From a beekeeper to a children’s author, this year’s NZI Rural Women New Zealand business awards winners were as diverse as they are successful.
The awards, held on November 20 in Wellington at Parliament showcased the innovation and entrepreneurial excellence of women who own rural businesses while also supporting their local communities.
Jon Watson, rural manager at NZI, the premier partner of the awards, said it was a privilege to be one of the judges this year.
“It was inspiring to see how committed and passionate our entrants are about their businesses and the rural sector. All the entrants were deserving of an award and judges found it difficult to make the final choice.
“It was especially pleasing to see strong entrants in the two new awards categories this year – creative arts and rural champion,” Watson said.
Sophie Siers was the winner of the creative arts category for her children’s book company, Millwood Press. Using farming as the backdrop, Siers captures the essence of rural living, while creating exceptional stories that resonate with both urban and country kids. Her books have had success in New Zealand and internationally.
The rural champion award went to Robyn McKenzie for Great Barrier island airline, Fly My Sky. Airlines are a competitive and highly regulated sector and rural communities are often the first to lose their service when the economics don’t make sense. Fly My Sky is the exception to this, running a regular and reliable service with a strong financial position to back it up and a business plan focused on expansion.
Other award winners included Hannah O’Brien for the emerging cusiness category for her beekeeping and honey producing company, Hunt and Gather Bee. Bridget Canning of rural internet provider Wiz Wireless won the innovation award, and the Love of the Land award went to Marie Taylor for Plants Hawke’s Bay.
“Our rural women provide lifeblood to the rural sector and these awards recognise the sheer hard work, dedication and entrepreneurship that goes into developing rural enterprises, while often also juggling multiple priorities on the farm and at home,” Watson said.
For 159 years, NZI has played a vital role in providing security for farms and rural families and businesses.
“We’re constantly reinvigorating our farm and rural offerings by partnering with valued local brokers who understand farming and rural needs, this enables us to develop solutions to meet the changing, complex needs of New Zealand farming and rural communities.
“We know rural inside out and that’s why we are proud to play a part in recognising rural businesses that are thriving in this changing world.
“On behalf of NZI I’d like to congratulate this year’s winners.”
