Black Heels and Tractor Wheels - Presented by Rural Women New Zealand

Today on the podcast, we chat with Sandra Alfeld. Sandra lives on Glenhope Station, 24,000 acre high country farm, about 30 minutes North of Hanmer Springs. Sandra was previously the National Partnership manager of Meat the Need and Feed Out. Sandra talks about succession, how off farm income can assist with the pathways to farm ownership, and how to grow your own community. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From press gallery to presentations, Penny Clark-Hall has a unique value proposition. She's been dissecting and discussing the importance of social license to operate for over half a decade. We talk about the evolution of the social license conversation and its critical importance still today, for both business and market access. Penny is raising a young family, alongside life on the farm and also navigating farm succession. So, she's got her hands full indeed. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Heather McKay is our inaugural associate board member for Rural Women New Zealand. Today on the podcast we chat about Heather's career development to date, along with her journey from the West Coast to the Tasman District. We also unpick pathways to dairy farm ownership, taking opportunities as they arise, and the importance of being purposeful in your career. Thanks so much for joining us Heather!  This is the last ep for 2024. See you in 2025!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Claire Edwards from the Tora Collective joins us on the Podcast today. We discuss Claire's journey from Golden Bay to Marlborough and now Tora. From University to bars in Wellington and finding soulmates, to starting a sustainable, catch to order kaimoana business. What strikes us about Claire is her really strong and uncompromising standards and values. She has a deep connection with the consumer, and does it all with the longevity of the environment in mind. Thanks for chatting with us Claire!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on the Black Heels and Tractor Wheels Podcast we have a great chat with Greer Paterson ✨ Greer lives on the Chatham Islands and provides us with an outlook of how truly unique and different Island life is. She talks us through the first moment she landed on the Chatham Islands, having never heard of it, or been there before she arrived. Her original plans changed and 6 years in, she is still on the Island

We have a chat with Sandra Matthews, Chair of RWNZ and local community legend. We yarn about engendering volunteering from a young age, developing identity as a woman coming onto a farm from outside, depression and anxiety, and also leadership pathways.  Sandra delivers some stellar advice on governance, leading yourself and leading others. Thank you so much Sandra for being so candid and open with us!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Send us a textWe speak to Mel Bennett, a progressive leader in New Zealand's horticulture industry ✨Mel has come a long way- From accidental beginnings in the avocado sector

Joining us on the Podcast is Nadine Tunley, CEO of Horticulture New Zealand. Nadine has always had a very strong connection with the food and fibre sector, having grown up in rural New Zealand. Prior to Hort NZ, Nadine was primarily in the apple and pear industry and Mānuka honey. Nadine candidly talks to Emma and Claire about surrounding yourself with great people, resilience and grit, and the importance of being bold and owning your mistakes. This was a great chat full of golden nuggets for anyone out there who may need an extra push to go out and make that next step.  You can listen here: https://lnkd.in/gYz4hfXD#blackheelsandtractorwheels #podcast #ruralwomennzThank you so much for joining us Nadine!

Today on the Black Heels and Tractor Wheels podcast, we have Kate Scott of Landpro joining us for a chat. Kate is Landpro's Executive Director, a 2018 Nuffield Scholar and 2023 recipient of the Rabobank Emerging Leader award. Landpro is an environmental consultancy business, working with farmers and growers to help them navigate hurdles and challenges in the environmental space. Kate grew up on a dairy farm in Taranaki and packed up her life, along with her husband, to go and milk cows in central Otago. When Kate was 26, she jointly established Landpro which has now steadily grown to a team of about 75 people.Kate chats about what makes a good leader, how Landpro cultivates such a great culture within their growing team, the importance of trying (and failing), and the advice she would give to 20-year-old Kate. Thank you so much for joining us Kate!

