Enterprising rural women

Even in the 21st century, some women who fall for farmers have to choose between their careers and their men.

That doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of opportunities outside town boundaries and there’s no better illustration of that than the 20 finalists in Rural Women New Zealand’s Enterprising Rural Women Awards.

MAKING IT IN RURAL ENTRANTS

Saskia Missaar
Aotea Embrace
Saskia’s business is based on the remote Great Barrier Island in the Hauraki Gulf.  With little local employment and just 852 people living on the island, Saskia began the business in 2009 making soaps, massage oils, calendula balm and lip balms.  She now also makes a range of body lotions, hand cream and face moisturizers, made with essential oils and home grown ingredients such as manuka honey, herbs, flowers, native plants and clay, giving her products the ‘Barrier’ touch.  Her market is the gift market and those with sensitive or dry skin and she keeps her prices affordable.  Starting the business was a real challenge with no banks on the island, limited water and limited transport to the mainland.

 

Angela Payne
Agri-Lab Co-Products Ltd
www.agri-lab.com

Angela’s business is based in Waipukurau, where she has become a successful exporter of animal products, achieving consistent growth even in the face of the world economic downturn.  The business specialises in supplying ingredients for the medical, pharmaceutical and dietary supplements markets, including placenta, glands, membranes, tendons, eyes, brains, blood products and glandular.  90% of the products are exported to countries such as Japan, USA, Korea, Germany, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Korea and Australia.  Angela, who has taken the business from conception through to the internationally recognised company it is today, says her location is a significant competitive advantage in the export and pharmaceutical and biomaterial market, with NZ being a BSE free country, and having good access to freezing works, farms and essential services, as well as easy transport on SH2.

 

Lee Lamb
Lee Lamb Publishing

Facebook:  On the farm books

Lee’s business is based at Waikaia, Southland, where she is an author and illustrator of children’s picture books about NZ farming practices.  She lives with her husband and two young sons on a sheep and beef station and has to date written and illustrated four books in the ‘On the Farm’ series.  Keeping the stories true to life, they are educational as well as entertaining for children.  She was an entrant in the NZ Post Children’s Book Awards and the Storylines Book Awards.

 

Christina Perriam
Christina Perriam Fashion Design Ltd

www.christinaperriam.co.nz; www.surpinobambino.co.nz

Christina’s business is based at Tarras in Central Otago.  Her passion for merino wool and fashion has grown out of her upbringing on Bendigo Station, where she was influenced by her father’s entrepreneurial spirit and her mother’s love for merino.  As a qualified fashion designer, she took over her mother’s business in 2010, after her mother passed away and is focused on completing her mother’s dream and vision of making the small village a ‘must visit’ destination.  Christina Perriam manufactures and retails affordable luxury merino wool products that are proudly NZ made, targeting the woman, baby and child market.  The designs are aimed at 30-70 year old discerning women and have a classical and elegant element.  The emphasis is on sustainability, quality and affordable luxury.  The range includes clothing, accessories, sleepwear and home wears.  Suprino Bambino is Christina’s new child and baby clothing range, which is making a big splash and increasing sales month on month.

 

Jules Smith
WashBar Limited

www.washbar.co.nz

WashBar is based in Whangarei, and specialises in NZ made natural pet care products.  Jules targets the equine and canine market, producing animal coat care products.  The products evolved from a soap making hobby, when dog lovers approached Jules to make soaps for dogs with skin problems.  Allergies in dogs primarily manifest as itchy skin, and Jules’ market research revealed a market opportunity, which led to producing her specialist soaps in commercial volumes.  She now focuses on wholesale supplies to pet stores and vets and has continued to expand the range of products.  She now has 349 retailers across NZ and is exporting to Australia.  From dog soap, Jules has gone on to develop horse soap and natural flea repellent for dogs.  She recently developed a range of spritzers for dogs to freshen their coats, producing what she believes to be the first 100% natural, alcohol-free spritzer commercially available.

 

Jan Shoemark
Bell Cottage Crafts Limited

www.janshoemarkglassartist.co.nz

Jan Shoemark  is a glass artist based in Waitoa, Waikato.  Her work is all exclusive, and is characterised by her distinctive style of cutting glass, shaping it as desired.  She produces a wide range of products from memorial stones to plaques and signs, giftware and artwork.  She has won a bronze award at the Auckland Ellerslie flower show and best site at the National Fieldays.  Working with rural themes, all the timber and glass she uses is recycled.

 

LOVE OF THE LAND

Heather Wilkins
The Vege Shed

www.atholvalleymeats.co.nz

Heather Wilkins’ fresh produce and gourmet foods business is based on the family farm in Athol in Southland, where a 100 year old disused woolshed was converted first into The Vege Shed, and then selling Athol Valley lamb and venison sourced from the farm.  Athol Valley Meat is couriered throughout NZ into restaurants and this year the company was placed fourth in the NZ Beef+Lamb Golden Glammies in the retail sector.  The Vege Shed is on SH6 in Athol, an hour south of Queenstown en route for Milford Sound.  The vintage shop frontage has been maintained as an authentic 100 year old woolshed.  Heather’s aim is to give customers the chance to step back in time and slow down, enjoying genuine Kiwi hospitality, the opportunity to try NZ lamb and venison, local produce, preserves, sauces and gifts.

 

Diana Baird
Fairview Enterprises Ltd

www.dianasfruit.co.nz
www.kvw.co.nz

Diversity is the key to Diana Baird’s business Fairview, based in the Kawhatau Valley in the Rangitikei, where she and her husband run a sheep and beef farm, orchard, farm forestry and cereal cropping operation.  Summer fruit production includes traditional style peacharines, plums and quinces, (there is no other commercial fruit production for 100km). They also have a Drysdale sheep stud and promote and market specialist carpet wool.  The farm has two-tier forestry, with trees and grazing beneath, as well as multi-species forestry and amenity tree planting.  They have a walking route for private tours (Kawhatau Valley Walks), run on-farm research (current interests include bumble bees, Ume, succession and aquaculture), and are involved in Massey University case studies and tutoring.  They have previously been successful in the NZ Balance Farm Environment Horizons Awards.

 

Heidi Rosewarne
Blueberry Corner

www.blueberrycorner.co.nz

Heidi and her husband purchased a small blueberry orchard just outside Whakatane in 2002, knowing nothing of horticulture or blueberries, having previously been Taranaki livestock farmers.  It was a steep learning curve to develop a business from ‘honesty box’ roadside sales to the business that now supplies a range of blueberry products direct to the public, as well as internationally and domestically.  Each year new specialty blueberry lines are introduced, and now include james, relishes, juices, chocolate, soap, tea and blueberry honey.  Increasing to three growing properties, the retail business is now open for six months a year.  30 percent of the harvest is exported, 30 percent is sold on the domestic NZ market, and 40 percent is sold at the shop.

 

Diane Coleman
Treeline Native Nursery

www.treelinenursery.co.nz

Diane Coleman’s business is based 20km north of Rotorua in the small community of Kaharoa.  Treeline Native Nursery grows and supplies native trees, shrubs and grasses for revegetation and ornamental purposes.  Established in 1996, in its first 12 years of operation production grew from 10,000 trees to 300,000 trees produced and sold.  An essential part of the nursery production is seed collection, and eco-sourcing seed has become a major factor in customer requirements.  Diane travels through BoP and Waikato, contacting farmers for this task.  The nursery’s location at 419m above sea level ensures plants are hardy and relatively pest free. An interesting development over the last three years has been joining a bio-dynamic group and exploring planting by the moon, using an old Allied Farmers Co-op lunar calendar, which has streamlined the company’s propagation with surprisingly good results.  Plants are supplied in bulk to councils, farmers, landscapers, developers and the home gardener.

