Deliverance
OPINION: Rural services such as banks, health and postal services have been declining for years, so this mutt was tickled pink to hear Rural Women NZ on national TV slamming the impact of post office closures in rural areas.
"With the deadline of Friday, September 5 now around the corner, we're reminding women to send in their entries," says Rural Women New Zealand national president, Wendy McGowan.
In their sixth year, the awards attract good publicity for both entrants and winners, says McGowan.
"Rural Women New Zealand's aim is to grow dynamic rural communities and giving a boost to women in rural business is a very positive way of achieving this."
Last year's winner, Diane Coleman of TreelineNative Nursery, urges women to enter, though she says she needed encouragement to do so herself.
"Don't be afraid to go out on a limb, because that is where the fruit is," says Coleman.
"Winning this award has been a once in a lifetime opportunity that was challenging, exciting, scary, fun, humbling and has really put my business on the map."
The awards attract diverse entries, and past winners include a traditional-style cheese maker, a farm walk and homestay enterprise, a forestry trucking company, and a merino sock manufacturer.
The award categories reflect this diversity:
• Love of the Land - sponsored by Agrisea – for all land-based business, from animals to agriculture.
• Help! I need somebody - sponsored by Access Homehealth Ltd – for businesses providing any type of service - from retailers to agricultural contractors.
• Making it in Rural - sponsored by Telecom – for businesses that involve manufacturing or creativity.
• Stay, Play Rural - sponsored by Xero - for businesses engaged in rural tourism or hospitality.
The Enterprising Rural Women Awards 2014 are open to small businesses with 10 full-time staff or less that have been operating for at least two years. If in partnership, women must be an active partner of 50% or more. Past entrants are welcome to enter again.
Each category winner will receive $1000 and a trophy. They will go on to compete for the Supreme Award 2014, which will be announced at the Rural Women New Zealand national conference in Rotorua on Saturday, November 15.
Entry forms and further information can be found on the website www.ruralwomen.org.nz.
