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 Women New Zealand (RWNZ) has established a new $5,000 grant to assist projects and initiatives that support rural communities.
Cynthia Collier, who the grant is named after, lived on Wakarua Station near Taihape until her passing and was a passionate supporter of her community and the work of RWNZ. October marks her birthday and 2023 marks 10 years since her passing.
“Mum would love to know that she was being remembered through the continued work of people like her to build community, connection and support,” says Cynthia’s daughter, Jo Romanes.
The Cynthia Collier Grant will be awarded annually for the next three years with the first grant set to be awarded in mid-2024.
“Women like Cynthia are the backbone of our rural communities,” says RWNZ national president Gill Naylor.
“We are delighted that this generous bequest from Cynthia’s family will enable us to honour her memory in this way and support the wonderful work that happens in our communities every day,” she says.
Applications for the 2024 grant will open by the end of November 2023 and close on 30 April 2024.
The grant adds to an existing range of philanthropic funds administered by RWNZ including relief after adverse events, a range of educational grants and bursaries, and community project grants.
The Ministry for the Environment (MfE) has found itself in a stoush with NZPork over the controversial National Policy Statement for Highly Productive Land (NPS-HPL).
Fonterra says the sale of its global consumer business and its Oceania and Sri Lankan operations could take 18 months to complete.
The lobby group the Methane Science Accord (MSA) says it welcomes a recent government move to seek outside advice on reducing biological methane targets, rather than relying on recommendations made by the Climate Change Commission.
Well-known scientist Jock Allison has passed away.
After a decade of consultation and court battles, Environment Southland has officially adopted a plan to prevent further decline in the region's water quality.
Farmers are throwing down the gauntlet to politicians - hold an independent inquiry into rural bank lending or face tough questions from the farming sector.