 

Stephanie Lynch
Sweetree Honey

www.sweetreehoney.co.nz

Stephanie Lynch’s business is based in Horsham Downs, near Hamilton.  The business involves every aspect of honey production, from caring for bees in 150 beehives, harvesting, packaging and direct selling at farmers markets, as well as through retail shops and the company website.  The bees have access to a wide range of flowering plants, and honeys from different areas are not blended with each other, meaning customers can choose a honey based on the location shown on the jar, such as Horsham Downs, Marokopa, Four Brothers Reserve and Hakarimata, with each having its own special characteristics.  The company also produces bee pollen.

 

HELP I NEED SOMEBODY

Lesley Armstrong-Jennings
Shopenzed.com

www.shopenzed.com

Lesley’s business is an online customer-driven Kiwiana gift store which has evolved since 2000 when she began supplying Kiwi goods to overseas customers on eBay.  Shopenzed.com is now one of the largest online retailers of New Zealand-inspired gifts and collectables.  The business caters for tens of thousands of customers worldwide, carrying over 3000 items, with more being added every week.  All purchases carry a 365 day money back guarantee.  The customers are often ex-pat Kiwis, or people who want to travel of live in New Zealand or who have holidayed here.  90 percent of orders are shipped overseas, with Australia a growing market.  Products include sheepskin boots, slippers, possum merino knitwear, NZ jewellery, rugby gear, souvenirs, books, cosmetics, food and more. Customer service is key to the business’ success, with ‘mad dashes’ to the nearest courier depot (a 50km round trip) to deliver a last minute order the norm.  Free gift wrapping in exquisite wrapping paper adds that special touch.

 

Lynne Johnston
Herd About Hair & Beauty

www.herdabouthairbeauty.co.nz

Lynne Johnston’s hair and beauty salon business is based at Riversdale in Southland.  It began in 2008 when she realised the need to diversify the family’s reliance on dairy share milking income after the downturn.  She first re-opened a hair salon in Riversdale that had ceased trading a year and a half earlier, growing the business to employ staff to work alongside her.  In response to the success of the hair salon she rented a second shop next door and employed a beauty therapist, offering a range of beauty treatments in addition to hair dressing.   Both the hair and beauty salons are now open six days a week.  In the meantime, Lynne has grown her own family, with a fourth child born in February 2011.  She is also still involved on the farm, rearing calves through the spring.  The success of Herd About Hair is based on offering rural people everything a city salon could offer, with exceptional service, with the mission statement ‘a little bit of luxury close to home’.

 

Jill Hollingum
Occsafe Services Ltd

Jill’s business is based near Picton, and involves workplace health and safety services, training and education.  She has put her background as a registered nurse to good use, and takes her occupational health services to the client base which has grown to almost 60 regular clients.  These include factories, vineyards, aquaculture, wood mills, engineering, construction sites and aviation.  She works with clients to help them build and maintain a healthy and safe work environment, to achieve legislative compliance, reduce employee down time, and cost effectiveness.  Services include health monitoring, such as workplace hearing tests, lung function tests, blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol and vision screening; pre-employment work fitness assessments; workplace drug and alcohol testing, rehabilitation programmes; ergonomic workstation office assessments; noise and hygiene surveys and pre-audits for ACC audits.

 

Stephanie Evans
Oasis Beauty NZ Ltd

www.oasisbeauty.co.nz

Stephanie’s business is based at Oxford in Canterbury, where over the last 14 years she has developed a range of products for sensitive skin and sun protection.  Beginning by making products in her own kitchen, they are now manufactured in a factory in Christchurch.  This financial year the business has grown by almost 60 percent, and employs four women from the rural community who help look after the office and customer orders.  Stephanie’s story shows how one enterprising rural woman with very few resources can build a successful business in a very competitive market and provide long term rewarding jobs for other rural women in the community.

 

Jan Harper
Bluespur Butchery and Deli

Jan’s business is based at Lawrence in Otago.  When the deli opened in 2009 it was a ‘dream come true’ for Jan, who’s been in the butchery trade since she left school.  Jan sells meat to the public, but the main focus is on processing meat for farmers and hungers.  Lambs, pigs and venison are butchered and made into sausages, saveloys, burgers etc.  A popular service is gourmet lamb, where Jan creates barbequed cuts, marinated kebabs, mint glased lamb cutlets and ‘legendary’ burgers.

 

 

STAY, PLAY, RURAL

Deborah Hambly
Astronomy Adventures

www.skydome.org.nz

Deborah runs her business from Baylys Beach, Northland where she takes people on tours of the night sky with NZ’s largest hands-on telescope open nightly to the public.  With a passion for astronomy, Deborah arrived in NZ in 2005 with a plan of offering astronomy facilities for tourists and astronomers.  Acquiring her first second-hand giant telescope and dome, she set up on her front lawn, and has since acquired five more telescopes and caters for groups of up to 40.  The Skydome Observatory was fully operational by early 2006.  The telescope to guest ratio is kept at no higher than 1 to 4, so visitors observe at leisure.  Added to this Deborah tells stories and adds fun facts, myths and legends to the experience.

 

Linda Morrison
Tairoa Lodge

www.tairoa-lodge.co.nz

Linda runs boutique accommodation company Tairoa Lodge, which includes a Victorian villa built in 1875 in Hawera, Taranaki.  She and husband Steve bought the old homestead on four acres in 2000, which has Historic Places Trust rating, but was in need of renovation.  Over four years they worked on the property creating three luxury guest rooms, each with private ensuite, and decorated with a mix of antiques and country-style furniture.  In 2003 they relocated Tairoa Cottage to the grounds to offer self-contained accommodation for guests, and in 2007 purchased an adjacent property, The Gatehouse, to cater for the corporate market.  To compliment the business the couple added a secluded retreat, Kingfisher Cottage, in a rural farm setting, to their portfolio.  Finally they purchased Tairoa Church Hall, previously the Gospel Church, with stained glass and matai floors, which is used as an exclusive venue for private functions.  Tairoa Lodge has Qualmark accreditation 4star plus, and Linda’s mission is to provide exceptional customer service.  The business has seen robust growth though Linda says it has been ‘hard won’ and they have had to respond to shifts in the market by offering different accommodation options.  The catering and functions business has grown strongly, based on its reputation and a very strong client focus.

 

Tina Masters
Pure Cruise

www.purecruise.co.nz

Tina’s business, Pure Cruise, operates with a vision to be the foremost sailing product in the central North Island.  It offers a superior sailing experience on Lake Rotoiti, with high end sailing charters on board the 53 foot catamaran Tiua (run with the wind) to travellers, corporate and other groups.

 

Kylie Stewart
Rangitikei Farmstay

www.rangitikeifarmstay.co.nz

Kylie’s business, Rangitikei Farmstay, offers accommodation for up to 19 guests and a range of activities on and off the 1560 acre sheep and beef farm at Pukawa, Lake Taupo.  Kylie and her husband Andrew moved on to the farm in 2005, surrounded by beautiful landscape and scattered, largely unused buildings filled with ‘treasures’ – saws, stencils, pack saddles, and a push mower to name a few, used by the Stewart family on the farm for the past three generations.  The couple began renovating the old buildings and first opened up a bunkhouse and farm museum.  They have since converted three other buildings and have developed their farmstay and catering business with farm tours, shearing and mustering demonstrations, horse riding, farm walks, clay bird shooting and hole in one golf.  They now have school groups, birthday parties, and overseas guests.  Continuing to develop, the couple are presently building a lake to begin water activities on the property.

