RWNZ welcomes new board member

Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) has appointed Heather Sorenson to its board following the resignation of Emma Higgins.

Sorenson is currently regional leader for the Top of the North region and has had a longstanding involvement with RWNZ, beginning when she was a young mum moving into a new rural community.

She says she is excited to bring her skills and experience to the RWNZ board table.

“I’m proud to be a member of an organisation that is determined in its commitment to supporting our rural women and communities as much as we can,” Sorenson says.

“I look forward to serving on the Board as we move towards our very exciting milestone of 100 years in existence in 2025.”

RWNZ president Gill Naylor says the Board decided to appoint a temporary replacement instead of holding a by-election as Higgins was due to go up for re-election at the organisation’s annual general meeting in November this year.

“Offering leadership development and building succession opportunities for our regional leaders was a key consideration for the Board,” says Naylor. “We’re delighted Heather put her hand up for this temporary appointment, as we have seen her considerable skills and expertise demonstrated in her role as a Regional Leader.”

Naylor says she also wants to thank Higgins for her contributions during her three-year tenure on the RWNZ board.

“Emma has been a huge asset with her strategic thinking, enthusiasm, future focus and ability to draw on both her professional skills and her understanding of Rural Women New Zealand and its rich history,” she says.

“Emma has reluctantly resigned from the board to better balance her substantial work and family responsibilities. We will miss her contribution but are pleased that Emma will remain an active member of the organisation.”