Call for Action to help Women and Children Too

As I am sure you are al very well aware, large areas of NZ are suffering from drought. This should be a major concern for all New Zealanders, but the pressure of course on farming families is immense.

When I first got involved in farming, it was just after the removal of SMP etc and interest rates were astronomical. I remember all too well the hardship this incurred – which is basically the situation we are facing now, whether it rains significantly or not in the next week. Also, I was on the last plane to land in the US on 9/11. The US media whipped up a kind of hysteria (often not rooted in truth) which was not balanced by a message of hope and good humour - also a good description of NZ media at the moment.

However, I also took part in the “recovery” after both events. I know that I can just get on with it, do without coffee shops, disposable nappies, new clothes and can live off the land. Women under 40 in the rural sector are unlikely to have had such personal experience in developing such resourcefulness resilience. It is these women I am most concerned for.

This is a long, cancerous situation we are facing, slowly draining the strength of our stock and communities – there are going to be income issues for more than a year of wasting animals for all sectors of agriculture over vast swaths of NZ.

This is not just a small regional problem, but effects a significant portion of our country – and thus deserves a national response.

A number of business (notably PGG Wrightsons and Tui) are putting on "Drought Shouts"- great stuff, but tricky for mum if she has to be back for the school bus... And I am concerned at the large amount of alcohol available/consumed at these events. These concerns are also expressed by others in the community.

As I see it, there are 2 related but different needs.

1. Strengthening small community networks – so that women know where to go to get help when they need it. This would be best encouraged with smaller meetings – in school/community halls. Perhaps a travelling roadshow. And a social occasion to do what women do best – talk. “Chic-chat”, complete with ChitChat biscuits from Griffins
2. Strengthening Urban/Rural connections. – knowing that the rest of the country/city people care. Can large centres/a national organisation put on a show in a major centre or 3 – a bit like the “entertaining the troops” stuff which happened in WWII? To have a bit of a laugh, relax with friends, be pampered a little. Girding the loins for further action, as it were. “A Night on the Townies” – showing a little appreciation for the contribution of country businesses to their communities and the international currency they generate. No speeches, no politicians, just lots of fun – rather like the Tui do.
Both these approaches could utilise government agencies and related NGO’s– people available to answer questions, leaflets to take home about available services.

Diana Baird