Bank closures 'hurting local communities'
Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) says access to personal banking services in rural communities is fundamental to promoting outcomes that benefit Kiwi consumers.
Rural communities are suffering through a lack of access to decent health services, according to Rural Women New Zealand.
RWNZ national president Gill Naylor claims the situation is dire and it is time something was done about it.
“The health and wellbeing of rural communities is at risk of further deterioration if something is not done soon to resolve the issues facing people who live, work and play in rural New Zealand,” Naylor says.
“The challenges rural families face with access to health services are just about too many to list on one hand, however, a few that stand out are the lack of rural midwives, lack of rural nurses and GPs, lack of rural mental health services, delays in emergency services such as ambulances and long distances to travel for such services as allied health and cancer treatment.
“Whilst we are pleased to see the Government commit to both a women’s health strategy and a rural health strategy – we [want] to see resource and plans activated to ensure rural women and girls do not miss out on health needs because of their post code.”
RWNZ supports increasing the availability of telehealth but Naylor points out that it will only work where digital connectivity is fit for purpose.
“There are many rural communities without this.
“We know the challenges are because of a mixture of business models which don’t suit rural communities and global challenges with the Covid pandemic, staffing, and training, however, the Government really has to take the lead by resourcing solutions.
“Rural communities are the backbone of Aotearoa New Zealand and deserve equity in the provision of health services.
“RWNZ is looking forward to working with the Government and health providers to ensure that the rural health strategy and women’s health strategy work for rural communities – our lives depend on it,” says Naylor.
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) director general Ray Smith says job cuts announced this morning will not impact the way the Ministry is organised or merge business units.
Scales Corporation is acquiring a number of orchard assets from Bostock Group.
Family and solidarity shone through at the 75 years of Ferdon sale in Otorohanga last month.
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has informed staff it will cut 391 jobs following a consultation period.
New Zealand farmers are committed to making their businesses more resilient to climate change and are embracing innovation to help them do so.
Atiamuri farmers Paul and Lesley Grey never gave up their dream of owning their own farm – and in 2020, that dream came true.
OPINION: Scientists claim to have found a new way to make a substitute for cow's milk that could have a…
OPINION: The Irish have come up with a novel way to measure cow belching, which is said to account for…