Hayley Gourley joins us on the Black Heels and Tractor Wheels Podcast this week!Hayley hails from a dairy farm on the West Coast, and has had roles in Skellerup, Pāmu, Rabobank and Environment Canterbury to name a few.  Hayley has spent her career in the food and agribusiness sector, and is extremely passionate about all things Agri. Hayley talks to us about selling yourself, acknowledging your weaknesses, being calm under pressure, and the changing face of the sector. #blackheelsandtractorwheels #podcast #ruralwomennzThank you so much for joining us Hayley! 

Next up on the Black Heels and Tractor Wheels Podcast, we have Jen Scoular. Jen is an avocado grower, Board Chair of House of Science NZ, Board Member of International Fresh Produce Association AU & NZ and immediate past CEO NZ Avocado.After 12 years at the helm of NZ Avocado, Jen stepped down earlier this year. After such an exciting career journey, we are very excited to see where Jen's path takes her next! We really enjoyed Jen's openness and enthusiastic personality, something that she is very passionate about bringing into her workplace culture. Jen speaks to us about her unconventional path throughout her career, her love for the horticulture industry, getting out of your comfort zone and being vulnerable, and cheering for people when they try (and fail).Thank you so much to Jen for taking the time out of her busy schedule to chat to us! Listen here: https://linktr.ee/ruralwomennz#blackheelsandtractorwheels #podcast #ruralwomennz 

Lynley and her husband Matt own Spring Valley farm in Kaituna Valley, in the Wairarapa. The business has won several agricultural awards, including Wairarapa Hill Country Farm Business of the Year, Greater Wellington Balance Farm Environment Awards, Wairarapa Gate to Plate, the NZ Golden Lamb Awards and the Allflex NZ Sheep Industry Award for Innovation.While raising their two sons, now both teenagers, Lynley owned and operated a hairdressing salon for 11 years before Spring Valley became her focus while in a rapid growth phase. Lynley co-founded Wairarapa Rural Women Incorporated, a rural business discussion group set up to strengthen agri-business by bringing together women who are fundamental partners in their rural businesses. Lynley is also a Zanda McDonald judge, something that she is extremely passionate about. One of her favourite achievements is providing a platform for agri-women to learn, teach, share ideas and foster leadership, self confidence and friendship.Lynley speaks to us about fostering the younger generation into becoming confident leaders, the importance of a cohesive partnership and what it means to be a good leader. Thank you so much to Lynley for taking the time out of her busy schedule to chat to us! 

Bridgit Hawkins has an incredible resume behind her. Currently, Bridgit is the Chief Sustainability Officer at CropXTechnologies LTD and Chair for various organisations like Bovonic, Agritech and Cropsy Technologies. Growing up on a farm has led Bridigit into the agriculture industry and she is extremely passionate about making a difference in our sector. Bridgit is also the founder of ‘Fields of Change', which advocates for a strong, diverse, and sustainable primary sector. Its goal is to encourage conversation about women leaders in agriculture, and to find out why the sector is missing a generation of women business leaders.Bridgit speaks to us about the power of the collective, how to elevate female leaders, and where she sees the future of this sector heading. Thank you so much to Bridgit for taking the time out of her busy schedule to chat to us!You can read more about Fields of Change here: https://fieldsofchange.org.nz/ 

Today we speak to Dianne Downey, one half of the duo that makes up the Limery. Dianne is based in Wairoa with her husband Paul, where they create 100% pure New Zealand citrus products and juices.As the business has grown, Dianne and Paul have helped grow their community too. They developed Te Rau Haumako, an on-site programme which offers industry experience to local rangitahi. The Limery also collaborates and encourages smaller growers, something that is very important to Dianne and Paul.Dianne chats to us about why the Limery's Business model works, her advice for those looking to run their own business, and how herself and Paul have built up the Limery to where it is now. You can check out the Limery here: https://www.thelimery.co.nz/You can listen to the episode here: https://linktr.ee/ruralwomennz 

