11 February 1997 Rural residents denied basic education and health needs

Erosion of educational and health services in rural New Zealand is a major concern to scholars enrolled in the 14th Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme at Lincoln University.

The 24 participants are representative of emerging rural leaders and in the past many graduates of the course have gone on to become Members of Parliament (including cabinet Ministers) local body leaders, leaders in farming politics and in rural community organisations.

"Reduction in health services such as the closure of Roxburgh Hospital in Central Otago, despite assurances to the contrary, is one of many examples of the rundown in essential services to rural communities," says course participant Gerrard Eckhoff of Coal Creek, Central Otago.

"And equitable funding for rural schools is an equally important issue," he says.

"Rural depopulation is affecting the funding of schools with reduced student rolls. Some of these schools do not seem to attract top teachers or the proper resources for new technology.

"They're matters which urgently need attention."

Lincoln University's Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme started in 1979 and is the country's top rural leadership training programme. Many of its graduates occupy top positions in national politics, farmer politics, local authority and community affairs and rural sector businesses.

Ian Collins, Journalist, Lincoln University, Canterbury, New Zealand