Women's group starts with floriculture

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 11, Issue 528, 22 March 1994, Page 5

Women's group starts with floriculture

The concept of a rural women' s group in the Waimarino has been heartily embraced by locals, with some 25 women attending a recent floriculture day. Participants from Taihape, Raetihi, Ohakune and National Park visited the flower-growing enterprises of Alf and Debbie Alabaster, and Jim and Ann Selwood. At the Alabaster's property they saw commercial stocks of lizzieanthus and godetias grown in green houses, and packing shed procedure, while at the Selwoods they saw a completely outdoor operation growing peonies, iris, delphiniums and yarrow (for dried flowers). Group organiser Diane Pritt said she hopes the newlyformed group will see Waimarino women from all backgrounds meeting to exchanging ideas and information. Feedback from those at the floriculture day was positive she said, with some interesting suggestions for future activities, including farm walks, workshops, factory visits, CPR, home exercise sessions, home butchery and cookery. Diane Pritt said the establishment of such a group is "absolutely essential" in this area where isolation is a major factor. "We hope it will encompass all women in the area, whether they live 30km, or 30 metres from the nearest shop," she said. "Everyonehas a skill thatcan be passedon to someone." An information day is planned for 16 April to appeal to all women. In the morning a woman lawyer will speak on a range of subjects including the making of a will, the rights of a person in a de facto relationship, marriage, etc. A woman money manager will also be in attendance for advice on budgeting, investments, etc. After lunch participants will have the opportunity to take part in a range of hands-on practical activities, including driving and backing trucks, tractors and cars with trailers; use of chain saws and how to make the best use of an axe. It is hoped that Waimarino women will support the day even if only mildly interested, thus making it, and future ventures, successful.