Today we talk to Kate Cullwick, one half of the sister duo that makes up Foxtrot Home, which sells ethically made, sustainably produced natural French linen products. Kate is based in Central Hawke's Bay, on her husband's family farm. Having grown up on a beef and sheep farm, Kate and Prue were determined that living rurally would not be an impediment to sourcing their products nor prevent them operating a very successful online business. Today we talk to Kate about her NZI Rural Women NZ Business Awards experience, as well as how Foxtrot Home began and how she manages this all living rurally. You can check out Foxtrot Home here: https://foxtrothome.co.nz/ And you can listen to the episode here: https://linktr.ee/ruralwomennz  

Today we speak to Eljay Anderson, owner of Rural Health Collective. Rural Health Collective is an online fitness, coaching and mentoring platform. Eljay started her business to share her experience of gaining confidence and strength through physical fitness and a healthy lifestyle. Eljay offers a range of programmes which are tailored to potential clients' goals. She has recently developed Project Evolve, a 12 week programme designed to help women live their best lives. Eljay talks to us about her experience with our Activator programme last year, her own health and fitness journey, and the importance it has played in shaping her life. You take a look at Rural Health Collective here: https://www.ruralhealthcollective.com/?fbclid=IwAR3TYgpRdsdgkWCS-KBlvX30ssjYiCpVSARdupgvAUhRw8ekMaLqXUJstKA 

Today we speak to Sian Noble-Campbell, who hails from the UK but is now based in the Waikato.Sian is a co-founder of the Matahuru Valley Walk, a beautiful walk situated in farmland, with stunning views, several stands of native bush including a kauri grove and of course the Matahuru Stream.As well as the Matahuru Valley Walk, Sian helps run Midlife Downunder, a Facebook page that celebrated the ups and downs of midlife years.We talk to Sian about how she began the Matahuru Valley Walk (which started with one of our very own episodes), her RWNZ Activator experience, and how her life has changed since being an empty-nester.You take a look at the Matahuru Valley Walk here: https://www.matahuruvalleywalk.co.nz/And you can listen to the episode here: https://linktr.ee/ruralwomennz

Today we speak to Sarah Connor, who hails from Hawke's Bay. She grew up on a farm between Hastings and Taihape on the Ngaruroro River, not far from the Kaweka Ranges. But now she resides in the Capital City, Wellington. Sarah is the Founder of Menopause over Martinis, a movement and invitation for friends, family and colleagues to talk and learn about perimenopause and menopause at home, work and in the community.  As well as Menopause over Martinis, Sarah writes online content, as well as facilitates conversations in workplaces and communities to raise awareness and understanding of menopause, and writes children's stories.We talk to Sarah about her experience with menopause, how Menopause over Martinis began, and her top tips for helping women going through menopause. You can read more about Menopause over Martinis here: https://www.menopauseovermartinis.org/ 

Today we talk to Amelia Dunbar, artist extraordinaire. Amelia  operates both a rural entertainment business and works as an artist from her home in Windwhistle. Having made a decision very early in life that she wanted to remain living rurally, Amelia has been working as an actor/writer /producer of comedy duo The Bitches' Box. The Bitches' Box which has toured nationwide delivering comedy shows in our rural communities over the last decade. The shows encourage rural communities to come together for a meal and a laugh and build connections in remote rural Aotearoa New Zealand. She is currently working on a feature length film based on the live shows which will bring The Bitches Box story to a wider audience.Amelia is also an artist and has been selling her beautiful works for over twenty years, under the name Amelia Guild Art. We talk to Amelia about the Bitches' Box, how she met her comedy partner Emma and her experience at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. You can read more about the Bitches' Box here: https://www.bitchesbox.co.nz/And you can listen to the episode here: https://linktr.ee/ruralwomennz 

Sisters Dayna and Nicole Buchanan took over the operation of the Craypot in Jackson Bay, South Westland in 2018. Since then they have transformed the menu which features beautifully presented fresh kaimoana and produce from local suppliers. The Craypot has become a go to place for visitors wanting a truly authentic New Zealand food experience. The Craypot hosts many passing tour groups but it has now become a sought after destination for helicopter tours groups. Dayna and Nicole absolutely love what they do and have an eye to the future but are mindful of preserving the uniqueness that draws people far and wide to The Craypot.Today we speak to Dayna about how they took over ownership of the Craypot, what it is like living in such an extremely isolated area and winning the NZI Rural Women NZ Business Awards.Apply for the 2023 NZI Rural Women NZ Business Awards here: https://ruralwomennz.nz/nzi-rural-women-nz-business-awards-2023/