The winners will be announced at Rural Women’s national conference in Christchurch on May 23rd.

Rural round-up

Strong contenders for Enterprising Rural Women Award 2013:

Twenty exciting and innovative businesses are in the line up for the Rural Women New Zealand Enterprising Rural Women Awards 2013.

The judges now face the challenging task of choosing finalists in the four entry categories: Love of the Land (sponsored by Agrisea Limited), Help I Need Somebody (sponsored by Telecom), Making it in Rural (sponsored by Fly Buys) and Stay, Play, Rural (sponsored by Access Homehealth Ltd).

These four category winners will go on to compete for the title of Supreme winner, Enterprising Rural Women Award 2013.

“This is the fifth year we’ve run the Enterprising Rural Women Awards,” says RWNZ National President, Liz Evans. “Each year it’s rewarding to see the diversity of businesses successfully run by women in rural areas and the significant inputs they make into the wider economy.

“Through these awards Rural Women NZ aims to celebrate their success and raise awareness of women’s entrepreneurship, which helps to grow dynamic rural communities.” . . .

Alliance boss is buoyant on prospects - Alan Williams:

Price falls have helped increase demand for lamb in world markets and this will help New Zealand processors avoid the big build-up in stocks that hurt them last year, Alliance Group chief executive Grant Cuff says.

The country’s biggest lamb exporter has cleared the high inventory levels from last year and is managing to move this season’s kill through the market despite higher processing tallies caused by the severe drought conditions. . .

 

 

Opportunity missed on goat meat exports - Rob Tipa:

ONE of the world’s leading judges of the South African Boer goat breed believes New Zealand has missed an opportunity to capitalise on huge worldwide demand for goat meat.

Celia Burnett-Smith, stud director of Australian Breeding Services and a partner in the Terraweena Boer Stud in Queensland, has judged Boer goats at livestock shows in South Africa, Brazil, Australia and New Zealand and has been invited to set up a classification system for the breed in England. . .

 

Managing our freshwater responses in a changing climate - Waiology:

While water management is challenging enough as it is, climate change makes it harder. No longer can we rely solely on experiences from the past to guide our actions, but we must also consider forecasts of the future. And with New Zealand’s water resources expected to change in the coming decades – well within resource management planning horizons – it would be prudent to start to adapt sooner than later. So how does climate change affect the ways water may be governed, and how are current governance systems placed to deal with climate change?  . . .

Celebrity Cook Takes Up The Fight For Kiwi Bees:

New Zealand’s famous Free Range Cook, Annabel Langbein, has become an ‘ambassador’ for New Zealand bees.

The cookbook author and television presenter has joined forces with the National Beekeepers Association to work on projects that help promote and protect our kiwi bees. She will work officially with the NBA to help spread the message that bees are vitally important and that they need our help to survive.

“My father kept bees as a hobby, so I grew up watching him tend the hives in our Wellington backyard. And as a free range cook who uses nature as my pantry I thoroughly appreciate the importance of bees and the hugely critical role they play in our everyday lives – not to mention the value they add to our economy through pollination.” . . .

And from Smile Project:

Rural crime and safety survey

Rural Women NZ has a survey on rural crime and safety:

Rural Women New Zealand has today launched a rural survey on crime and safety that is aimed at making rural communities safer places to live. 

 

“The online survey goes live today, and we are hoping for a wide response from all sectors of the rural community,” says Rural Women NZ executive officer, Noeline Holt. 

 

“You may have already taken part in a recent survey around crime occurring on your farming properties. However, the focus of this survey is broader and we urge you to take part.”

 

We have worked with Crimestoppers and the Police to develop questions that cover a range of issues including theft, drink driving and speeding as well as violence to people or animals.” 

 

“The survey will help us understand how people feel about crime and safety ,” Ms Holt said. The survey also seeks people’s views on police responsiveness and involvement in rural communities. 

 

“Given the nature of small rural communities, we believe there are occasions when people are hesitant to contact the police, and for that reason we are promoting the work of Crimestoppers, where people are able to pass on information anonymously.” 

 

The survey is open for three weeks, then results will be analysed by an independent research company and the key findings will be used by Rural Women NZ to work with Crimestoppers and Police to make rural communities safer. 

 

“We strongly encourage people to take part in this survey. Participants are anonymous and it’s a good opportunity for people living in rural New Zealand to provide valuable feedback about these important issues.”

The survey is here.

When I first moved to the country we never locked doors or vehicles unless we were away overnight.

Nothing happened to make us change but for some years we have taken a more prudent approach and lock up at night and if we’re away during the day.

There are still some areas where not everyone feels the need for this precautionary approach to home security.

We had some Argentinean visitors with us last week when we called on friends. They weren’t at home but we tried the door, which was unlocked, and went in to use the loo.

Our visitors were amazed and we had to explain that this probably isn’t the norm here any more.

When we caught up with our friends yesterday we mentioned our visit and wondered if the door had been unlocked by mistake.

They said no and they weren’t even sure they could lay their hands on a key easily.

I hope their trust isn’t misplaced. It’s a good reflection on their community that they feel safe with doors unlocked whether they’re home or not.

Rural round-up

MPI investigates GM breach:

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is investigating how a genetically modified (GM) fungus came to be used outside approved containment facilities at Lincoln University’s campus.

All samples and plant materials known to contain the modified fungus have been secured. MPI is now checking if any other materials may have been inadvertently exposed to the fungus.

“Based on what we know at present, the potential biological risks from this discovery appear very low,” says Roger Smith, MPI Deputy Director General, Verification and Services. 

“At this stage, we believe it is unlikely any potentially genetically modified Beauveria bassiana fungus has spread further. The fungus in question was found indoors in glass houses and laboratories with restricted access,” says Mr Smith. . .

Grasmere water plan request declined – Tim Fulton:

Resource consent has been declined for a plan to irrigate a high-country station in central Canterbury, on the basis it would potentially have too much impact on landscape values and water quality.

The hearing commissioner said it was one of the most difficult, finely balanced decisions he had had to make.

P&E, run by Pete Morrison and Liz Nattrass, from Darfield, wanted permission from Environment Canterbury to divert, take and use water from Cass River to irrigate pasture for sheep and beef cattle. The 35-year consent would have required disturbance to the river-bed.

The land involved was on both sides of State Highway One, just east of Arthur’s Pass. P&E owns more than 550 hectares at Lake Grasmere. . .

Leadership skills programme an ‘eye-opener’ – Sally Rae:

When Amanda Hasselman returned home to Glenorchy after attending a leadership skills programme in Wellington, she admits her brain was ”fizzing”.

Mrs Hasselman, of Temple Peak Station, was among 16 rural women who attended the course run by Rural Women New Zealand.

During the three-day programme, the group heard presentations from leaders as diverse as Fish and Game NZ chief executive Bryce Johnson and former Wellington mayor Kerry Prendergast. . .

Tree lucerne planting should be widely encouraged – Alan Diak:

Present drought conditions are spreading and will remain with us for some time.

Short term, dairy production will suffer as will the welfare of cattle. Long term, sheep, beef and dairy production will be affected into next year.

There is little that can be done with this drought for animal welfare and production. However, let us look positively to the future.

I am of the opinion that the benefits of establishing tree lucerne as a fodder crop on farms to support livestock during stress periods because of feed shortages from whatever cause should be encouraged and supported by everyone. . .

A big call on imported pig meat:

With the Court of Appeal dismissing NZPork’s appeal over the Import Health Standard for imported pig meat, Federated Farmers believes this now leaves considerable uncertainty.

“We were not surprised at the outcome because the Court of Appeal case was limited to an examination of process and not science,” says Dr William Rolleston, Federated Farmers Food Production spokesperson.

