Strong voice for women

Wendy McGowan has taken a special interest in land-use issues, biosecurity and food safety.

Wendy McGowan has been elected as the new national president of Rural Women New Zealand.

Her success was announced at the organisation's annual general meeting held in Wellington, attended by 80 members from around the country.

McGowan previously served a three-year term as national vice-president, and has been the national councillor for Bay of Plenty/Coromandel for the past eight years, taking a special interest in land-use issues, bio-security and food safety.

"As national president, I will build on our organisation's goals and aspirations to be dynamic, vibrant, leading, innovative and visible at all levels," said McGowan.

"Rural Women NZ's interest in land, health, education and community issues need our attention and advocacy, just as they did in the 1920s.

"As then, encouraging women living in rural communities to voice their concerns and support for one another is what we do well."

McGowan also announced the appointment of Kerry Maw, the national councillor for Canterbury, as her vice-president.

Looking ahead, McGowan is excited to be taking a leading role in planning celebrations for next year's United Nations International Year of Family Farming.

The group is planning a series of events around the country in March and April to highlight the important role of family farms in provincial economic prosperity.

"It's also an opportunity to strengthen links and understanding between rural and urban [communities]."

The annual general meeting was opened by Rural Women NZ patron Lady Janine Mateparae, who said her decision to take on the role of patron was made easier by the organisation's commitment to provide a voice for rural women and families.

Prime Minister John Key also spoke at the opening ceremony and answered questions from the floor. He said there were significant differences between urban and rural communities, and the key question was how we made sure those differences and issues were understood by everybody.

He cited broadband access, volatile weather that farmers must cope with and schooling in rural areas as key challenges.

Wendy McGowan and husband Rusty farm a 260ha dairy support unit in Kaharoa, Bay of Plenty. She is also a nurse and works as a casual play specialist at Rotorua Hospital's Children's Unit.