Jody Drysdale is Southland born and bred, now living on a farm in Balfour, Southland with her husband Blair and three children. Jody and Blair had been looking for ways to diversify their farming operation, deciding on hemp. In response to one of her children experiencing skin irritation, Jody researched and developed a recipe to make a soothing cream using her hemp seed oil- resulting in Hopefield Hemp's incredible skin care range. Hopefield Hemp is very much a family business and building connection with customers is hugely important to Jody. Jody chats to us about getting into the hemp industry, making products in the kitchen with her cake mixer, and her experience with the NZI Rural Women NZ Business Awards 2022. You can see more about Hopefield Hemp here: https://www.hopefieldhemp.co.nz/Apply for the NZI Rural Women NZ Business Awards 2023 HERE: https://ruralwomennz.nz/nzi-rural-women-nz-business-awards-2023/

Today we talk to Serena Lyders, of Whānau Consultancy Services. As a 6th generation member of a shearing family, the industry and the people in it are close to her heart. Serena knew from an early age that she wanted to make a difference in the lives of others, especially women and children, and lead change to address the intergenerational trauma and social issues in the shearing industry. Serena has spent over 18 years in health and social work environments and has been the driver and innovator behind countless initiatives to empower people in her region and across the country. Serena is also last years winner of the Rural Champion Category at the NZI Rural Women NZ Business Awards. In this episode, Serena talks to us about her extremely diverse background, her obsession for qualifications and her hopes for the future. 

Today we chat to Miki Coulston, who is based in Te Puia Springs, near Gisborne. As a farm manager on the East Coast, she is super passionate about farming, especially women in farming.Miki was also one of our Activator's, which a programme to help rural women get their business ideas off the ground. Miki brought her idea, Country and Me, a clothing brand all about providing affordable clothing for the active rural woman.In this episode, Miki has a chat to us about her experience with Cyclone Gabrielle, the challenges of launching a new business, and her hopes of building a community. You can check out Miki's clothing brand, Country and Me here: https://www.countryandme.co.nz/shop 

Black Heels and Tractor Wheels is back for Season 5! No better day to start off a brand new season than International Women's Day.We chat to one incredible, inspiring, kick-ass woman, Kate Ivey of Kate Ivey Fitness. Kate has recently expanded her business into Australia, and is in the depths of calling for registrations' for her upcoming 8 week programme, DediKate Rural. Kate has a chat to us about her journey with Kate Ivey Fitness, the challenges of running your own business, and tips and tricks for keeping active and healthy when you have a million things on the go. DediKate Rural is all about celebrating Rural Women and empowering them to exercise and look after themselves. The challenge starts on Monday 20th March, equipment isn't necessary! You can register for this incredible programme here: https://kateiveyfitness.com/dedikate/rural/ 

To celebrate the last episode of Season 4, we have a good ol' best bits. Thank you to our incredible listeners for tuning in to each episode, we are so very lucky to have you all.And another big thank you to the amazing women we have featured this season (and every season). Stay tuned for S5 in the New Year!

Karen is a farmer with her husband Mick and lives in Gladstone, Wairarapa along with her teenage children. Originally a town girl with a resource management degree, her passion for improving the environment (and marrying a farmer) encouraged her to embrace farm life. Karen now works for FMG, but she is also is the immediate Past Vice President of Federated Farmers NZ and was formerly the Federated Farmers Arable Industry Group Chairperson.Karen has many accolades, including winning the Ballance Farm Environment Awards for the Wellington Region, Federated Farmers Biosecurity Farmer of the Year, and is a graduate of the 'Escalator' Programme from the Agri-Women's Development Trust (AWDT).We talk to Karen about vision to see agriculture and food production thrive, her ‘unusual' path into governance roles, and her experience as a woman in governance. 

