Rural Women New Zealand

16/06/2026

Fieldays 2026 done and dusted 🌾

It was fantastic to be based in the Advocacy Tent once again this year, proudly representing rural women from across Aotearoa.

We had the chance to connect with so many of you, hear what matters most, and speak with a wide range of politicians on key issues impacting rural women today.

If you stopped by and had a chat with us, now’s the perfect time to take the next step and become a member: https://www.ruralwomennz.nz/join-us

If you entered our TCWC Giveaway, featuring products made by rural women across the motu, then keep an eye on your emails as you'll be hearing from us soon! 👀

16/06/2026

Dani was one of our 2023 Activators and has taken her business from strength to strength ever since. Read her story below . . .

Antler Apparel

Inspired by her children's needs, dairy farmer Dani Harrison built a farmwear brand that now ships products around New Zealand and overseas.

15/06/2026

On the eve of National Fieldays, RWNZ hosted Fork and Talk, an informal dinner bringing together members of RWNZ, political and industry representatives.

The evening included a panel discussion on the role of women in agribusiness which reinforced that women have always played a critical role in our sector, and increasingly, women are leading businesses, driving innovation and helping shape the future of New Zealand rural economies.

Some key takeaways from the discussion:

• Many rural women already have the skills they need to lead.
• Supporting women to step into leadership as employers, community members, neighbours and friends is key.
• Strong relationships matter, you don't have to do it all alone.

Thank you to our incredible speakers, Dr Louise Cullen, Andrea Miller (PGG Wrightson), and Alice Trevelyan (The Native Dairy Farmer), for sharing their experience. Thank you to the committee members of RWNZ GW6 for co-hosting the very enjoyable evening.

We were also delighted to have Hon Nicola Willis and Hon Mark Patterson, as well as MPs Suze Redmayne, Barbara Kuriger, and Carl Bates join us.

12/06/2026

National President, Heather Sorensen, and our CE, Sandra Kirby, were both on the Blue Shed Diary podcast yesterday!

Stay tuned for the episode release 👀

11/06/2026

Fieldays so far . . .

Come say Hi to our team, enter our Giveaway and get your Rural Connection Passport stamped! We’re based in the Advocacy Tent so we’re primed to help ensure your voice is heard - see you there!

07/06/2026

We’re excited to be part of the Rural Connection Passport at Fieldays this year 🧳🌱

Led by Rural Support Trust, this initiative is a great way to explore Fieldays, connect with a range of rural organisations, and be in to win some incredible prizes. Simply pick up a passport, visit each site to get a stamp, and be in to win!

You can find Rural Women New Zealand at Site D70, in the Adovacay Tent, where we’ll have passports available along with a chance to connect with our team & our own Giveaway 👀

Passports will also be available from participating partner sites during Fieldays:
Rural Women New Zealand (D70)
Waikato Rural Support Trust (HW30)
Allflex & SenseHub NZ (E85)
Honda Outdoors NZ (M20)
Lightwire (PC13)
Pioneer Brand Products NZ (PC35)

More details here: https://www.rural-support.org.nz/news/join-the-passport-adventure

05/06/2026

We’re proud to announce the category winners of the 2026 NZI Rural Women Business Awards!

💚 Rural Health & Wellness Excellence – Anna King, AnnaFit
🌱 Love of the Land – Karen McGrath, Southern Alp Sprouts
🎨 Creative at Heart – Kate MacDonald, Davaar
💡 Innovation – Kathryn Jackson, Career Balance (The Great Recharge)
🚀 Emerging Enterprise – Kylie Dorr, Southern Reproductive
🌟 Young Businesswoman – Millie Aitken, Bar M Custom Tack
🏆 Rural Champion – Philippa Cameron, What’s for Smoko
🌄 Experience Rural – Sonia Minnaar & Liz Henderson, Canopy Camping Escapes

Join us as we celebrate these inspiring businesses at The Gala Dinner on the 23 July, where the Supreme Winner will also be announced.

🎟 Tickets for the Gala Dinner and the Rural Edge business skills workshop are on sale now: https://www.ruralwomennz.nz/rwnz-business-awards

02/06/2026

Over the month of May, Rural Women New Zealand members across the country came together to host Pink Ribbon breakfasts, lunches and dinners in support of Breast Cancer Foundation NZ 🩷

1. Central Otago Rural Women, Pink Ribbon Dinner
2, 3 & 4. Riverton Pink Ribbon Dinner (Co-hosted by ConnectHer)
5. Bay of Plenty Pink Ribbon Lunch
6. Wharepapa South Branch Pink Ribbon Morning Tea

Breast cancer is an important issue close to Rural Women New Zealand, and it touches many of our members, whānau, and communities.

Early detection is so important, head to www.breastcancerfoundation.org.nz for more information.

02/06/2026

Join us before Fieldays at Zenders 9 June 6pm - 9pm, for an informal dinner and hear from our amazing speakers who will be hosting an interactive panel discussion.

🎟️ Tickets $40, includes a welcome drink and food https://events.humanitix.com/rural-women-fieldays-forkandtalk

🎤 Kirstie Macmillan from Farm To Farm Tours Kirstie relishes the opportunity to ensure their tours exceed expectations. Kirstie is proud to showcase New Zealand as she has travelled extensively, including organising and leading tours all over the globe!

🎤 Andrea Miller from PGG Wrightson Ltd Andrea leads Bay of Plenty and King Country retail team comprising of store staff and technical field representatives. Andrea’s family also own a sheep and beef farm.

🎤 Dr Louise Cullen: Louise has an extensive governance career, including serving on Boards in the not-for-profit/community sector, participating in various primary industry working groups and more recently serving on the boards of Tatua Dairy Company, AgResearch and OSPRI. She brings a strong science background coupled with hands-on farming experience, helping continue the farming legacy of her husband’s family, which began in Springdale in 1924.

31/05/2026

Last week, our Southland ConnectHer, Victoria, brought together local Wyndham women for a creative Paint & Sip evening 🎨✨

It was a lovely chance to connect, unwind, and have some fun.

Big thanks to for hosting us and for the beautiful textured canvases 💛