Rose Planting in Wellington’s Lady Norwood Rose Garden
On Tuesday 29 July a celebration of our 100 years took place at Wellington’s Lady Norwood Rose Garden. A special rose planting took place with Hon. Nicola Grigg, Minister for Women, doing the honours and planting our Rural Women rose.
Life members from across the country joined our National President Sandra Matthews and other guests at the ceremony and for refreshments after.
Thanks to the wonderful hard work of the centennial committee we now have this lovely rose, so when visiting the Botanical Gardens people can enjoy its wonderful colour and scent for years to come.
Celebrating in…
Canterbury
Stratford
Region 2 had a great time celebrating at their conference in Ashburton on Thursday, 24 July. The day was packed with activities and ended with a cake cutting to celebrate our Centennial!
Margaret Vickers sent through this photograph of beautiful flowers for the Centennial event in Straftord.
Championing rural needs for 100 years
For 100 years, Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) — formerly the Women’s Division of the Farmers Union — has championed rural women and their communities across the country. In Mid Canterbury, members have driven meaningful campaigns and local initiatives, from the trial district of the nationwide “20k Either Way” school bus safety campaign to fundraising following the Canterbury earthquakes through the popular Aftershock Socks project. Their work has always blended advocacy, community support, and practical action.
To celebrate the centennial, around 60 members gathered in Ashburton for a regional conference reflecting on achievements and launching new projects such as “100 for 100”, knitting 100 baby tops for Plunket.
The event also recognised rising talent, awarding a one-off centennial scholarship to law student Brooke Mackenzie of Methven, who spoke of her pride, her grandmother’s legacy, and her passion for making legal help more accessible. The celebration honoured both a century of impact and the next generation carrying that commitment forward.
St Arnaud
With 44 ladies in attendance the event began with Pat Borlase unveiling the Memorial Board. Pat and the late Hazel Nicholls were the pioneers who founded St Arnaud Rural Women in the Nelson Maternity Ward 66 years ago, while sitting together with their two beautiful babies discussing the challenges of living in isolation.
It was an amazing gathering with members from Golden Bay, Murchison, Marlborough, Kenepuru, and past members attending.
Attending the Rural Women New Zealand regional centennial conference in Ashburton are, from left, board member Frances Beeston, national president Sandra Matthews, past national president Jeanette Tarbotton, past national finance chair Jenny McDonald, finance chair Annette Marr and past national president Margaret Chapman
PHOTO DELLWYN MOYLAN
Beth Johnson (L) and Nancy Riddick (R), unveiling the rose plaque
Centennial Roses Unveiled in Tower Garden, Hāwera
Two of our longest-serving members, Beth Johnson and Nancy Riddick, had the honour of unveiling the plaque marking the planting of two Centennial Roses in the Tower Garden, Hāwera. The roses were gifted by the Tokaora/Inaha Branch and the South Taranaki Provincial, commemorating 100 years of Rural Women New Zealand.
Special thanks to Jennie Purdon, Secretary, for coordinating this meaningful tribute to a century of community and connection.
Celebrating 100 Years: A Century of Strength, Solidarity and Service in Oamaru
RWNZ members in the Oamaru / Waitaki area say that while the challenges have evolved — from the earlier isolation, limited transport, and long distances to services — many remain: stabilising rural healthcare, ensuring reliable broadband and mobile coverage, and sustaining social connection for those on remote farms. Local members speak with pride, too, about the confidence, leadership and friendships RWNZ has helped foster.
A special luncheon was held in Oamaru to mark the occasion with past president Barbara Johnston (100 years) starting the event with a lively speech, pointing out that she was born in the same year as the Women’s Division of Federated Farmers was formed.
Celebrating 100 Years: Brightwater Branch Celebrations
A special luncheon took place, organised by the Brightwater Branch on the 8th of October. Newly elected President Dot Dixon welcomed everyone and ensured that all their special attendees were cared for attentively. Two longstanding members from Murchison attended - Alison Oxnam and Margaret Rouse.
For more events happening around Aotearoa New Zealand please visit our Centennial Page