Rural women

Very few women live in rural areas – just 14 in 100.

While agriculture is the traditional backbone of the rural economy, an increasing variety of activities are undertaken in rural areas and increasing numbers of rural women do not live on farms or earn their income from farming.

Māori women are more likely than other women to live in rural areas or towns. In contrast are Pacific, Asian and older women, who each have very low proportions living in rural areas. There is a tendency for older women, especially if they widowed and living alone, to move away from rural areas so they have better access to services and facilities.

Low populations, long distances, transport constraints and unpredictable weather can limit access to health, education and justice services. Consequently, a number of strategies have been implemented to improve access – for example, Ministry of Social Development has established Heartland Services to make it easier for rural people to use government services.