Rural NZ faces shift as copper network deregulation looms
Rural communities say support is required to shift away from the copper network that has been the only source of internet connection for some parts of rural New Zealand.
Cynthia Collier, who the grant is named after, lived on Wakarua Station near Taihape until her passing and was a passionate supporter of her community and the work of RWNZ. October marks her birthday and 2023 marks 10 years since her passing.
“Mum would love to know that she was being remembered through the continued work of people like her to build community, connection and support,” says Cynthia’s daughter, Jo Romanes.
The Cynthia Collier Grant will be awarded annually for the next three years with the first grant set to be awarded in mid-2024.
“Women like Cynthia are the backbone of our rural communities,” says RWNZ national president Gill Naylor.
“We are delighted that this generous bequest from Cynthia’s family will enable us to honour her memory in this way and support the wonderful work that happens in our communities every day,” she says.
Applications for the 2024 grant will open by the end of November 2023 and close on 30 April 2024.
The grant adds to an existing range of philanthropic funds administered by RWNZ including relief after adverse events, a range of educational grants and bursaries, and community project grants.