“It seems inevitable raw pork will be imported from countries which have the Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS). . .

Waikato Times letter of the month – Quote Unquote:

The skinny: we’ve had a drought over the whole country because farmers use PKE as a stock-feed supplement, which causes climate change. And something about chocolate. I have passed this on to my wife’s colleagues at AgResearch in Ruakura as the connection probably hadn’t occurred to them.. .

Let’s not be petty

A reading often used at weddings concludes with the words, in marriage the little things are the big things.

This also applies to politics.

Petty issues become more important than major ones.

So it is with the suggestion that car parks provided for employers be subject to fringe benefit tax.

A tax system should be fair and there is no doubt that a free car park is a fringe benefit.

But would the costs, to the IRD and employers, justify the money raised?

I doubt it and  Finance Minister Bill English says that if compliance costs prove too onerous the Government may reconsider the proposal.

The government got rid of gift duty in its first term because the costs didn’t justify the revenue it brought in. It would be silly to impose other taxes where the benefit isn’t worth the cost in this term.

National has an ambitious Business Growth Agenda, it shouldn’t be sabotaged by petty taxes.

Rural Women NZ”s creed begins:

Keep us, O God, from pettiness;
Let us be large in thought, in word, and deed. . .

That’s good advice for governments too.

RWNZ “Feeling Rotten” survey

Rural Women New Zealand has launched a “Feeling Rotten” survey on the causes and effects of anxiety and depression in rural communities.

“In 2006 our “Feeling Rotten” survey revealed a high level of anxiety and depression in rural areas,” says Rural Women NZ executive officer, Noeline Holt. “Causes varied, but for women, post-natal depression was reported as a significant factor.”

“We’d like to know what’s changed in the six years since then, to help guide us in our advocacy role, and in providing practical help in rural communities.”

Rural Women NZ is working with agricultural-based organisations such as Federated Farmers and Dairy Women’s Network to find ways of combating depression following recently released figures from the Ministry of Health showing there are significantly more suicides per head of population in rural than in urban areas. . .

“We recently provided funding for extensive counselling services to rural families in Canterbury following the earthquakes, for example,” says Ms Holt.

She says most people have felt the blues or been pessimistic or unfulfilled at some point in their lives.

“These feelings may be driven initially by anxiety, particularly if we have no control over what is causing our anxiety. While it is normal to feel these emotions, if they continue for too long they may be signs of depression.”

Anyone who lives in a rural areas is invited to participate in the survey which is here.

Postman pat-on-the-back Award to Hokitika

Rural Women NZ’s Postman-pat-on-the-back award has gone to Hokitika’s Diane Howe.

Out of 22 entries, we’re delighted to announce the winner of our Postman pat-on-the-back Award is Diane Howe of Hokitika, who was nominated separately by Anne van Beek and Di Strang.

Diane Howe fell into the role of postie, RD2 Hokitika, after her husband Bernie died following an accident delivering mail in the area.  Diane didn’t want to let his customers down, so took on the run herself.  That was 12 years ago and she now travels 52,000 kilometres a year and has 499 clients. Diane’s help has been legendary, says Anne van Beek.  “It’s never a problem to deliver medicine, packages or whatever may have been urgently requested.”

Di Strang agrees.  “She’s a character and has one of the most generous natures I have ever seen.”  Di  says Diane Howe’s friendly face at the mailbox helped her overcome loneliness when she moved to the area nine years ago.  Since then Diane’s given gifts to each new baby that’s come along as well as older siblings, and at Easter all the children get a treat.

After the Christchurch earthquakes Diane packaged up 17 boxes of lego she had at home, and with Di’s help, sent them to children who’d faced loss.

Diane reports road problems to the council, along with suggested solutions.  If children are seen waiting for the mail, Diane explains where they should wait so they are not in danger.

Anne says Diane’s been a godsend.  “Reliable affable and always ready to go the extra mile, to help out wherever she can.”

If you click on the link above it will take you to the other 21 nominees.

Rural round-up

NZ beef carbon footprint study highlights productivity gains

The New Zealand beef industry has completed a study1 examining the full carbon footprint of New Zealand beef, and it highlights significant productivity gains.

Beef + Lamb New Zealand General Manager Market Access, Ben O’Brien says the study was driven by the industry’s sustainability focus and the dual challenges posed by an increasing global population and pressure on the planet’s limited resources.

“We see this study as making a valuable contribution to the global livestock production story and we will be contributing the results of this study to the FAO work programme on environmental performance of livestock food chains.” . . .

A tale of two countries on pest control – Bruce Wills:

Sometimes we Kiwis don’t appreciate how good we’ve got it.

That truth was rammed home to me in a discussion I had with a visiting British academic, Dr Gareth Enticott.

Dr Enticott is looking into lessons that could be taken back to Britain to deal with their Bovine Tuberculosis (TB) problem.

He was also on the West Coast earlier in the week to meet with one of our board members, Katie Milne. . .

Merino mitts a hot seller – Rebecca Ryan:

Tucked away just off Oamaru’s main street is Kate Watts’ boutique studio – the home of her popular range of fine merino fingerless gloves.

 From Auckland to Invercargill, Miss Watts has about 100 stockists of her hand-printed range, but she is thrilled with the way they have taken off in Oamaru.

“The small towns are definitely the biggest part of my business. There’s a surprising number of small towns across the country and that seems to be where we make most of the money,” she said. . .

Ram testing has lifted quality of lamb flock - Jacquie Webby:

In the 10 years since it was introduced, Central Progeny testing has become a recognised tool for New Zealand sheep farmers.

Launched in June 2002, the Central Progeny Test (CPT) helps farmers identify rams that are superior for traits which add value to sheep farming operations.

The tests compare rams by running their progeny in identical environments, allowing a comparison not by environmental conditions but by genetics. . .

Sowing seeds of new hobby - Jacquie webby:

Rural schoolchildren are being encouraged to experience the magic of growing vegetables and fruit trees – helped along by hopefully securing one of two grants from Rural Women New Zealand.

The organisation has joined forces with Meridian, which is funding two $2000 cash grants for schools to buy equipment, seedlings or plants.

National president Liz Evans said knowing how to grow fruit and vegetables was a basic skill that would stand children in good stead during their lives. . . .

Progressive global beef and lamb developments:

While a PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) report for New Zealand Trade & Enterprise (NZTE) points towards growing New Zealand agribusiness globally, Craig Hickson, of Hawke’s Bay based Progressive Meats, proves there is opportunity left in our traditional markets.

“While we must maximise the potential of New Zealand’s land resource, there is an inescapable logic about taking our intellectual property and skills globally,” says Jeanette Maxwell, Federated Farmers Meat & Fibre chairperson.

“If we take a leaf from the automotive industry, Toyota now makes most of its vehicles outside Japan. . .

Dairy NZ is calling for applciations for its On-Farm Innovation Fund:

The On-Farm Innovation Fund helps turn great ideas into better on farm  practice. It is aimed specifically at farmers, people who work with farmers and  smaller organisations that would not normally have ready access to innovation  and research funding.

Projects that are funded will demonstrate their success by showing on farm  improvements that can be readily and easily taken up by New Zealand dairy  farmers. . .

Entries called for Rural Women New Zealand Journalism Award

Rural Women New Zealand is calling for entries for its Journalism Award 2012, which will be presented at the NZ Guild of Agricultural Journalists Awards in Wellington on 12 October.

Rural Women NZ began sponsoring the prize five years ago to encourage journalists to redress a serious gender imbalance in the rural media, and turn their attention to the achievements of women living and working in rural communities.

