WAG comes to the Waimarino

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 2, Issue 42, 9 April 1985, Page 2

WAG comes to the Waimarino

WAG is coming to the Waimarino, and women in the county, as well as in Raetihi and Ohakune, are being asked to support the venture. It was in December 1980 that W AG ( W omen in Agriculture) was first launched, after Danna Glendining, rural activist and member of the National Advisory Gouncil in the Employment of Women, felt that it was time the role of women in agriculture was recognised. "Most people look at agriculture and see only men," she said, "The contribution women make is ignored or undervalued." The 'push' into the

Waimarino is the idea of Elizabeth Mortland, one of the two new community education organisers for the Taihape-Ruapehu region. With the help of a group of local women, Liz is now trying to find if there is enough interest in this area to begin short two hour seminars or full-day courses on topics of interest to local women. Women don't have to be involved in agriculture to join the courses. Subjects on which courses could be run if there is sufficient interest, include rural health, the Matrimonial Property Act, electric fencing, cutting up the mutton, goat farming, fitch

farming and herbs. As well as people to attend the courses, Liz is also looking fo.r people who could help tutor any of the courses. To make things easier for people wishing to attend the courses, or tutor them, Liz and her helpers plan to provide a child care service

for mothers with young children. Sue Green and Leigh Berry are the local contacts for the Women in Agriculture group. They hope to be able to use a room at Ruapehu College if there is sufficient interest from the community to get the courses started.