Laura MacDonald, also known as Kiwi Country Girl, lives with her family in Te Akau. Laura is a born and raised rural gal, growing up on a 60-acre sheep and beef farm. While her husband Josh works for his family's business, Laura is very grateful to be able to stay at home with her three children, and earn some income from her social media presence. Laura talks to us about her journey of building an online community, how COVID impacted this journey and her big goal of becoming self-sufficient. 

Christina Perriam is a strong rural woman with merino wool in her blood, who is now a pillar of the Central Otago community after an upbringing at Bendigo Station. Christina walks us through her fashion journey from Tarras school, learning from her creative and entrepreneurial parents, to now running one of New Zealand's most iconic fashion brands.We also talk through Christina's journey in losing her incredible mother Heather, her ability to make light where there is darkness and her tips for women in business.Today's shout out is to the NZ Cancer Society who have been supporting New Zealanders with cancer for over 90 years.

Nadia Lim needs no introduction. She's an all round superwoman, who now lives in the beautiful Central Otago with her husband Carlos and two small sons.After the incredibly successful sale of My Food Bag, Nadia and Carlos purchased “Royalburn Station”, and are now sharing their farming journey with the rest of Aoteoroa. In this podcast, we discuss Nadia's food philosophies, the struggles of parenting, and how to prioritise giving back.Today's shoutout goes to Garden to Table, a charitable trust empowering kids to grow, harvest, prepare, and share great food.

Pip Cameron lives in the high country with her two small daughters and husband Joe on Otematata Station in the Waitaki Valley.Along with many other hats, Pip is the incredible station cook, who whips up practical, rustic smokos for the hardworking crew.She's also an author, mother, advocate and is incredibly proud of her rural roots and the values she's passing onto her two girls.Today's shout out is to Plunket who is a charity and Aotearoa's largest support service for the health and wellbeing of tamariki under five and their whanau. 

Laura Morrison farms with her husband Rich in the beautiful Rangitikei region, with her two small boys on their sheep and beef farm with a twist.The Morrison's run “The Gullies”, and alongside their ethical livestock genetics, they also invite artists to share their landscape at the Cottage each year.Laura opens up and shares with us her biggest life moments alongside the challenges and opportunities for Aotearoa's primary industries.Today's shout out is to the “Mother's Matter” campaign, whose mission is for better health and wellbeing outcomes for mothers in Aotearoa. Just a trigger warning, in this podcast episode we will be discussing baby loss, as Laura very graciously shares her story. She shares the loss of her baby and her path dealing with that loss.

Today we're speaking with Fiona Gower, immediate past president of Rural Women New Zealand and community champion. We talk with Fiona about the importance of setting your own path, power of communities and connection, and the awesome opportunities she's had through RWNZ.Today's Shout Out goes to the wonderful Rural Support Trust, who are the fence at the top of the cliff rather than the ambulance at the bottom, Rural Support Trusts have local, rural people who know from experience that pressures can mount up. Their networks and training can help with all kinds of situations, and help you get through your current challenges.

Today on the podcast, Sarah Reed of The Grumpy Merino (TGM) joins us to have a chat! Sarah, her husband Jono and their three children live on the Grampians in Culverden, North Canterbury. The Grumpy Merino (TGM) is driven by a desire to better utilise merino wool, transforming it into high-quality yarn and blankets. The wool can be traced every step of the way, eventually being crafted into a natural, high-quality, New Zealand-made product. Sarah has an amazing candid chat about her business journey, the biggest lessons and tips she has learnt along the way, as well as the incredible connections she has made with other rural women business owners. 

Black Heels and Tractor Wheels is back! Season 4 is kicking off with a bang, with the first episode featuring the lovely Meredith Carpenter. Meredith is behind Ruanui Station products, which are 100% New Zealand made from start to finish. The sheep are farmed and shorn at Ruanui Station near Taihape, just as they have been for three generations, which are then woven into luxuriously soft blankets.Meredith has a great chat with us about her isolated upbringing in Taihape, her experience starting her own business and her top tips for anyone else who may be thinking of doing the same thing!

