Stratford business woman Bronwyn Muir was named winner of the Help I need Somebody category at the Enterprising Rural Women Awards held in Nelson on Saturday, November 21.
The category, sponsored by Irricon Resource Solutions, was highly competitive according to competition organisers, with entrants including a fitness trainer, a counsellor, a clothing retailer, a rural broadband supplier as well as Bronwyn who provides farm safety services through her business, OnFarmSafety NZ.
The idea behind Bronwyn's business came when she was helping out one farmer who said she explained the legislation well and there is a need for farmers to understand health and safety law.
Three years on, OnFarmSafety NZ has turned into a sustainable business. Bronwyn and staff take time to explain and support each farmer through education on health and safety acts, codes, regulations and technical advice. Bronwyn and her team continue to create new ways and tools to assist the farmer to achieve health and safety compliance.
"Bronwyn is leading the way in health and safety and what is achievable in rural New Zealand business", Stacey Paton, office manager at OnfarmSafety NZ says.
"It is great to see her recognised nationally for the difference she makes every day in rural New Zealand."
Wendy McGowan, national president, Rural Women New Zealand says "in the seven years of this competition we have seen vibrant rural businesses increasingly appeal to urban residents, tourists and the rural community."
Winners:
Making it in Rural, Sponsored by NZ Post: Joanne Taylor, Latitude Media, Canterbury.
Help I Need Somebody, Sponsored by Irricon Resource Solutions: Bronwyn Muir, OnFarmSafety NZ.
Love of the Land, sponsored by Agrisea: Marie Taylor, Plant Hawkes Bay.
Stay, Play Rural, sponsored by Rural Women NZ: Kate Belcher, Revolution Tours Ltd, Glenorchy.
Certificate of Special Recognition in the Enterprising Rural Women Awards 2015: Bridget Canning, WizWireless Ltd, Masterton.
Emerging Enterprising Young Rural Woman: Chanelle Purser, Carvin Streetwear, Gore.