It’s a strategy that’s paid off, says RWNZ national president, Liz Evans.

“At last year’s awards, there were more entries in the Rural Women New Zealand Journalism Award category than any other, reflecting much more balanced reporting in the rural media.”

There’s also been a growth in the number of women working as rural reporters. . .

Entries in the RWNZ Journalism Award 2012 must be of two articles, radio broadcasts or television programmes based on the theme of ‘rural women making a difference’.

“This could be in the sense of community involvement, on farm, or in another rural-based business or activity.”

Entries close Monday 10 September 2012.  Any New Zealand-based journalist or communicator is eligible to enter the award. The winner will receive $500.

Clicking on the link above will take you to a link to entry forms.

Postie pat on back awards launched

Rural Women New Zealand is launching a Postman pat-on-the-back Award to celebrate the great service rural posties deliver.

“There are some heart-warming stories out there about posties who go above and beyond to make sure the mail gets through,” says RWNZ national president, Liz Evans.

“We’ve heard of posties who find the right home for mail addressed only with first names, who telephone first before delivering large parcels or who leave sweet treats in letterboxes.”

And in a crisis the rural delivery contractors can be a lifeline.  During floods, when bridges have been washed away, rural posties have been known to deliver supplies by boat to people whose road access is cut off.

Entries should be emailed to  enquiries@ruralwomen.org.nz, The 10 best will be  published on Rural Women’s Facebook page, the winner will get a prize package and the winning postie will get a gift too.

North Otago is the only place in the country which denotes rural mail runs with a letter. Where anywhere else your address might be 2 R.D. Heriot or 5 R.D. Te Anau, here it will be a number then C,D, H, K or O before the R.D., for example 3 C R.D. or 5 K R.D. The letter is more important than the number but is often missed out so our posties are called on to make educated guesses about where mail is supposed to go and they rarely get it wrong.

We haven’t had to ask our current rural mail contractor to go the extra mile for us, though we’re very happy with the service we get.

But the one we had about 20 years ago was very good at deciphering cryptic of vague addresses. He once delivered a postcard to us that had our first names only with the address a farm near Windsor.

16 finalists in Enterprising Rural Women awards

Sixteen finalists have been selected for Rural Women NZ’s  Enterprising Rural Women Awards:

The judges now face the challenging task of choosing the North and South Island and Online Business category finalists.  These three category winners will go on to compete for the title of Supreme winner, Enterprising Rural Women Award 2012.

 “This is the fourth year we’ve run the Enterprising Rural Women Award, and it’s encouraging to see the diversity of businesses being run by women in rural areas,” says RWNZ National President, Liz Evans. 

“Celebrating their success and raising awareness of women’s entrepreneurship is an important way in which we can help grow dynamic communities.”

Entries in this year’s Telecom North Island category include an alpaca farmer, a bra designer and manufacturer, an importer/retailer, an export-focused food and beverage consultant, a writer, a soil specialist and an educator on biological farming.

The variety of entrants in the new Online Business Award category, sponsored by Fly Buys, illustrates the opportunities that the internet offers and the way it is levelling the playing field when it comes to doing business in a rural location.  The entrants include an online store focused on motherhood resources and products, a writer and author, a natural skincare manufacturer and a dog equipment company.

 The South Island category, sponsored by Access Homehealth Ltd, attracted the most entries this year, with businesses ranging from an eco-based tourist park, to a designer clothing manufacturer and retailer, a tourism publisher, a livestock brokering software and support company, a travel broker and a beauty and day spa.

The finalists are:

NORTH ISLAND AWARD
Kim Fagan, Cluster of small businesses, Te Kuiti.  www.3gteak.co.nz; www.bb-nz.com; www.smarty-pants.co.nz; www.buykiwimade.co.nz.

Kim Fagan began her retailing hub company in 2003 in a vibrant cluster of buildings in Te Kuiti.  3G Teak stands for three girls, three generations, three girls.  Kim, her mother and her daughter.  The retail outlets 3G Teak selling handcrafted gifts and homeware; Cantik Living – designs for the home; BB NZ (corporate and promotional marketing); Elements (outdoor pots, waterfeatures and landscape products); Smarty Pants (creative and educational play for kids); BuyKiwiMade.  Kim has won many awards for business and in 2010 3G Teak was officially named the Top Giftware and Homewares Shop in the Waikato by the NZ Retailers’ Association and in 2011 was one of three finalists in the 2011 Waikato Business Excellence Awards Leader of the Year.  Kim undertakes the marketing and operational requirements of each business.

Kim uses interesting marketing strategies.  All stores have an in store web kiosk available for customers browsing to promote products offered online.  3G Teak now trades nationwide and internationally.  In order to meet compliance 3G Teak has its own devanning facility so imported containers can be unloaded onsite.  Kim has a MAF Facility Operators Licence and MAF Accredited Persons Licence.

Through her business Kim contributes to the wider rural community attracting people to come and shop in Te Kuiti and providing employment for nine families in the community.

Kylie Gibbard, Emkay Limited Levin,  www.emkaygirl.com

Emkay Ltd designs, manufactures and wholesales the Emkay Bra.  Its unique design was launched onto the NZ market in November 2010.  The bra evolved from Kylie’s need to find a bra that provided comfort and support and that she could wear all day out on the farm.  It was originally designed for the 14DD+ market and took five years of design and component testing before it was released.  It’s now available in 8B to 40HH.  Production is based on the farm at Koputaroa, 10 minutes north of Levin and are proud of their Kiwi-designed and made product, made with highest quality components and a local labour force which now includes 4 full time and 2 part time factory staff, 1 NZ sales rep, 1 admin and customer services manager as well as Kylie and her partner Darrell Stratton.  Kylie has a sales focus and Darrell focuses on the running of the factory and business.

The company now has 35 NZ stockists and has broken into the Australian market.

Emkay is a truly rural based company with its design at the heart of rural living.  With a number 8 wire and can do attitude, Kylie and Darrell’s unique Emkay Bra is set to revolutionise the bra industry.

Leonie Walker, Nevalea Alpacas, Taumarunui, www.nevaleaalpacas.co.nz.

Leonie began her business in 2007 with the purchase of two female alpacas with cria at foot.  Now she has a herd of 340 alpacas and she employs six part time hand knitters.  The fibre is used in the garments and products sold in Leonie’s farm shop.  Each animal’s fleece is individually processed, and Leonie designs the garments and felted products.  All garments are hand sewn, and they offer a made to measure service.  Products are also sold via an online shop.

Lucy Cruickshank, Innov8 Aotearoa Ltd – Masterton.

Two years ago Lucy Cruickshank decided it was time to set up her own export-focused food and beverage consultancy with the skills she’d gleaned from 10 years in the international sales and marketing sector of NZ agri business.

The business works with start-ups through to large multi-million dollar operations.  She not only assists client with strategies, but also gives the operator the confidence to follow through with implementation.

Lucy says her point of difference is the business’ focus on rural based food and beverage producers.

She has done consultancy work for a range of businesses, providing innovative marketing and sales strategies and implementation, and analysing global market trends.  She has also established and sold her first brand – Pure Aotearoa – to a large trading company.  She has also set up a national food distribution business – Pure Wairarapa Limited – to complement the food and beverage consultancy work she does.  Lucy won a trip to Japan sponsored by the Japanese Government to further relationships in the agri-business sector with the JENESYS programme, which allowed her to develop exports to Japan for Innov8 and her clients.  She recently won a Grow Wellington scholarship to attend the Activate programme.

Sue Edmonds, The Farming Writer,  Eureka Waikato.

