Women's entries due for rural awards

Amy Dibley, 2016 Innovative Enterprising Rural Women Award and the Supreme Award winner for her business Physio Direct.

Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) invites entries from innovative and successful rural businesswomen, in horticulture, agricultural, dairy, tourism or any other rural sectors for this year's Enterprising Rural Women Awards.

The awards showcase the success of women operating businesses in rural locations and contributing to their local economy and community.

The competition has evolved over the years to promote entrepreneurship and encourage innovation in the use of technology in remote locations.

Winners of the awards have included women lifestyle publishers, honey producers, native nursery operators, physiotherapists and adventure-tourism providers.

Marian Hirst of Bay Blueberries from Hastings won the Love of the Land Award in 2016, sponsored by Agrisea Ltd. Marian is passionate about producing quality apples and blueberries in an environmentally-friendly and sustainable manner.

Bay Blueberries won the 2016 Ballance Farm Environmental Supreme Award for the East Coast Region.

"Being acknowledged with a 'Love of the Land' award in the Enterprising Rural Women Awards has given me the opportunity to connect with inspirational business women throughout New Zealand," says Marian.

"I have made friends, been inspired, challenged and encouraged by a strong and supportive local network of Rural Women New Zealand members, who truly understand what it means for me to be a woman in the business of horticulture."

Awards for 2017 include Emerging Enterprising Rural Woman Award, Innovative Enterprising Rural Woman Award, Entrepreneurial Enterprising Rural Woman Award and the Supreme Award - Enterprising Rural Woman Achievement Award for standout business success in the rural sector.

Entries close August 31 and application forms are available on the website https://www.ruralwomen.org.nz/