Today Claire and Emma take a look back at Season 3 and talk about some of their favourite themes that have popped up over throughout each episode. Thank you to everyone who has tuned in over the past couple of months! Season 4 will be kicking off in two weeks, so stay tuned for more incredible rural stories! If you enjoyed this episode, feel free to visit our Instagram, Facebook, and website, or even become a member! www.ruralwomennz.nz  

Today we are speaking to Becks Smith, who is based in Ranfurly with her husband and children. Becks is an extremely busy woman, working as a vet, running a social enterprise, farming on a 700ha Sheep, Beef and Deer property, and raising children.Becks is the founder of the Whole Story NZ, a Social Enterprise using the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals as a framework for inspiring, facilitiating and articulating conscious, holistic sustainability on farms. We talk to Becks about the Whole Story, her passions, and her experience being a Zanda McDonald Award Finalist (and her love of a bit of drum and bass). If you enjoyed this episode, feel free to visit our Instagram, Facebook, and website, or even become a member! www.ruralwomennz.nz 

Today we are speaking to Becks Tosswill, who is based in the Wairarapa with her three children and husband Richard. She is the founder and owner of Farmers Daughter Design Studio, which is based on the 650-hectare Wairarapa hill country farm that she and her husband own. Their farm is known for its innovation, having won the Supreme Award at the Greater Wellington Ballance Farm Environment Awards and the 2021 Wairarapa Sheep & Beef Farm Business of the Year. Becks talks to us about following your passions, what makes a good brand, the journey of starting your own business and how Richard and Becks have incorporated innovation into their farming.  If you enjoyed this episode, feel free to visit our Instagram, Facebook, and website, or even become a member! www.ruralwomennz.nz 

Today we are speaking to Kiri Elworthy, who is based in Martinborough with her husband James. Kiri and her husband own and run Tora Coastal Walk, a three-day, fully catered walk and two 650ha farms, which are where the Coastal Walk is based. Kiri started her journey in Riversdale, eventually heading to Lincoln University. However, at the end of her first year, she got pregnant with her daughter Margot. Kiri discusses her journey so candidly and honestly, discussing her experiences flatting and studying whilst being a single mother, taking over a family business and the conservation efforts herself and James implement on their farm. If you enjoyed this episode, feel free to visit our Instagram, Facebook, and website, or even become a member! www.ruralwomennz.nz 

Today we are speaking to Clare Bradley, CEO of AgriSea, who is based in Paeroa with her husband Tane and their three children. Clare started her career after studying Biology at Auckland University. She previously lived and worked for 2 years in the Amazon Rainforest, with a remote community helping them to develop enterprises that would conserve their rainforest. AgriSea was founded more than 20 years ago by Clare's mother and father-in-law. The company produces seaweed-based concentrates used in the agriculture, horticulture, viticulture, and apiculture sectors.If you enjoyed this episode, feel free to visit our Instagram, Facebook, and website, or even become a member! www.ruralwomennz.nz 

Today we are speaking with Jenny McDonald, currently our star National Finance Chair here at Rural Women. Jenny lives in Canterbury with her husband Mark and has three grown children, Jack, George, and Annie. Jenny has always been determined to forge her own career as an accountant as well as supporting her husband on the farm. She talks about the challenges of balancing this with farm life and raising a family in a new island where initially, she didn't know a lot of people. While shes always been a get things done kind of person, she also acknowledges a couple of times in her life where she has experienced some difficult challenges, which she talks about very openly with us today, along with ways that we can all help those in our communities who need our support. If you enjoyed this episode, feel free to visit our Instagram, Facebook, and website, or even become a member! www.ruralwomennz.nz 

