Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) will be blowing out the candles this July as the organisation celebrates 100 years of grassroots community support and advocacy.

Celebrations will take place all year across the country, with each branch marking the milestone in its own unique way.

“Canterbury will be celebrating at a grassroots level to reflect the strength of our local branches and the vital contribution of our heritage members,” says Winchmore branch’s Frances Beeston, a Canterbury regional leader who was elected to the RWNZ board last year.

Local highlights include the Regional Centennial Conference on July 24 in Ashburton, and a Mid Canterbury Centennial Garden Party on November 7 - just two of many events planned to honour the organisation’s legacy.

The centennial is also a timely opportunity to welcome new members into the fold.

“Younger women often think they need to wait until later in life to join, but now is the time,” Beeston said.

RWNZ offers meaningful leadership experiences, personal growth, and strong community connections.

“Whether you’re passionate about wellbeing, rural resilience, environment, rural health care, or education, there’s a place for you to get stuck in and make a difference.”

Beeston says RWNZ members are known for being supportive and inclusive, describing members as “a welcoming bunch”.

“Whether you’re passionate about wellbeing, rural resilience, environment, rural health care, or education, there’s a place for you to get stuck in and make a difference.”

Beeston said you don’t have to be farmer, or even live rurally to join.

“It’s for those who are rural at heart - meaning they could be a farmer or work in the rural service sector or were raised on a farm or went and visited a friends farm as a child, or maybe you just love animals and rural New Zealand, and you want to be a part of it.”

Beeston joined RWNZ after aging out of the Hinds Young Farmers Club, and found a vibrant, like-minded community in the Winchmore branch, known for its active spirit and younger membership.

“After Young Farmers, I missed having a network that ‘got’ rural life, and RWNZ gave that back to me.”

She encourages women to find a group that suits their stage of life and interests.

“Not every group looks the same - there are branches, dinner groups, interest groups, online, - some are more social, others are service- or advocacy-focused.”

And if there isn’t a local branch that feels like the right fit, Beeston said there’s always the option of starting something new or connecting regionally or online.

“It’s about having a voice. Whether that’s through local initiatives or national advocacy, RWNZ gives rural women the opportunity to make a real difference - not just in their own communities, but across New Zealand.”

By Claire Inkson

Canterbury RWNZ Centennial Celebrations – 2025–2026

2025

• 4 July – Kick-Off Function (South Canterbury)

• 24 July – Regional Centennial Conference (Ashburton)

• 11 September – Anama Branch Social Function

• 17 October – Garden Visit (Darfield)

• 1 November – South Canterbury Centennial Garden Party

• 7 November – Mid Canterbury Centennial Garden Party

• December – Lynnford Branch donates a commemorative seat to Longbeach School

• 9 December – Amuri Centennial Garden Party

2026

• 18 February – Winchmore Branch Ladies’ Dinner

• 27 June – South Canterbury Gala Evening