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Whakapā mai

Honouring the past, celebrating the present, planting for the future.

This year marks an incredible milestone — 100 years of Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ). What began around a kitchen table in 1925, when Florence Polson and fellow farmer’s wives came together in Wellington, has grown into a powerful voice for rural families across Aotearoa.

Back then, it was isolation, long distances to medical care, and limited opportunities that sparked a movement. Today, it’s a national network of changemakers championing the health, wellbeing and resilience of rural communities.

Here in Horowhenua, we’re proud to be part of that legacy. Our own Muhunoa East Branch, established in 1979, continues to make a difference — quietly, consistently, and with heart.

From running the café at the Ōhau Market each month (with proceeds going to charity), to ensuring there’s a community defibrillator available outside the Ōhau Hall, the members of Muhunoa East are woven into the fabric of our rural life. They’ve rallied through floods, droughts and earthquakes — always showing up when it matters most.

Photo: Rural Women New Zealand

To mark the centenary, Muhunoa East will proudly host the RWNZ Lower North Island Annual Conference and Centennial Launch right here in Horowhenua, from 1–3 August 2025 at Tatum in Manakau.

As part of the celebrations, a specially developed Centennial Rose called ‘Rural Women’, created by Matthews Nurseries in Whanganui, will be planted at Tatum — continuing a tradition started during the Golden Jubilee in 1975, when the ‘Madam President’ rose was planted.

This is more than a celebration. It’s a tribute to generations of wāhine toa who’ve quietly led the way for stronger, more connected rural communities.

Ngā mihi nui to all those who have contributed, and continue to carry the kaupapa of Rural Women forward.

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All photos sourced from RWNZ