RWNZ ready to fight for the issues that matter
Published in Farmers Weekly 16 September 2026
Rural Women New Zealand has launched its 2026 to 2029 policy manifesto, calling for better access to services, education, connectivity and healthcare in rural communities.
Over 100 years on, Rural Women New Zealand is still striving for better outcomes for rural women, their families and communities.
The organisation has launched its 2026-2029 policy manifesto, outlining the key issues rural women members would like decision-makers to prioritise, as it enters its second century.
It focuses on five areas; Community and Social Inclusion, Connectivity and Business, Environment and Land Use, Education, and Health.
Rural Women New Zealand National President Heather Sorensen said the issues at the heart of why RWNZ was created in the first place are still woven into the fabric of the causes the organisation champions today.
“Thanks to the amazing work of the women before us, we have come a long way. But when you read our new manifesto you might be surprised to see we are still championing many of the same issues Florence Polson and our founding members stood up for over 100 years ago.
“Things like access to support services, social inclusion, education and health outcomes. Our rural communities are still behind many of our urban friends in essential areas, and we need to change that,” she said.
Heather breaks down the five priority areas, starting with community and social inclusion.
“Our members have told us that strong rural communities depend on access to community services, social support and a safe environment. We want to see rural women, families and whānau able to live, work and raise their children with confidence that the services and support they need are there when it matters most.”
The next area covered is connectivity and business.
“Members consistently tell us that connectivity is the foundation for so much of daily rural life, from accessing telehealth appointments and the kid’s school, to running businesses and staying connected with whānau and community.
“We want to see reliable digital connectivity, mobile coverage and electricity supply so rural communities can stay connected and thrive. It’s challenging for many of our urban family friends and business colleagues to actually understand and appreciate the many challenges still affecting so many in the rural sector,” said Heather.
Environment and land use is also highlighted.
“Rural communities want a balanced approach to environmental protection, urban growth and productive land use. With climate events disproportionately impacting rural communities, decisions about land, water and climate policy must be made together with us and our communities.”
Up next is education.
“As a grandmother and former teacher, this one really hits home. Our members want all rural learners to have the same opportunities as those living in urban areas.”
RWNZ is advocating for equitable access to education at all levels, including addressing barriers created by distance, school transport, boarding costs and access to learning opportunities.
“And last but not least, access to quality healthcare remains one of the strongest concerns raised by our members. Our members want to see sustained investment in all rural health services, workforce capacity and infrastructure so rural women, whānau and communities can access timely care close to home,” she said.
“Back in the day we provided medical care to isolated rural women through our Bush Nurse Scheme. While our rural communities aren’t being treated by nurses on horseback anymore, access to mobile and locally delivered health services is still just as important for rural families.”
Heather said the priorities within the manifesto are what guides the organisation’s submissions, campaigns, and conversations with decision makers ahead of the election.
“They reflect the practical realities facing rural communities and ensures rural women’s voices remain part of policy discussions at both local and national levels. While we focus on five areas it is important to note that there are many connections between the areas and we need to emphasise that our manifesto is very much a holistic approach to the wellbeing of rural communities throughout the country. Strong rural communities need to be supported in all ways, to ensure that all the families and whānau are able to experience and enjoy positive and successful outcomes wherever they may be.
“We surveyed our members earlier this year, asked them what they need, what is important to them and what issues are pressing in their rural communities. Our manifesto priorities are a direct result of this survey, as well as input from our Policy Action Advisory Groups and elected board members.
“We started sharing our manifesto with members at Fieldays and are now sending it far and wide.”
Heather said advocating for rural women and communities has been a key part of her life, and to be the National President during an election year is a huge privilege.
“I have been a member of Rural Women New Zealand for over 40 years as a newly married woman settling into a rural area, as a new mother, involved in an agricultural training facility out of Bulls with my husband, and now as a grandmother and leader in the organisation.
“While over the years my life has changed, the issues that matter to rural communities remain and are still very much worth fighting for. We still have a long way to go to improve health outcomes, we are still isolated and access to essential services, like the post and bank, is still challenging,” she said.