriculture Minister Nicola Grigg. Associate Agriculture Minister Nicola Grigg.

Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) says it is delighted by the Government’s announcement that it would invest $250,000 in the organisation.

The investment was announced last month as part of Budget 2025 and is intended to help the organisation expand its reach during its centenary year.

RWNZ started out as part of the Farmer’s Union in 1925. Since then, the organisation has gone on to provide support and connection for rural women.

The organisation seeks to empower rural women and girls by encouraging members to develop skills through leadership roles within its branches.

In a statement on the organisation’s Linkedin page, it welcomed the Government’s investment.

“We are delighted with the announcement about funding to help us expand our reach during our centenary year and continue our vital role supporting rural families and communities,” RWNZ says.

Associate Agriculture Minister Nicola Grigg says that by backing RWNZ, the Government is investing in the strength and resilience of the rural sector itself.

“This is about ensuring women have the resources and support they need to lead their communities into the next century,” Grigg says. “If agriculture is the backbone of the New Zealand economy, then rural women are its beating heart,” she says. “Rural women are at the heart of our rural economy – they lead businesses, care for families, and hold community together.”

The funding is part of a package of funding boosts announced in Budget 2025 valued at around $285 million.

Included in that package was $246 million over four years for a new Primary Sector Growth Fund; $2 million for a contestable rural wellbeing fund; $1 million additional funding for Rural Support Trusts; and approximately $36 million in funding for ongoing catchment group support.

More like this

Horticulture exports hit $8.4B, surge toward $10B by 2029

A brilliant result and great news for growers and regional economies. That's how horticulture sector leaders are describing the news that sector exports for the year ended June 30 will reach $8.4 billion - an increase of 19% on last year and is forecast to hit close to $10 billion in 2029.

Bridging the gap with rural New Zealand

OPINION: One thing I keep hearing from rural New Zealanders is the importance of relationships. Strong relationships don’t just happen - they take trust, consistency, and time.

Are they serious?

OPINION: The Greens aren’t serious people when it comes to the economy, so let’s not spend too much on their fiscal fantasies.

Featured

DairyNZ thanks farm staff

August 6 marks Farm Worker Appreciation Day, a moment to recognise the dedication and hard mahi of dairy farm workers across Aotearoa - and DairyNZ is taking the opportunity to celebrate the skilled teams working on its two research farms.

Editorial: Getting RMA settings right

OPINION: The Government has been seeking industry feedback on its proposed amendments to a range of Resource Management Act (RMA) national direction instruments.

Why is butter so expensive in New Zealand? Fonterra explains

Kiwis love their butter, and that's great because New Zealand produces some of the best butter in the world. But when the price of butter goes up, it's tough for some, particularly when many other grocery staples have also gone up and the heat goes on co-operative Fonterra, the country's main butter maker. Here the co-op explains why butter prices are so high right now.

National

Machinery & Products

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Trop de Paris!

OPINION: Your old mate's ear has been chewed off recently by farmers voicing their displeasure with the National Party, particularly…

NZ vs Aussie beef

OPINION: Your old mate hears that at a recent China Business Summit, PM Christopher Luxon delivered a none-too-subtle "could try…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter