in this is s u e . . .

• Farmsmart computer courses

• Brazilian visitor for international day

• Welsh ponies bring world recognition

• Gotland pelt sheep and LOTR

connection

OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF RURAL WOMEN NEW ZEALAND • ISSUE No.2 May 2006

What an Achievement!
We celebrated our 80th birthday as an organisation with a glittering Achievement Awards ceremony at Government House
on 15 March. Over 120 guests attended the function , which was hosted by Her Excellency the Governor General, Dame
Silvia Cartwright, who impressed all with her graciousness as she presented the winners with a commemorative brooch and
certificate.

The winners of the

Awards were chosen
from each of our seven
regions for their tireless
work in strengthening
rural communities. It was
humbling to hear of the
many different ways these
women have offered their
voluntary services to help
others over long periods
of time.

The Awards were

generously sponsored
by Mainland Minerals
Limited and judged by
Tom Lambie, Chancellor
of Lincoln University, and
Mary Bourke, Mayor of
South Taranaki District
Council.

(l to r) RWNZ President Sherrill Dackers, Hon Lianne Dalziel Minister of Women’s Affairs, Dame Silvia Cartwright, Hon.
Damien O’Connor Minister for Rural Affairs, winners Amy Jones, June Haultain, Lorna Anderson, Jocelyn Fannin, Ngaire
Ericksen, Joyce Wyllie and Rene Martin, Awards judge Tom Lambie.

www - Will We Win - with unbundling?
Mobile phones and the internet are part of the daily lives of
most urban people. But lack of coverage, extremely slow
download speeds, interference from electric fences and the
unavailability of broadband have meant rural New Zealanders
are being left further and further behind with technology in
an ever-widening “digital divide”.
We now hear that Telecom’s copper wire network is going to be
opened up or ‘unbundled’, so that other telecommunications
companies will be able to have access to the ‘local loop’ and
be able provide their own services through the network. The
jury is out on what this will mean for rural communities. At
worst it could mean even greater focus on the more lucrative
urban market, where the costs per customer are much lower.
At best, it could mean the opening up of the rural market to
increased investment and more choice for customers.
But perhaps fears about the effects of unbundling on rural
people are something of a red-herring. Given New Zealand’s
geographical terrain and the distances involved, receiving
broadband through the copper wire network is never going to
be the total answer. Other technologies, such as wireless and
satellite broadband are likely to become more important in
the delivery of phone, internet and even TV services to rural
communities. Between these two delivery methods, and with
the launch of the new Ipstar satellite late last year, there is
already 100% broadband coverage and prices have tumbled
in recent months.
Whatever the method of delivery, and whether by competition
or regulation, the Government must ensure that the
telecommunications needs of the rural sector are brought up
to scratch and that broadband is available at the same speeds
and the same prices as in the cities.

Strengthening Rural Communities Page 

editorial by Sherrill Dackers,
National President
Everything is in turmoil.
Do you remember when
life was free and easy? At
least that is how it always
seemed in the good old
days.
This last week we have
been struggling to
understand ‘unbundling
of the phone lines’ and
the resulting furore with
Telecom apparently losing their monopoly on the
control of phone lines and therefore the access to
broadband and the internet. I do not completely
understand the technologies involved in this
latest move. I suspect many of you feel the same.
But, this I am sure of – it will give other internet
providers the ability to supply their product to a
wider range of the New Zealand population. Does this
mean that rural communities will receive better service and
at a more reasonable rate? Rural Women New Zealand
reserves judgement – indications are that, because of the
greater numbers which can be served in urban areas, rural
will once again be the losers. Will we, as usual, get the
crumbs? We can but wait and see.
Another peculiarly rural concern relates to the issues about
‘dog chipping’. Many of you are farmers, often with large
numbers of working dogs, who could well face horrendous
fee charges in the future in order to comply with what
appears to be ridiculous legislation. Why should rural
people, in particular, be required to pay for an initiative
which really does not affect working farm dogs? How
many of you have had a dog which viciously attacked a
child or adult? From my experience, when it happened,
that dog had a sudden encounter with a bullet. Opinion
generally indicates that this legislation will affect the wrong
dog owners.
At the moment rural seems to being attacked on all sides.
We have problems still with homecare services, travel costs
and a shortage of workers; rural schooling; lack of adequate
access to medical services and now the cost of fuel. How
many of you have lost your local service stations in recent
years? Rural are the very ones who need to travel long
distances before we can reach anything but once again we
are the hardest hit. But that is surely why our organisation
exists to continue ‘to strengthen rural communities’. The
struggle will never be won. That is why we will carry on
‘fighting the good fight’.
Nonetheless despite all these apparent inequalities and
gripes we are the lucky ones. We get to live in the best
parts of the country surrounded by peace and quiet, clean
air and water. What more do we want ?
Simply equality, we pay taxes too.
Page 
Fedspeak
By Charlie Pedersen, President Federated Farmers
Federated Farmers and Rural Women
have a co-operative approach that
maximises advocacy on behalf of rural
people.
In other words, we try not to work on the
same issues at the same time, avoiding
duplicating resources that could be better
spent making gains on another front.
But one area where both groups have taken an interest is the
recent announcement on unbundling, which forces Telecom
to allow other telcos to use the copper wires running from
the exchange to households and businesses. Both Federated
Farmers and Rural Women have serious concerns about
unbundling, as there is no evidence that the rural sector will
benefit. Indeed, it is more likely that unbundling will further
reduce the incentive to invest in rural telecommunications
infrastructure.
There is no doubt that urban people and businesses will be
the winners from more competition in town and cities. But
telcos that have been clamouring for unbundling have shown
little interest in offering real competition in rural areas, despite
demand from farmers operating substantial businesses. We
can’t help but see these new entrants cherry picking off the
biggest and most profitable urban customers, while rural
infrastructure is left to wither.
Unbundling is also a huge attack on private property rights.
The government’s use of regulation to force unbundling on
a private firm should send shock waves though everyone in
the private sector.
Any moves to regulate the telecommunications market must
take proper and comprehensive account of the need to deliver
quality and affordable telecommunications for the 80,000
farmers and growers that New Zealand depends upon. So let’s
get a bit of measure back in to this debate. Let’s look at the
needs of all New Zealanders. It’s in this country’s best interests
that affordable, reliable telecommunications are accessible to
everyone, not just city-dwellers
Strengthening Rural Communities
 Otago Rail Trail

b r a nch new s
Farmsmart offers free computer courses
If you are keen to learn to use a computer or improve your
computer skills, a Farmsmart computer course might be the fitness challenge
answer. Farmsmart courses are free and cater for complete
Macraes Flat branch RWNZ members and friends
beginners through to experienced users who would like to add
recently biked the Otago Central Rail Trail, in all its
to their knowledge.
autumn splendour, for fun, fitness and friendship.
The courses are divided into modules that provide credits
towards a Certificate in Computing. The modules include basic This 150km trail was opened in February 2000 and
computing, using internet and email, introductory courses on was the first of it’s kind in New Zealand. It follows
databases and spreadsheets, as well as website creation. the former Otago Central branch railway line from
Middlemarch to Clyde.
As a student you can study in your own time, in your own home,
while some polytechnics around the country also offer face-to- Past president, Ellen Ramsay, says she and other
face courses (for a full list of polytechnic providers go to www. members enjoyed spectacular views and many
farmsmart.ac.nz.) historic attractions, including three tunnels, two
impressive viaducts and the delights of classic
RWNZ member Ann Rawson of Te Awamutu first heard about
country pubs and B&Bs.
Farmsmart at our Dunedin conference last year. She originally
took a course at the local intermediate school and now studies The rail trail has also given a boost to many small
at home. communities along the way, providing meals
“I have contacted the tutor by email when I was having a problem and accommodation and valuable employment
and they always seemed to be there to help,” says Ann. “The opportunities.
best part is you don’t have to leave the house if you don’t want
to.” Ann is able to study at her own pace, to fit around her busy
lifestyle. “I am taking my time doing the course, but anybody
who is at home and wants to fill in their time could do it quite
quickly and easily.”
People in the Waikato, Coromandel, King Country and Taranaki
districts may also have the opportunity to begin their Farmsmart
course on the mobile ‘Artechmobile’ bus, which travels around
rural locations, spending a week at each site. (The 2006 schedule
is on the members’ page of our website www.ruralwomen.org
– or contact RWNZ’s National Office for details). On your bike! Ellen Ramsay (left) and friends at Omakau Flat
The bus is an initiative of the Waikato Institute of Technology,
(Wintec), which sees the mobile classroom as an important point Tirau footpath gallery project
of contact with its rural clients. The bus has been operating as
Piako-Waikato East Provincial sponsored the second biennial
Tirau footpatch gallery project at the end of March. Over three
days 19 colourful works were produced by artists in the streets
of the rural south-Waikato town.

a rural outreach service for 12 years and has introduced several

thousand people to a study scheme they may not have attempted
without the initial ‘live contact’.
Marlene Perry, manager of Wintec’s Te Kuiti campus, has also
arranged a special offer for RWNZ members. Wintec will pay $20
to RWNZ branches for each new person they introduce to (and
who enrols in) a Farmsmart computer course on the Artechmobile
bus. To make it worthwhile bringing a bus to a rural location,
there needs to be a minimum of 10 people enrolled, although
the bus can cater for 16. Marlene says using RWNZ’s networks
has proved very successful in ensuring people in a community
know about the computer bus’ impending visit and come along.
Meanwhile RWNZ members who have enrolled have enjoyed
the social occasion and the first hand experience of the benefits of
high speed broadband internet through the bus’ satellite dish.
Any branch interested in taking up Wintec’s offer should contact
Rachael Dean, region 6’s RDO, on (07) 827 6778 or Marlene on
(07) 878 6558.
Here Provincial president Janet Jensen presents the Supreme
Award prize to Graeme Wine of Paeroa for his work “Ice Cream
Parlour” which will go on display adjacent to Tirau’s footpaths.
Other winners were secondary school student Veronica Luckman,
and Frances Allen, a member of RWNZ’s Tirau branch, who
received the Popular Choice award.
RWNZ’s footpath gallery project is just one of a number of
innovative ideas which have seen this town transformed from being
a place traffic passed through to a vibrant and popular destination
in its own right. RWNZ’s involvement in this turnaround reflects
our goal of strengthening rural communities.

Strengthening Rural Communities Page 

no ti cebo a rd New Faces ....
Regional Development Officer
We welcome a new Regional Development Officer
to the southern half of Region 7. Judith Williams
of Puhoi took up her
position on 1 May and
has already met some of
our members at RCG and
Liaison meetings during
May. She will cover the
area from Mangatangi in
the south to Wellsford in
the north. Judith brings to
the position a wide range
of skills from her former roles as a teacher and a
journalist. It’s good to have you with us Judith.
Policy Analyst
We recently welcomed back Jo-Anne Stokes in
a new part-time role as
Policy Analyst. She is being
kept busy on Tuesdays
and Thursdays considering
key issues of importance
to RWNZ, and helping to
formulate policies that describe what
our organisation stands for.
“The role of the Policy Analyst is
to update where the membership’s
thoughts are on a range of issues and
put them through a formal process of adoption,” explains
Jo-Anne. To do this, Jo-Anne summarises the current policy
and then sends it through the Rapid Response system to get
feedback from members. Policies are ratified at National
Conference.
We are currently updating our database of members who
wish to belong to Rapid Response groups, according to the
information you supplied on the National Membership Forms.
Anyone can be a member of a rapid response team and we do
encourage people to be part of this process so that policies are
rigorously debated.
Around the Office - in brief
As usual, your executive in Wellington has been busy
keeping rural issues to the fore with a range of meetings and
submissions over recent weeks:
- Noeline Holt and Jo-Anne Stokes made oral and written
submissions to the Health Select Committee to support our
Petition calling for the reimbursement of travel costs for
Homecare workers. We also made a submission on the Paid
Parental Leave Bill (both available on our website http://
www.ruralwomen.org/submissions.htm)
- Noeline met with Hon. David Carter (National Party),
attended Mana Wahine week at the Ministry of Women’s
Affairs, and also met with Don Ross of the Landcare Trust.
- Margaret Chapman (National Councillor Region 2) and
Noeline had talks with the Sustainable Farming Fund on
Women in Farming groups, which have been established with
seeding monies from SFF.
- Sherrill Dackers attended a meeting at the State Services
Commission on the usability of Government websites
Page 
New! Members business directory
We are developing a members’ business directory on our
website, which will be available shortly.
This will be a free service and added benefit for members who
wish to advertise their business - homestay, crafts, tourism
venture or whatever.
A form will be available on the website to send in the required
information to be uploaded on to the site, including a short
description of your business or service, contact details, website
address etc.
Governance scholarship
Jane Mitchell of Ranfurly in Otago has been awarded an
RWNZ scholarship to attend a governance course with the
Institute of Directors, thanks to sponsorship from Meat &
Wool New Zealand. Jane will attend the residential five-day
course in Christchurch in June, where she will learn about the
duties, responsibilities and liabilities of directors.
Women in Farming heads to town
The Sustainable Farming Fund is sponsoring a get-together of
Women in Farming and Women in Agribusiness convenors at
RWNZ’s National Office on 28 July. This will be an opportunity
to strengthen RWNZ’s partnership with Women in Farming
groups and discuss future directions and processes.
Women in Farming groups came under the umbrella of Rural
Women New Zealand last year, having been set up with initial
seeding funding from the SFF.
Honda House
We were heartened by the huge response from around the
country to the call for nominations for the Honda House
Management Committee.
From the initial nominations a shortlist of seven candidates was
drawn up. The three-person management committee will be
elected by National Councillors for a two year term and will
be announced at National Conference in Ashburton.
Public Health Association Conference
We have had an abstract accepted for the PHA Conference to
be held in July. Sherrill Dackers and our health representatives,
Marie Appleton and Josie Gower are busy preparing for their
presentation.
Year Book Photo Competition
The winner of our photo competition is David Grigg of
Marlborough, whose picture of wife Joanna holding baby
Hamish at the sheep yards graces the cover of our Year Book.
Joanna is a member of the Top of the South Women in Farming
group.
Runner up is Ruth Renner, whose photo appears on the back
cover. Several other photos submitted by members have also
been included in the magazine with acknowledgement.
Many thanks to all who took the time to take photos and send
them in. It was great to have so many photos we could use
for the Year Book to showcase our organisation and the host
of activities in which members are involved.
Strengthening Rural Communities
The great Wharepapa World recognition for
South Raft Race
When the Wharepapa South branch of Rural Women New
Zealand organised a raft race recently, the local community
met the challenge with great enthusiasm. Twelve rafts lined
up at the start at Blumers Landing with their captains and
teams ready for action.
Great ingenuity, creative flair and energy had gone into
building the rafts. Empty drench containers had been taped
together, while wool phages, old gates on top of 44 gallon
drums, inner tubes, pallets and so much more was used to
create rafts that would hopefully stay afloat.
The competition was fierce. Sibling and neighbourhood rivalry
was rife. The “Fluffy Floaters” all-women team of Jackie
Wellington, Deb Hinde, Dagmar Elliott and Deirdre Cameron,
looking dazzling in black and white fluffy wigs, set a cracking
pace, but were pipped to the post by a team riding the “Tubular
Terminator”, a deceptively simple yet effective raft made of
plastic tubes lashed together outrigger style, ridden to victory
by a team of Peter Elliott and sons Nick and Tom, with Mike
Fullerton-Smith and his children Sam and Blaire.
Such community fun days are becoming a regular feature of
this branch of RWNZ. “We have a membership drive on to
increase the numbers of our branch” says President Pru Fieten.
Membership has nearly doubled in the past four months as the
branch shows it’s unique approach to strengthening its rural
community. “It is rewarding to be able to provide a vehicle
for the local community to get together.” And a very unusual
vehicle at that!
Visiting Wellington?
Stay at
Honda House
Bed and Breakfast
32 Hawkestone Street, Thorndon
Tel: (04) 473 7670
or go to www.ruralwomen.org
hondahouse@xtra.co.nz
Meeting facilities, guest kitchen, laundry, lounge
Strengthening Rural Communities
o ur peo pl e
Welsh pony fan
Rangiwaea Branch member Robin Collier has a
passion for breeding Welsh ponies that goes back
to her childhood.
Now her services to the Welsh Pony and Cob Society
have been recognised in Cardiff, Wales, when she
was presented with Honorary Life membership at
the Society’s recent AGM.
This is a huge and unexpected honour for Robin, as
the Welsh Pony and Cob Society has only awarded
40 life memberships worldwide during its 104-year
history, and Robin is only the second New Zealander
to receive the award.
Robin’s love of Welsh ponies began when her father
imported some of the first stud stock to be brought
to this country and she’s been involved with the
Welsh Pony and Cob Society of New Zealand since
its inception 40 years ago, serving as vice president
and two terms as president, as well its secretary for
the last 18 years.
She has one of several studs throughout the country and
has sold ponies both here and in Australia.
“The ponies are a traditional breed, very versatile and
excellent for riding,” she says.
Standards Council appointment
Congratulations to Ellen Ramsay, our past-President, who
has recently been re-appointed to the Standards Council.
Commerce Minister Lianne Dalziel announced the re-
appointment alongside that of John Albertson, Richard Gibbons
and Carol Stigley, saying “They have my full confidence and
also the support of several industry bodies which re-nominated
them to their positions.” The Standards Council’s primary
functions are to develop standards to improve safety, quality,
prosperity and convenience.
Members’ milestones
The commitment and dedication of two Mahoe branch
members is acknowledged this month. Shirley Butler joined
WDFF as a junior member nearly 60 years ago in 1947 and is
now a life member of Mahoe branch of RWNZ. Ruth Johnson
is a member of honour, who has supported Mahoe branch for
50 years.
Meanwhile Sally Gallagher of Skinner Road branch in central
Taranaki turned 95 years old in April. She joined the branch
in 1936 and is still an active member.
Page 
branchline welcome to new friends 50th birthday celebrations
Individual: Jane Evans, Denise Heays, Glenys Pellow, Angela Kenepuru branch celebrated its 50th birthday recently with a
McIntyre, Helen Dunlop, Brownyn Murray
day marked by fine weather and 80 members, friends, husbands
Stratford: Shirley Martin
and past members coming together for a scrumptious lunch at
East Taieri: Kathleen Templeton
the Waitaria school, where the branch’s first meeting was held.
Cromwell: Bernice Lepper, Doreen McKinlay, Jennie Nicol,
Marlborough Sounds author, Joy Cowley, was the afternoon
Judith Brown, Maureen Butcher, Pam van der Velden,
guest speaker.
Doris Henderson, Shirley Calvert, Roberta Laraman, Judy
Ludemann, Nola McFarlane, Robyn McFarlane, Robyn Mead,
Shona Rae, Elaine Stuart, Debbie Shaw, Heather Third, Jean
McKenzie, Sue Arthur, Sandra Perks, Helen Hucklebridge,
Maryann Williams, Margaret Dicey, Barbara Hosie, Sarah
Brown, Debbie Laycock, Rae Henderson, M Clark, C Cowie,
J Leyser, C Stewart.
Karamea: Bev Strawbridge, Audrey McNeice, Mavis Urwin
Gore: Dorothy Symons
Mahoe: Ina Sayer
Selwyn Dinner Group: Maggie James, Robyn Anderson,
Cathie Stephens, Gabrielle Hutcheon, Audrey Simmonds,
Ngaire Collins, Debbie Montgomery, Vicki Mulholland, Anne
Green, Bronwen Quigley, Lexia Scorrar, Diana Cameron, Mary
Schmack, Jill Hughes, Ann Dixon.
Skinner Rd: Ngaire Clements Not one, but five, birthday cakes were baked, each representing
Upper Hutt: Claris Burton, Sue Fairbrass 10 years of the life of the Branch. They were cut by two
Waikouaiti: Hazel Murphy founding members, Vera Henderson and Molly Godsiff,
Waimatua: Lauren Gilbert, Helen Sapin, Barbara Simon, life members Olive Burdekin and Helen Godsiff, and Joan
Dawn Brasell, Angela Burnett Low, who attended the second meeting held 50 years ago.
Wharepapa South: Debbie Hinde, Jan Lawrence, Anne A commemorative banner was sewn by Chrissy Sumby
Gaddes, Trish Kingston, Carien Ouweltjes, Katrina MdFarlane, and members enjoyed a display of photos, scrap books and
Gillian Fullerton-Smith, Karen Saunders, Sarah-Jane Yates, memorabilia during the afternoon.
Wendy Cauldwell, Lyn Commins, Deirdre Cameron
Kenepuru: Jill Edwards, June Ballagh
Athol: Rebecca Price, Gillian Evans, Vicky Lowe, Lisa Peek Membership Drive
Members are the lifeblood of our organisation and it’s great to see
farewell to old friends an upwards swing in membership across all our different types of
Stratford: Miriam Smillie groups: traditional branches, dinner groups and Women in Farming/
Karamea: Kaye Galway Agribusiness groups. Congratulations to Cromwell Rural Women
Cromwell: Ray Brown who have 31 new members listed in this issue! Treasurer Iola
Drummond: Beverley Lindsay Glassford says she is very excited by the increase in membership,
Wairau Valley: Peg MacLellan with many dinner group members now attending RWNZ meetings,
Korakanui: Dawn Gallien and vice versa.
Roxburgh: Marg De Silva
RWNZ now has 15 active Women in Farming groups around the
Mahoe: Jessie Hartley
country and a glance at our website calendar reveals a wide range
Rangiwaea: Ada Armstrong
of workshops and events these groups enjoy.
Dannevirke: Mary Snaddon QSM
Greymouth: Enda Muir The key to growth lies with our members - every member is a
East Taieri: Thora Brenssell potential ‘recruitment officer’. If there are new women in your
Brightwater: Pearl Francois district what better way to welcome them than by taking along one of
Stanley Brook: Kay Bint our magazines and a Year Book and inviting them to come along to
a meeting, event or outing that your group is having? Or you could
May They Rest in Peace encourage them to start a new group with your assistance.
Do you have a success story to tell on how you have attracted new
honours board members or started a new branch? We are always keen to share
ideas to inspire other women to join our organisation or to start a
Branch Bar of Honour branch or group of their own.
Cromwell: Lilian Henderson, Ray Brown, Joyce Brown
Dunedin: Natalie Eaves
Obituary - Peg MacLellan
Provincial Bar of Honour
North Otago: Fay Daniell
Peg MacLellan of Blenheim was a tireless worker for the communities
in which she lived. A teacher, Peg was a foundation member of the
Wairau Valley branch of WDFF. At Marlborough Provincial level she
was treasurer for three years and served two terms as president, being
awarded life membership in 1978. At national level, Peg served on
the Honda management committee and in 1977 was made a Dominion
Member of Honour. Peg died on February 4, aged 82

Page  Strengthening Rural Communities

Obesity and your health
The Health Select Committee is currently holding an inquiry
into obesity and type 2 diabetes in New Zealand, which
reflects the undesirable ‘growth’ our nation. The problem of
obesity is even affecting our young children.
Modern sedentary lifestyles featuring computers, vehicles
and lack of exercise, compounded by sweet or fatty processed
foods and bigger servings, are a recipe for disaster in terms
of our health.
Obesity is a risk factor for a number of diseases including
diabetes, high blood pressure, coronary heart disease,
osteoarthritis and even some cancers, with cardiovascular
disease now the leading cause of death in this country,
accounting for 40% of deaths (10,500) annually. A New
Zealander dies from heart attack every 90 minutes.
It’s food for thought isn’t it? But the answers to the problem
are not rocket science. Most of us know what we should
be doing - it’s more a case of stopping to think twice about
what we eat and feed our families, how we can build more
exercise into our lives and educating our children about
healthy lifestyles.
So instead of takeaways, how about home-made hamburgers,
made with good quality meat? What about switching off the
television or computer for the evening and playing games
with the kids instead? The Heart Foundation and SPARC can
provide lots more information and ideas - check out www.
heartfoundation.org.nz and www.sparc.org..nz or give them
a call.
Garden Problem Solver
Yates has updated its easy-reference guide to plant problems
in New Zealand gardens, which was originally published in
1990 as Yates Garden Doctor. This edition, known as the Yates
Garden Problem Solver, will help unravel the mysteries of
whatever’s ailing any plant in your garden, tubs or vegetable plot.
This is a small, soft-cover
publication divided into colour-
coded sections for easy reference.
It looks at a wide number of
common disorders affecting
flowers, fruit, vegetables, shrubs
and trees.
The book is easy to read, with a
simple, uncluttered layout and
clear hand-painted illustrations
of all the nasty things that can go
wrong when insects and diseases
attack your much-loved plants.
And for every problem identified,
there’s a short, simple solution
offered.
There is a separate section on the trials of seed germination,
followed by another on weeds (no problems with germination
there!). Other chapters cover insects, flowers, trees, shrubs
and lawns, vegetables and herbs, and fruit.
We have five copies of the Yates Problem Solver to give away
to our members. Please write your name and address on the
back of an envelope and send to Yates Garden Problem Solver,
Rural Women New Zealand, PO Box 12-021, Wellington before
30 June.
Strengthening Rural Communities
International Day
noticeboard
International Day fell on 4 May with the country
of study this year being Brazil. Rangiwaea branch
members were delighted to welcome Brazilian
woman Melissa to their May meeting to hear about
her country.
Melissa and her
husband Polo
were brought out
to New Zealand
12 months ago on a
Fonterra exchange,
which has been so
successful their
visas have just
been extended for
a further 12 month
period. Married
just two wee ks
before coming
here, they are
currently working
on a dairy farm at
Scotts Ferry and
enjoy the challenge of milking 1400 cows, with Melissa
also raising 140 calves.
Melissa said she and Polo notice many similarities
to home but also vast differences. The population
of Brazil is 185 million, and there are 27 states. The
biggest urban centre is Sao Paulo with a population of 20
million.
Brazil is the most heavily populated country in South America
and is the fifth largest in the world. It has extensive agricultural
land and rain forests. It borders every South American nation
except Chile and Equador. Like New Zealand it is not self-
sufficient, and imports goods from Uruguay and Argentina.
It also exports a wide range of goods including aeroplanes,
coffee, iron ore, textiles and electrical equipment.
Rangiwaea member Jocelyn Fannin says “Melissa’s talk was a
fascinating insight into a very different country, and Rangiwaea
members were delighted to have her come.”
Somes Island outing not for
the faint-hearted
Seven members of Upper Hutt branch got more than they had
bargained for recently when they left Petone for a picnic trip
to Matiu/Somes Island, a scientific and historic reserve in the
Wellington harbour.
The day started out warm and calm and the group listened to
an interesting talk by the DoC ranger on the island’s history and
its wildlife, before setting off to walk along the coastal track.
Half way round the temperature dropped and a southerly gale
blew up with squalls of cold rain. The group boarded the boat
to return to Petone, but due to rough seas it couldn’t berth and
they were diverted to Wellington before being shuttled back
to their cars in Petone.
But Rural Women members are a staunch bunch and branch
secretary Eunice Ross says “I personally found the whole day
full of fun and new experiences, even the boat trip.”
Page 
 Women in Farming
Hands-on day popular
Pedicure anyone? Rosalie Reynolds hones her skills
Twenty enthusiastic members of Northland’s Women in
Agriculture group met at Suse and Peter Huebner’s property
in the Wekaweka Valley recently. Many were keen to try
their hand at crutching ram lambs and trimming hooves. The
shearer was Barbara Ward, a local farmer, who kindly gave her
time and passed on her experience and knowledge.
Suse Huebner demonstrated how to trim hooves of sheep and
goats. Her coloured flock of sheep were seconded as guinea
pigs!
The afternoon session saw Barbara Adams, a registered nurse,
update members on first aid practices. Barbara’s relaxed
presentation was informative and practical.
“Feedback from the day was very positive and members
enjoyed the hands on approach to learning,” says Rosalie
Reynolds. “Thank you to everyone who participated in making
the day a success.”
So that’s where you start! Barbara Ward and Trisha Fisk try their
hand at shearing
Official Journal of Rural Women New Zealand • PO Box 12021, Wellington
Email enquiries@ruralwomen.org.nz
Editor: Head Office, PO Box 12021 Wellington
Page 
From Gotland to Middle Earth
Wairarapa Women in Farming members came a step closer to
“Middle Earth” when they visited Stansborough Station, the home
of Cheryl and Barry Eldridge and their flock of Stansborough Grey
sheep last month.
The unusual grey sheep have been bred from a primitive
breed known as Gotland Pelts, which can be traced back to the
Vikings.
Now the distinctive fabric woven from these rare animals is sought
after by interior designers and movie-makers alike. Hundreds of
metres was used to create the cloaks in Lord of the Rings.
The Gotland Pelt breed was brought to New Zealand 25 years ago
by LambXL, but failed to excite the interest of farmers and after
some initial development the flock was disbanded and dumped
in the South Island.
Cheryl and Barry brought the remaining core flock to Stansborough,
a 2,800 acre farm at Te Wharau, and have spent the last 13 years
selectively breeding the sheep through embryo transplanting and
intensive management to produce a true blue grey breed which is
now registered in its own right as the Stansborough Grey.
Cheryl says “These are now the only flock of their type in the
world with this particular wool. There are no guard hairs, no
Shirley Matthews and friends
kemp fibres, no manes and no browny tips to the wool.”
The fleece also has no lanoline, is prone to cotting and sheds
naturally. So raising these sheep is certainly a challenge, with
shearing taking place every seven months. The clip is then bought
by the couple’s other business, the Stansborough Weaving Mill at
Seaview, Wellington, specifically for the manufacture of worsted
woven fabric.
The Women in Farming group toured the farm on quads and
now plan to visit Experience Stansborough at Seaview, which
offers tours of the factory where the wool is woven on Victorian
era looms.
• Tel 04 473 5524 • Fax 04 472 8946
• www.ruralwomen.org • ISSN no 1171-4425
• Printer: Precise Print, Paraparaumu
Strengthening Rural Communities