The Rural Women New Zealand Centennial year
Past, Present and Future
Rural Women New Zealand, originally known as the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union (WDFU), was founded in July 1925 by 16 women in a search for community and friendship and to improve support systems for their fellow rural women.
For a century, Rural Women New Zealand has been an integral part of Aotearoa New Zealand's rural landscape, supporting and promoting the well-being of rural women, their families, and communities. Throughout our history, RWNZ has been at the forefront of rural issues, ensuring that the voices of New Zealand's rural women and their families are heard. We celebrate our heritage, especially as the objectives of our founding members remain central to our authoritative voice on policy and decision-making.
As we celebrated our centennial in 2025-2026, we reflected with pride on our legacy and continue to look forward to continuing our mission of strengthening, supporting, and connecting rural women communities across Aotearoa, New Zealand.
We invite you to watch these special messages from Her Excellency the Governor-General of New Zealand and the Honourable Minister for Women. Their words offer thoughtful reflections and recognition of the important role women continue to play in shaping our communities and our nation.
Special messages for Rural Women New Zealand
Honorable Minister for Women Nicola Grigg
Her Excellency the Governor-General of New Zealand Dame Cindy Kiro
Centennial Jubilee
Wellington, 24 July 2026
To mark the conclusion of Rural Women New Zealand’s centenary year, Her Excellency the Governor-General, Dame Cindy Kiro, GNZM, QSO hosted a morning tea at Government House on the 24th of July 2026. Members from around the country, and invited guests, gathered at Government House in Wellington to celebrate 100 years of Rural Women New Zealand, honouring a century of connection, leadership and community.
Celebrating across the regions
Our members hosted events in their regions all across the country to celebrate Rural Women New Zealand’s centenary.
The Rural Women rose
The ‘Rural Women’ rose was created especially for our Centennial year. Bred by award winning rose breeder Bob Matthews from Matthews Nurseries Ltd of Whanganui.
Thousands of these superbly fragrant floribundas were purchased across New Zealand, and now grow in the gardens of our members, and even Government House in Wellington.
