Tax and GST focus of dairy women's forum

The next monthly meeting of Dairy Women's Network will offer information to members about tax and GST returns.

If you are a woman working in the dairy industry then you will find the Dairy Women's Network offers a wealth of support for personal development.

The next monthly meeting the group is hosting will offer dairy women information about tax and GST returns.

Regional co-convener Mari Verboeket said they offered a forum for dairy women where they could develop and gain knowledge in an inspirational setting with like-minded people.

The next gathering will be held at Wild Oats Cafe in Carterton on Tuesday, November 5, at 10.15am, in the room upstairs at the cafe, with accountant Sharon Parkinson speaking about tax and GST returns for dairy farmers.

Any women involved in the industry are welcome to attend - just turn up.

"Our meetings are very casual. We support our local cafes."

Today women are very involved in the dairy farm business with many not only working alongside partners on the farm but helping out with the bookkeeping and some even ran farms themselves, Mrs Verboeket said.

"It's a fun casual environment. It gives them a chance to get off the farm and meet for a cuppa. It's about inspiring each other. We learn so many skills at these meetings. At one meeting they held a Pilates class. That was interesting."

Not only do the group meet regularly to support each other - some decided to attend annual Dairy Women's Network conferences.

Mrs Verboeket has attended and said they were just fantastic for gaining knowledge and skills.

This year's event was held in Nelson in March and was entitled Taking Down The Boundary Fences.

"You learn so much and get to meet so many people who work or are involved in the dairy industry. It's about networking as well as having fun."