NZI Rural Women Business Awards 2026 Category Winners Revealed
Rural Women New Zealand has announced the winners of the 2026 NZI Rural Women Business Awards.
Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) national president Gill Naylor says the winners showcase the range of enterprises undertaken by rural women across New Zealand.
“The calibre of this year’s entries indicates that living and working rurally need not be an impediment to achieving excellence across a wide range of sectors,” Naylor says.
Christina Chellew, executive manager agencies at NZI and one of the judges this year said it was inspiring to learn about the entrants’ enterprises.
“Some of the standout features of this year’s Award Winners are the resilience, adaptability and initiative they have shown when faced by the challenges of the last two years and their commitment to the wellbeing of their rural communities,” she says.
“It is always extremely difficult to select our Category Winners, and this year especially so, as there were so many excellent entrants.”
Presentation of the awards and the announcement of the overall Supreme Award Winner will take place in Wellington on Friday, 18 November.
Award Winners
Creative Arts: The Bitches’ Box and Amelia Guild Art – Amelia Dunbar, Darfield
Emerging Business: Kate Cullwick, Waipukurau
Innovation: Hopefield Hemp – Jody Drysdale, Gore
Love of the Land: The Limery – Dianne Downey, Wairoa
Rural Champion: Whānau Consultancy Services – Serena Lyders, Invercargill
Bountiful Table: The Craypot – Dayna and Nicole Buchanan, Jacksons Bay
Rural Health and Wellness Excellence: Strong Woman – Sarah Martelli, Reporoa