Sue Edmonds is a regular attendee at farming events and conferences and is a keen analyst, interpreting the significant issues arising and then translating them into ‘farmer speak’ for her readers.  She currently writes for Coast & Country, Rural News and Dairy News and contributes heavily to the New Farm Dairies publication which is distributed nationally.  She has spent the last fourteen odd years living on a lifestyle block in Eureka in the Waikato where she cares for a pair of cows, donkeys and goats.

Nicole Masters, Integrity Soils – Waipukurau www.integritysoils.co.nz.

Integrity Soils is a specialist business providing educational services and books to the rural sector throughout NZ and Australia.  In a ‘soils first’ approach the business focuses on putting control back into farmers’ hands in regards to nutrients and soil, crop and animal management.  It aims to support farmer learning to ensure food quality produced is the best in the world.  As biological farming moves into the mainstream, Nicole’s passion that she has pursued for the last 10 years since graduating from Otago, is becoming a reality.  She says “many on farm issues can be solved through improved observation skills and proactive management as opposed to the reactive model currently favoured.”

Nicole started her business to fit around being a single mum in a rural community, starting with a commercial worm farm supplying worm products, compost works and delivering school education programmes.  In 2003-4 she became the youngest chair on the board of Soil & Health in its 70 year history.  She is now an independent agricultural extension agent, working out of Waipukurau in Central Hawke’s Bay.  She organises conferences on biological farming, runs workshops here and in Australia, and promotes eco-agriculture through writing articles in rural papers, establishing farming networks and covering all sectors from dairy, beef, viticulture, horticulture, market gardening etc.

Nicole believes there are many incredible women who have played pivotal roles in shaping agriculture, and she believes now more than ever farming requires this feminine quality, working with nature in a more nurturing and empathetic manner.

ONLINE AWARD

Frances McInnes, Breastmates, Cambridge  www.breastmates.co.nz

Breastmates is an online store that started from humble beginnings in 2004 with $50 start up  and a one page website.  It started as a hobby while Frances was on maternity leave when a bad shopping experience helped identify a gap in the market for a breastfeeding specialty store.  This has now evolved into a trusted maternity brand with quality products and reputation.  The business operates solely through online sales and retails many brands, plus the company’s own designs and branded product range.  The online store focuses on motherhood and supporting mothers with their choices as well as selling products.  It has a large community of 13,000 Facebook followers, and an extensive base of resources (over 2,500 articles).  It also has a child birth educator and lactation consultant available to answer questions and an easy to use website.

The community and article base builds trust and potential customers and Frances believes that if they help people and give their time they will come back and purchase, or refer the store to their friends.  Supporting mothers is the key to the business, rather than selling products, and that is the key to Breastmates’ success.  The company has had steady increasing sales and performance since start up and is currently building international sales.

Rae Roadley – Writer and author – Maungaturoto, www.raeroadley.co.nz.

After moving to the city to a beef and sheep farm in Kaipara, Northland, in 2000, Rae’s work as a writer has evolved to accommodate her rural location, dreams and goals.  She has transitioned from being a full time newspaper journalist to being self-employed.  Initially she wrote for business and freelance articles, but is now also an author, columnist and writing tutor.  Rae currently writes for the Northern Advocate, NZ Concrete Society and Scene magazine. After several years as a columnist she submitted some of her columns to Penguin Books, which led to her publishing a memoir about her life at Batley, the Roadley family’s historic home, and the area’s history.  Love at the End of the Road was published in 2011, fulfilling a long held dream to become an author.  She tutors the Non-Fiction programme at NorthTec, with all the work done online.  In fact 95% of Rae’s work is now done online, and her promotional tools have grown to encompass social media.  Rae and husband Rex will feature in an episode of Country Calendar, filmed in early March.

Stephanie Kimpton – Oasis Beauty NZ Limited – Oxford – www.oasisbeauty.co.nz.

Stephanie says Oasis Beauty is a perfect example of what can happen when a person gets carried away with their hobby.  It happened to her 12 years ago when she discovered a book on how to make your own skincare products.  After producing a range of products with sister in law Donna Evans they began to sell by party plan, “the best product development any company could do”.  With this first hand feedback she researched, consulted suppliers and fine tuned her products.  Now Oasis Beauty offers a natural skincare range, with the point of difference being its specialisation in sensitive skin, sun protection and skin repair.  The company sells through beauty clinics, health stores and pharmacies and online.  All products are manufactured in a Christchurch GM-approved factory and each batch undergoes lab testing before going out into the market.  Ingredients are sourced in NZ as much as possible and the products are ‘cruelty free’. Oasis has grown from kitchen enterprise to factory-made in Christchurch and despite the Canterbury earthquakes and their aftermath has continued to grow its business, now employing two permanent part time staff and  casual labour to assist with preparing product samples and packing orders.  Stephanie works by the rule ‘treat people the way you want to be treated’.

The earthquakes caused Stephanie to review the business and a decision to focus more strongly on online sales to improve cash flow and profitability.  ‘The internet gives Oasis Beauty’ the same platform as every other business to showcase its products, services and points of difference.  It doesn’t matter whether a business is big, small, town or country-based, the internet levels the playing field.

SOUTH ISLAND AND ONLINE AWARD
Lynn Bridson, Bellbird Ranch Ltd, Owaka -  www.catlinsnz.com

Bellbird Ranch Ltd in which Lynn is a 50% shareholder is a company that operates McLean Falls Holiday Park and Whistling Frog Cafe & Bar in the Catlins.  Having bought and run a sheep farm and planted a forest in the region (over 1 million seedlings) in 1996, Lynn recognised the tourist potential.  In 2001 Lynn purchased a farm that was located at a strategic intersection on the Southern Scenic Route and the iconic Cathedral Caves and McLean Falls intersection.  The run down sheep farm also included 100 ha of native bush, since fenced off.  Coming from a hospitality background, Lynn and her husband’s introduction to sheep and beef farming was a steep learning curve.  When the Southern Scenic Route was tar sealed in 2005 the couple gauged there were sufficient travellers to support a tourism business including a holiday park, motel and chalets and on site cafe and bar.

The extremely remote location presented its own challenges  with no cellphone coverage or broadband.  But despite being ‘the worst place in New Zealand to do business’ Lynn recognised the potential of the scenic wonderland.  They used an eco theme and recycled buildings and cabins, and based the decor on a Kiwiana theme.  They planted 10,000 natives to attract bird life, and a pond to offer habitat to the resident endangered Whistling frogs.  Lynn handles the daily operations for the park which can now offers 60 beds and accommodation for 100 tenters and campervaners.  It is often full. The business has boosted the local economy and employs 7 fulltime workers during the high season.  Tour buses also regularly stop by.

Rose Voice, The Real Dog Equipment Company Limited, Ranfurly; www.realdog.co.nz.

Rose’s passion for dogs has been with her for 30 years.  At that stage she was immersed in sled dog racing with Alaskan Malamute dogs, and imported gear from the US.  Being ‘a fairly sufficient sort of girl’ Rose thought ‘I can make that’.  She purchased an industrial sewing machine and set up costs came partly from the sale of a litter of puppies.  She developed a few articles of gear, and then a website to sell it through.  Her idea was that if she had a website and a courier she could live anywhere.  She sources materials, hardware and fabrics of high quality and guarantees her work.  A musterer came to the Southern Field days with his collar that he’d bought 9 years ago that had out-lived two dogs!

Her business has grown and diversified, including lifting strops for search & rescue dogs, collars for seeing-eye dogs and dog backpacks, life jackets, bungy leads all designed and tested by Rose.  She has expanded into the alpaca industry making halters, ropes and backpacks, as well as award winning Limited Slip dog collars used by the country’s top sheep dog trialists, and bull show halters and horse handling ropes.

