NZI Rural Women NZ Business Award winners announced

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