Rural NZ faces shift as copper network deregulation looms
Rural communities say support is required to shift away from the copper network that has been the only source of internet connection for some parts of rural New Zealand.
The investment was announced last month as part of Budget 2025 and is intended to help the organisation expand its reach during its centenary year.
RWNZ started out as part of the Farmer’s Union in 1925. Since then, the organisation has gone on to provide support and connection for rural women.
The organisation seeks to empower rural women and girls by encouraging members to develop skills through leadership roles within its branches.
In a statement on the organisation’s Linkedin page, it welcomed the Government’s investment.
“We are delighted with the announcement about funding to help us expand our reach during our centenary year and continue our vital role supporting rural families and communities,” RWNZ says.
Associate Agriculture Minister Nicola Grigg says that by backing RWNZ, the Government is investing in the strength and resilience of the rural sector itself.
“This is about ensuring women have the resources and support they need to lead their communities into the next century,” Grigg says. “If agriculture is the backbone of the New Zealand economy, then rural women are its beating heart,” she says. “Rural women are at the heart of our rural economy – they lead businesses, care for families, and hold community together.”
The funding is part of a package of funding boosts announced in Budget 2025 valued at around $285 million.
Included in that package was $246 million over four years for a new Primary Sector Growth Fund; $2 million for a contestable rural wellbeing fund; $1 million additional funding for Rural Support Trusts; and approximately $36 million in funding for ongoing catchment group support.
