Four of the main issues concerning rural women - health, education, safety, and the environment - are on the agenda at an Oamaru conference.
The Rural Women New Zealand gathering called ''Strengthening Rural Communities'' is being held at the Oamaru Opera House on May 7 and 8, followed by aworkshop called ''A Leading Voice''.
After a welcome by Waitaki deputy mayor Melanie Tavendale, Waitaki District Health Services Ltd clinical director Dr Pragati Gautama will discuss health matters.
Education will be presented by St Kevin's College principal Paul Olsen later in the afternoon.
At the conference dinner at the Loan & Merc that evening, Julie Dee is the guest speaker.
Dee, a Dairy Women's Network leader from near Waimate, has become an impassioned advocate for farm safety after her husband Paul was killed when his ATV side-by-side buggy rolled near their home two years ago.
The environment will be brought into the spotlight the next morning by North Otago farming leader Jane Smith, who advocates nationally and internationally for sustainable farming in the sheep and beef sector.
Delegates have the option of leaving after lunch or staying on for the leadership workshop at the Star and Garter. It is open to all women with a rural connection.
