Bank closures 'hurting local communities'
Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) says access to personal banking services in rural communities is fundamental to promoting outcomes that benefit Kiwi consumers.
Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) says it is celebrating and promoting the achievements of rural women in New Zealand this International Women’s Day.
The organisation’s national president, Gill Naylor says that recognising the global contributions of women and the part RWNZ plays in those contributions each year is an important day on their calendar.
“This year’s theme of Embracing Equity particularly resonates deeply with RWNZ,” Naylor says.
“As an organisation, RWNZ has been seeking equity for rural women, their family and communities including access to health services, educational resources and social inclusion since the organisation’s inception,” she says.
Naylor says that although the expression of issues facing rural communities may appear differently today, there are still parallels in the underlying challenges rural women continue to face.
“For example, the issues of rural isolation and connection are not necessarily focused just on physical access but also about a lack of connectivity in a world moving increasingly towards digital information and opportunities,” she says.
“The devastation caused by the recent cyclone and flooding have created yet another level of complexity regarding issues of isolation and access to communication and services experienced by many rural families."
“RWNZ mission to strengthen, support and connect people and communities through its charitable and policy work, encouragement of entrepreneurial rural businesswomen and as a strong rural voice lies at the heart of creating and embracing equity in Aotearoa New Zealand,” says Naylor.
“International Women’s Day provides an excellent reminder to take stock and celebrate what has been achieved and focus us on our goals for the future.”
Bankers have been making record profits in the last few years, but those aren’t the only records they’ve been breaking, says Federated Farmers vice president Richard McIntyre.
The 2023-24 season has been a roller coaster ride for Waikato dairy farmers, according to Federated Farmers dairy section chair, Mathew Zonderop.
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) director general Ray Smith says job cuts announced this morning will not impact the way the Ministry is organised or merge business units.
Scales Corporation is acquiring a number of orchard assets from Bostock Group.
Family and solidarity shone through at the 75 years of Ferdon sale in Otorohanga last month.
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has informed staff it will cut 391 jobs following a consultation period.