Sandra Kirby
An organisation that supports and connects rural women, their families and communities has celebrated its 100th birthday with a new chief executive at the helm.
Members past and present gathered in Hamilton to celebrate 100 years of service and advocacy. Photo: Supplied
Sandra Kirby brings more than two decades of leadership experience to Rural Women New Zealand across member organisations and the not‑for‑profit sector, having previously served as chief executive of Physiotherapy New Zealand and Arthritis New Zealand.
National president Sandra Matthews says her appointment comes at a pivotal time.
“She brings extensive experience from her previous roles, and a career dedicated to service and improving the lives of others.
“It’s been a huge year for Rural Women New Zealand, celebrating our centennial and growing our national office. Now we have Sandra as our chief executive, I can’t wait to see what we achieve for rural women and communities across Aotearoa.”
Kirby began her role last month and said she looked forward to building on the legacy that supports future generations of rural women.
Kirkby’s career reflects a commitment to public health and community wellbeing, spanning initiatives from alcohol harm reduction strategies to consumer‑based health services.
“Raising awareness of public health issues and advocating for change have been a strong thread throughout my career,” she says.
“I love driving for change and am driven by my desire to improve the health of all New Zealanders.”
Meanwhile past and present members had a celebratory centenary event at Zenders in Hamilton last month reflecting on the organisation’s century of service.
A celebratory cake made for Rural Women New Zealand by Eastport Rd Cakes.
“A hundred years of scones, stories, service, and unwavering support for rural communities,” former president Fiona Gower says.
The event highlighted the organisation’s grassroots beginnings in 1925 and its enduring commitment to “Service Simply Given,” from supporting communities after natural disasters to empowering rural entrepreneurs through the Activator programme.
Keynote speaker Katey Milne, a scholarship recipient now completing medical training at the University of Auckland and due to start her placement at Whangārei Hospital soon, spoke of the life‑changing impact of Rural Women’s support.
“I am a product of many, many people – including Rural Women New Zealand – investing in rural communities and rural healthcare going forward,” she says.
Milne, originally from Northland, shared her love of rural life and the heartbreak of seeing how location, birth circumstances, ethniticy and even gender can shape health outcomes.
Board member Nicole Oliver closed the event by celebrating a century of leadership and advocacy, noting that strong rural women continue to uplift their communities into the next hundred years.
Kirby’s appointment signals both continuity and renewal, she says.
“With a legacy of service behind it and a new chief executive at the helm, the organisation is poised to strengthen its voice for rural women and communities across Aotearoa.”
New Rural Women New Zealand chief executive Sandra Kirby at a Beehive function with Mark Patterson, the minister for Rural Communities. Photo: Supplied.
