A full and fun programme of events has been planned for women living rurally over the next few months.

A wardrobe swap and chainsaw course are among the activities Sarah van der Boom has organised to bring together women living rurally over the past year and she has more events planned for November and early next year.

Van der Boom, a committee member for Rural Women NZ Region 5, lives rurally and knows the isolation it can bring alongside the benefits.

Isolation was a reoccurring theme in interviews she conducted as part of a three-year research project involving women living and working rurally and it sparked her decision to join Rural Women NZ and start organising regular social events that would encourage connection between women in the Eastern Bay.

She began holding regular social events in September 2025, beginning with a pizza night at her home in Pikowai. Other get togethers have included flower gathering and arranging at Whyte Light in Otakiri and skin care evening at RENAskin in Riverslea Mall – attended by a core group of rural women.

Van der Boom is keen to involve more women in the social and networking catchups and has put together a programme for coming months that she hopes will cater for a range of interests.

The next event is a Wardrobe Swap n Sip at her home tomorrow from 6pm to 8.30pm.

On November 7 and 8, Van der Boom will lead an overnight tramping trip in the Whirinaki Forest for which places are restricted, and a moderate level of fitness is required.

On November 26, there is a native bush, food forest and plant nursery walk with Kay Williamson at her property near Matatā with the opportunity to purchase plants for the garden.

In 2027, a sourdough breadmaking workshop is scheduled for January, a chainsaw training day for February, kiwi avoidance training for dogs in March along with art and craft get togethers.

Anyone interested in joining any of the activities or being added to the mailing list for future events can email [email protected]