Today, we speak to Raewyn van Vugt who operates a dairy farming business with her husband Rob in Otago. Raewyn grew up on the West Coast of the South Island, as a  coal miners' daughter in a small town called Reefton.  In 1991 she moved to Inch Clutha with her husband Rob, where their farming enterprise started. Raewyn has been heavily involved in her community, being a member and Treasurer of Plunket, Playcentre, PTA, and involved with the local discussion group, Large Herds Otago Committee and a Networker for Fonterra. She is also a member of the Inch Clutha RW and is currently the Regional Leader for Region 1. Raewyn gives some tips for any aspiring farm owners, details her experiences going from a single mum to operating a successful farming enterprise with her husband, and helpful ways to get involved in your rural community! If you enjoyed this episode, feel free to visit our Instagram, Facebook, and website, or even become a member! www.ruralwomennz.nz 

Today we are speaking to the incredible, 'limb-it-less' Shaz Dagg. She is New Zealand's first elite para-triathlete and Parafed Manawatū's sport development adviser. In 2016, Shaz's left arm was crushed by a gate while she was working on a goat farm. After multiple complications, and nine surgeries, the arm was amputated above her elbow. Prior to her farm accident, Shaz represented New Zealand at the 2014 ITU world duathlon championships in Spain and raced in a number of Ironman events. She also competed as an age-grade triathlete and decided to come back to the sport after her accident.By 2018 she had qualified to represent New Zealand at the triathlon world champs on the Gold Coast, becoming the country's first Para triathlete. In 2021 Shaz was the first ever female amputee to complete the Coast – to Coast.  If you enjoyed this episode, feel free to visit our Instagram, Facebook, and website, or even become a member! www.ruralwomennz.nz 

Today we are speaking with Maria Kuster, a rural businesswoman with a twist, who along with her partner Sean runs the incredible Pure Salt boat charter business in Tamatea/Dusky Sound. Originally hailing from Germany,  Maria stepped on a plane as a young woman arriving in the South Island and found that Aotearoa was where her future and heart lay. Since then Maria and Sean have created their business to embrace conservation, right from the beginning with a string of successful projects on land and in the sea, in restoring Dusky to its original state. If you enjoyed this episode, feel free to visit our Instagram, Facebook, and website, or even become a member! www.ruralwomennz.nz 

Today Sophie Hurley joins us on the podcast, who is one half of the duo behind Honest Wolf. Sophie is based in the Turakina Valley in the North Island, where she lives with her husband Sam and son Harry.  Sophie Sam launched Honest Wolf, a line of accessories made from wool from the family farm, in 2020. Honest Wolf's goal is to make wool the sustainable go-to fiber in the luggage and accessories industry.With another baby on the way, Sophie talks to us about her next steps with Honest Wolf, how she juggles running her own business with a young family, and shares her experiences and advice for starting up a business from your passions. If you enjoyed this episode, feel free to visit our Instagram, Facebook, and website, or even become a member! www.ruralwomennz.nz 

Today, Sarah Martelli joins us on the podcast, who amongst many other things is the incredible woman behind Strong Woman. Sarah is a mum to three young children and lives with her husband Mathew, her kids, a spoodle puppy, pet pig and chickens, on a 400 cow dairy farm in Reporoa, New Zealand.  Life is pretty hectic with juggling kids' activities, helping on the farm, the household, and being actively involved on the PTA committee and as sports co-ordinator at the local primary school.  Sarah had a Molar Pregnancy - a very rare gynaecological abnormality where instead of growing a baby, the cells didn't form properly and grew into a cancerous tumour called Choriocarsinoma.  In 2017, she qualified as a Personal Trainer. Sarah runs an Online fitness membership platform, group fitness classes and personal training sessions. In 2020 she completed a Certificate in Exercise Nutrition, and now provides one on one health coaching to women from all over New Zealand. In 2021 she trained to become a Qualified Pilates Instructor. If you enjoyed this episode, feel free to visit our Instagram, Facebook, and website, or even become a member! www.ruralwomennz.nz 

