A "change of team leader" will not mean a change in focus, according to the new Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) president.
Liz Evans, who was the vice-president and the national organisation's top of the south representative, was sworn in as the new president at the conference in Oamaru yesterday.
Mrs Evans, who lives at the top of the Waihopai Valley, said the focus of the organisation would still be around four key issues: rural health, education, land use and social issues.
She said some of the bigger issues for the 4000 members around the country included the Government's proposal to mine conservation land, freedom camping and the rollout of rural broadband.
Originally from Auckland, Mrs Evans studied in Nelson and then journalism in Wellington, becoming the rural reporter for The Marlborough Express between 1970 and 1974.
She said her relative inexperience with farming and rural life worked to her advantage.
"It meant I came into the farming world with an open mind, which gave me a tremendous respect for farming, farmers and the rural community."
Mrs Evans said that while she was vice-president she had more of a "regional focus", but as the new president would need to take a "broad overview" on rural issues.
She believes the role of men and women on the farm are "exactly the same in work and influence".
Mrs Evans takes over from Margaret Chapman as president. The term lasts three years and is based on nominations made by members.
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