More chances to win in this year’s RWNZ Enterprising Rural Women Awards
Entries are now open for the RWNZ Enterprising Rural Women Awards 2013, and with new entry categories this year there
are even more opportunities for rural women to be recognised for their success.
“This is the fourth year we’ve run the awards, and we encourage all women running small rural businesses to enter,” says
Rural Women NZ national president, Liz Evans.
The supreme Enterprising Rural Women Award will go to the winner of one of the following entry categories:
‘Love of the Land’ sponsored by Agrisea Limited – covering all land-based businesses, from animals to agriculture.
‘Help! I Need Somebody’ sponsored by Telecom – for businesses with a service-focus.
‘Making it in Rural’ – for women involved in manufacturing or creative enterprises.
‘Stay, Play Rural’ sponsored by Access Homehealth Limited – covering businesses engaged in rural tourism and
hospitality.
The awards are a real opportunity for women to boost their media profile and grow their businesses, says Mrs Evans.
It’s been a whirlwind year for Rose Voice of The Real Dog Equipment Company since she won the RWNZ Enterprising Rural
Women Award in May 2012. Booked for speaking engagements through to October, she has also taken on extra staff to keep
up with increased demand for her specialist dog products.
Winning the RWNZ Enterprising Rural Women Award 2011 was also a huge confidence boost for Marlborough cheesemaker Lisa
Harper, who says it was a stepping stone towards her being awarded a prestigious Nuffield Scholarship at the end of
2012.
To enter the awards, women have to own and operate a small business, with less than 10 full time equivalent staff, based
in a rural area. The business must have been running for at least two years. If in partnership, women must be an active
partner of 50 percent or more in the business.
Entries close Friday 15 March, and entry forms are available on www.ruralwomen.org.nz.
The awards will be presented at the Rural Women NZ national conference in Christchurch on 23 May 2013.
Each category winner will receive $1,000 in prize money and a trophy, with a further $1,000 going to the supreme winner.
ends