Today's guest is our 2021 Supreme Winner at the NZI Rural Women NZ Business Awards, Amber Forrest. Amber is based in Wairoa and provides the only full-time beauty therapy clinic with fully qualified staff in the region, a salon called Beauty Antix. Amber has built an award-winning business which is immersed in the diversity of its clientele and community. It provides a wide range of expert, professional treatments and provides a career path for young women, particularly Māori, through a nationally recognised Beauty and Wellness Training facility. The Beauty Antix motto is Exceeding Expectation with Expertise.  It is an environment that is open, inclusive, and respectful to all customers and serves its community in a uniquely holistic way. If you enjoyed this episode, feel free to visit our Instagram, Facebook, and website, or even become a member! www.ruralwomennz.nz 

Today we are very lucky to speak to Tia Potae, the winner of the inaugural Primary Industries award at the 2021 New Zealand Women of Influence Awards. Tia is based in the sunny Coromandel, but hails from Milton at the bottom of the South Island. The Potae name is extremely well known in shearing circles, with her grandfather's brother George Potae winning the Golden Shears in 1969. Tia herself has been in the shearing industry all her life, representing New Zealand in woolhandling in 2005 and 2013. Tia has a huge list of achievements and is truly a champion of rural communities. Tia is a Whānau Ora navigator at Tokomairiro Waiora and won the award for supporting shearers and their families through the challenges of Covid-19. During the 2020 lockdown, she developed an online programme for wool, forestry and fishing industry workers who found it difficult to access services after hours. She also helped workers access the Wage Subsidy Scheme.Tia is also a rural navigator for Tokomairiro Waiora, a Kaupapa Māori Health Service providing Whānau Ora services in South Otago. Her rural navigator programme was a response to a Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu 2019 survey of wool harvesters which found they needed better access to health and social services.And if you thought she couldn't possibly do anymore, she also has a small business, Taki Toru Woolshed Services, where she runs her own training programme. If you enjoyed this episode, feel free to visit our Instagram, Facebook, and website, or even become a member! www.ruralwomennz.nz 

We speak with Tyler Langford, a city gal turned farmer, supermum to three boys, and one half of the YOLO team. YOLO (You Only Live Once) was the project that Tyler and her husband embarked on when Wayne was battling depression in 2017. Tyler tells us that challenges with mental health in the farming community are far more common than we think and she generously shares with us her experiences with how she managed through that particular period of their lives. A serial community giver who is both impact and values-based, Tyler also shares her leadership journey and how she manages to look after herself with a busy, but very fulfilling lifestyle. 

Today we speak to Olivia Caldwell, a journalist based in beautiful Central Otago. Olivia shares with us her career journey from rural life to urban and then bouncing back again to her rural roots. We have a really great yarn about the single life, the challenges younger women face today as the dating game changes, and Olivia's tips for having fun along the way. If you enjoyed this episode, feel free to visit our Instagram, Facebook, and website, or even become a member! www.ruralwomennz.nz 

Today on the podcast we talk with Loshni Manikam, originally hailing from Durban in South Africa, and now residing in sunny Southland. Loshni speaks to us about the courage it takes to move halfway around the world and then move cross country, with a one-year-old and a three-year-old in tow. Loshni discusses both the fulfilling and frustrating aspects of motherhood, as well as finding your own identity. Her passion is now bringing out the best in rural women and her working days are spent travelling around New Zealand activating the next generation of leaders. If you enjoyed this episode, feel free to visit our Instagram, Facebook, and website, or even become a member! www.ruralwomennz.nz 

Ele Ludemann's journey has been a challenging one, but her incredible resilience, coupled with her dedication to helping others in similar situations, has been nothing short of inspiring.Ele speaks of the importance of naming and taming feelings as part of the grief cycle, strategies for everyone to help deal with grief, and shares her interesting farming journey with her husband Grant, from the “ag sag” of the eighties through to today.Ele has experienced great tragedy within her life so far, and has graciously and candidly shared her story with our listeners today.If you enjoyed this episode, feel free to visit our Instagram, Facebook, and website, or even become a member! www.ruralwomennz.nz