Last year her husband retired from Police work to work with Rose and they moved to the Maniototo building a home and purpose built workshop and space for their 14 dogs.

Now they send gear all over the world, and even send sled dog equipment to Alaska!

They use YouTube and Facebook to make and show instruction movies for people struggling with a training issue or use of a piece of equipment.

SOUTH ISLAND AWARD

Christine Wardell, ChritinZ – Balclutha -  www.christinz.co.nz.

Christine started out designing a comfortable pair of pants to wear while recovering from an operation in 2006 and the business grew as she started making pants for friends and family until it became a full time occupation and the ChristinZ label was born.  The range grew to include skirts, jackets, tunics, dresses cardigans, coats and more. Clothes are made to order and many different fabrics are used to provide garments with an individualised look. Now she sells ‘on the road’ at shows and fieldays, as well as ‘pop up shops’ where she bases herself at a different South Island locate for three days at a time.

She also has a website shop and mail order service, meaning location is not  a barrier to supply.

She now employs a part time sewer and some of her clothing manufacture is outsourced.  Despite the range now including over 30 different garments , her original pants are still her Number 1 seller.

 

Amy Lamb, Tourist Times – Waikari, www.holidayhere.co.nz.

Five years ago, Amy Lamb purchased her first business, Tourist Times Canterbury.  After proving doubters wrong about the ability to run a business such as this from Waikari, along with farming and raising children, she has gone on to purchase the Otago/Southland and Nelson/Marlborough/West Coast regions of the monthly tabloid regional newspaper business.  The publications promote local businesses and regional destinations, with each newspaper run under a licence agreement.  Amy’s introduction to the media began at the NZ Broadcasting School where she studied for a Bachelor of Broadcasting Communications.  She is married to a North Canterbury sheep and beef farmer, and she sees her business as being all about communications and providing opportunities to allow businesses, regions, destinations, communities and people she works with to grow.  Building strong partnerships in her business meant that after the Canterbury earthquakes she didn’t miss an edition, and in fact provided the only updated printed information directly intended for visitors.

Jennifer Scott, Livestock Office, Cromwell  www.livestockoffice.com

After many years developing and selling software products relating to farming businesses, Jennifer now focuses on promoting Livestock Office a professional, specialised and comprehensive software package incorporating the latest advances in technology.  The aim is to provide the agricultural sector with innovative, reliable and affordable software.

Jennifer undertakes sales, training and support.  LivestockOffice is the only specialised Livestock Brokering software developed in New Zealand for NZ conditions, but with potential to be used internationally, which is the company’s focus for the immediate future.  It can be tailored to suit any livestock business from a one man band to the corporate level.  Modules available include mass communications, auction transfer, document manager, web sale using hand held devices and eSale using smart phones.  It includes debtors, creditors, cashbook and general ledger, GST calculator, reporting etc. It can handle all types of sales private, grazing, auction etc.

Lynne Sinclair, NZ Travel Broker – Five Forks.

Lynne is a self-employed travel broker living at Five Forks, 20 minutes inland from Oamaru.  Not restricted to the bricks and mortar of a traditional travel agency, she is able to fulfil her clients needs around the clock, from home.  She deals with air travel, accommodation, rental cars, cruising, coach tours, groups and special interest, sightseeing, foreign exchange, insurance, visas passports and more.  She’s been a travel broker for 15 years and is still passionate about travel.  In November 2011 she was placed 1^st in QBE Travel Insurance Broker of the Year, and GO Holidays Broker of the Year.  When not travelling, virtually or actually, she helps on the family’s 305 hectare farm.

Sarah Huggins, Inspire Beauty & Day Spa – Waimate.

Sarah’s vision is to create an oasis of peace and tranquillity where you can soothe your mind, relax your body and renew your spirit.  She is the operator of Inspire Beauty and Day Spa in Waimate, where she’s lived most of her life, and lives on a farm.  But she’s no country bumpkin.  She has a strong passion for living on the cutting edge of style and fashion and says her calling is to make people feel good about themselves.  After graduating from beauty training school in Christchurch nine and a half years ago, she worked in Oamaru and Timaru, honing her product knowledge and developing her passion for specialised skincare.  She was however keen to help Waimate to become more self-sufficient in service and retail, with many people shopping and spending outside of the local area.  And so Inspire was born in 2008 and she became her own boss.  She now employs another person, and brings the benefits of the big city experience to the small town Pop. 3000.  She offers facials, skincare consultation, manicures, pedicures, massage, waxing, electrolysis, tanning, make up, weight loss programmes, botox and more.

The winners will be announced at a special ceremony to be held on the opening night of the RWNZ national conference in Hawera on Monday 21 May.

It’s Aftersocks Day

Rural Women NZ have declared today Aftersocks Day.

“Our aftersocks™ have been a huge success since their launch in July, with tens of thousands of dollars raised for the Christchurch Mayoral Fund,” says RWNZ National President, Liz Evans.

On 2 September Rural Women New Zealand is urging all its aftersocks™ customers to pull on a pair and to send in photos of where they get to in their socks.

Rural Women New Zealand members around the country will be hitting the streets selling aftersocks™, making sure everyone around the country has a pair to wear.

Sunday is the first anniversary of the Canterbury earthquake and the earth is still moving.

A 4.9 magnitude shake woke up Christchurch this morning, following  4.0 and 4.8 shakes yesterday.

Women on land writing competition

Rural Women is inviting entries for its Women on the Land writing competition.

South Canterbury members of Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) are producing an antholoby with the theme “Women on the Land”, and are running a competition to find winning pieces to include. 

“We’re looking for stories and poems about the pioneering women who shaped our land as well as the farming women of today,” says Margaret Chapman, RWNZ’s South Canterbury Provincial President.

“The anthology is a special way to recognise and record the lives of these women and their valuable contribution to the rich tapestry of rural life.   

“We’d like writing about how the women felt, how they coped and what gave them the courage, determination and inspiration to do what they did and continue to do,” says Chapman.

The nationwide competition is open to both men and women.  The entries (which may include works of fiction as well as non-fiction and poetry) will be judged, with first, second and third prizes of $500, $250 and $100. 

Entries close on August 21st. Entry forms are here.

Aftersocks for aftershocks

Warming hearts, warming toes, warming Cantabrians – that’s the idea behind aftersocks.

It’s a fundraising venture for Canterbury earthquake relief which was thought up by Justine and Jo Ottey. They went to Rural Women NZ who enlisted the help of Ashburton company NZ Socks.

The result is red and black merino blend socks with a fault-line pattern  selling for $20 a pair with all proceeds going to the Mayoral Relief Fund.

The socks will be officially launched on Thrusday  by Wellington Mayor of Wellington, Celia Wade Brown then at parliament by Jackie Blue MP.

You can read more on Facebook.

Lisa Harper wins Enterprsing Rural Women Award

Lisa Harper of Sherington Grange is the 2011 winner of Rural Women NZ’s Enterprising Rural Women Award.

The business provides accommodation, food and activities, including cheese making and fishing  on a 400 acre working farm in Marlborough.

Runner-ups were  sisters Maria-Fe Rohrlach and Bernadine Guilleux. Their business, Nestling produces organis merino and cotton baby wraps and slings.

This is the third year Rural Women has run the awards. It’s a wonderful initiative which not only rewards the winners but highlights the achievements of rural businesswomen.

Enterprising Rural Women finalists

Rural Women NZ has announced the finalists for its third annual Enterprising Rural Women Awards.

The South Island winner, sponsored by Telecom, is Lisa Harper of Sherrington Grange.

RWNZ says:

 Lisa supplies accommodation, food and educational experiences to a niche market on her farm in the Marlborough Sounds.  Lisa has built on family tradition and the skills she learned as a child, and now produces some of the best cheeses in New Zealand. 

She has developed a wide range of goats’ and cows’ milk cheeses, including full strength European-style cheeses that are not common here.  Deliberately cross-marketing her products and services, Lisa also caters for the growing market of travellers who seek experiences, rather than simply accommodation.  Many visitors come to take one of Lisa’s cheese making classes as part of their Marlborough Sounds’ stay.

The North Island winner is Nestling, a business run by sisters Maria-Fe Rohrlach and Bernadine Guilleux. 

RWNZ says:

Based in Mamaku, Rotorua, Nestling produces organic merino and cotton baby wraps and slings.  The judges were impressed by Nestling’s use of New Zealand materials and their commitment to manufacturing onshore, as well as their innovative designs, where modern fabrics and colours are fused with the traditional methods of wrapping and carrying babies. 

Judges were Liz Evans, Rural Women New Zealand’s National President, Tina Symmans, Telecom’s  director of corporate relations, and John Ayling, chairman of Access Homehealth.

The awards aim to celebrate rural business women and promote their achievements. Among criteria judges consider are: innovation, rural enterprise, points of difference;  product and service quality, meeting compliance requirements, environmental awareness;  marketing and promotion, including evidence that the business is progressing;  financial performance and economic inputs into the rural community; staff management and/or personal development.

The North and South Island winners will attend the Awards ceremony at the RWNZ national conference on Friday 20 May when the overall winner will be announced.

Calling enterprising rural women

Rural Women NZ has opened entries for its third annual Enterprising Rural Women award.

“The Award celebrates women who take on the extra challenge of running a business in a rural area and it’s a great opportunity to boost your business profile,” says RWNZ National President Liz Evans.

Past entrants have received extensive media coverage and seen the positive effects on their businesses.

Last year’s Supreme winner, Tineke Verkade, of Homeopathic Farm Support Limited, says winning the 2010 RWNZ Enterprising Rural Women Award has led to three appearances on television, as well as radio shows and numerous newspaper articles throughout the country.

“Winning the Award was really a boost for the staff and for me.” 

She says it has made her more enthusiastic and given her the confidence to come up with strategies to cope with the recession, including new products that are currently being tested by Massey, and writing a book on homeopathy for horses.

Last year’s South Island winner, Tracey Robinson, who runs children’s merino sock company Cosy Toes Ltd from the tiny town of Rotherham in North Canterbury, says her win has had a very positive spin off. 

“I’m definitely busier because of it.”

The RWNZ Enterprising Rural Women Award 2011 is being sponsored by Telecom and Access Homehealth Ltd, who will both be involved in the judging.

Entries close Friday 18 March 2011 and the award ceremony will take place in Auckland in May.,

Further information and entry forms can be found here or by calling (04) 473 5524.

Jon Morgan wins Rural Women ag journalism award

Jon Morgan from the Dominion Post has won Rural Women New Zealand’s 2010 award for  journalists who highlight acheivements of rural women.

He was commended for writing stories which shine a spotlight on rural issues for a largely urban readership.

The Runner-up for the award was Liz Brook, who writes for Central Districts Farmer.

“We set up the award with the Guild two years ago to encourage greater balance in rural journalism,” says Rural Women New Zealand National President, Liz Evans. 

 “It is rewarding to see more articles being written about women in rural communities achieving extraordinary things, both in farming and in the general rural environment. 

Morgan’s winning stories were: Sweet smell of lambing success and Unlocking women’s rural skills .

Brooks winning stories were: Beefing up the meat industry and Staying true to the land and to God.

These awards were announced at the Guild of Agricultural Journalist’s annual dinner. Other winners were:

BNZ Partners’ Rongo Award recognising excellence in agricultural journalism: Richard Rennie,  for a portfolio of articles which appeared in NZ Farmers Weekly and NZ Dairy Exporter, focussing on issues around the possible sale of the Crafar farms to overseas interests.

Runner-up: the team from NZX Agri’s Country-Wide monthly newspaper, for a series of 12 articles entitled Prime Movers, largely the work of journalist Sandra Taylor.

 BNZ Partners ‘ Farm Business Writing Award: Sandra Taylor, for two articles in the Prime Mover’s series which appeared in Country-Wide.

 AgResearch Science Writers Award, established to enhance standards of science writing, especially about pastoral agriculture: Jon Morgan.

 Horticulture New Zealand Journalism Award, set up last year to recognise excellence in agricultural journalism focussing on New Zealand’s horticulture industry: Jon Morgan. 

 AGMARDT Agribusiness Award, which recognises high quality information about and effective analysis of national, global and other agribusiness: Herald On Sunday journalist, Maria Slade.

Federated Farmers Rural Photography Award, for a single photo that illustrates a rural event or activity – agricultural, horticultural, industry, human interest, on farm / off farm, or any activity reflecting life or work in rural New Zealand: NZX Agri journalist and photographer, Marie Taylor.

The Guild’s own award, designed to encourage and recognise excellence among journalists with three or fewer years reporting on agricultural issues, The Agricultural Journalism Encouragement Award: Blair Ensor of the Marlborough Express.

MPs getting plastered

First it was Young Farmers, now MPs are getting plastered  too.

The Parliamentary ‘Let’s Get Plastered for Breast Cancer’ event is part of a nationwide campaign by Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) to remind women of the importance of staying in touch with their breast health.

Thirty MPs and staff are taking part, making plaster casts of their busts, which will be revealed at an anonymous exhibition of breast sculptures to be held at Parliament next Tuesday, 12 October.

“We are delighted that MPs and parliamentary staff are supporting this event.  It’s a fun way to highlight the need for women to monitor their breast health and stay alert to any changes,” says RWNZ National President, Liz Evans. 

“Breast screening is the best tool for diagnosing breast cancer, but for women outside the 45-69 year age range covered by the national screening programme, self-awareness is vital.”

Next week’s event at the Beehive is being hosted by National list MP Dr Jackie Blue, who was also New Zealand’s first breast physician.  She maintains a keen interest in breast cancer awareness.

Rural Women is selling plaster kits for $10 with the profits donated the the NZ Breast Cancer Foundation. More than 20 breast sculpture events have been organised around the country.

Young Farmers getting plastered

Young Farmers are getting plastered for a good cause.

They’re fronting up to support A Rural Women New Zealand’s initiative to highlight the need for women of all ages to be alert to any changes in their breasts.

 Let’s Get Plastered for Breast Cancer  is a nationwide event involves women, and some men, creating plaster sculptures of their torsos, which are going on display in galleries and cafes all over the country for Breast Cancer Awareness month in October.

Rural Women New Zealand will donate profits from the sale of the plaster kits to the NZ Breast Cancer Foundation.

RWNZ National President Liz Evans says “We are delighted that the Wellington Young Farmers are supporting this campaign.  By creating personal sculptures, we hope these young women will be reminded to take a hands-on approach to regularly monitoring their breasts.”

Wellington Young Farmers Chairman Erica van Reenen says “We had great fun making our casts and it certainly broke down the barriers, as well as reinforcing the serious message behind this campaign.”

And the fun doesn’t stop there.  The women will be displaying their decorated breast sculptures at the Wellington Young Farmers’ Ball on 16 October, where they’ll be up for auction.

“As well as donating money to the NZ Breast Cancer Foundation through Rural Women New Zealand, we plan to raise extra funds from the auction for rural people affected by the Canterbury earthquake,” says Ms van Reenen.

You can find details on how to get a plaster kit and tickets to the ball at Rural Women NZ on the link above.