RWNZ Enterprising Rural Woman Award

30 March 2009

MEDIA RELEASE

Rural Women New Zealand is delighted to announce that three finalists have now been shortlisted for the RWNZ Enterprising Rural Woman Award 2009, which is to be presented at the Grand Hall of Parliament on 15 May.

The finalists were picked from a strong field of 46 entries by judges Theresa Gattung of Wool Partners International, Amber Quinnell of BNZ and RWNZ’s National President, Margaret Chapman.

The finalists are (in no particular order): Jan Bolton of Kaingaroa Roading Contractors Ltd, Beverley Forrester of Blackhills in North Canterbury, and the three principals of Tora Coastal Walk – Jenny Bargh, and Kiri and Kath Elworthy.

“The judging of this Award was challenging, with such a variety of enterprises displaying the innovation, product and service quality, future growth prospects and economic inputs into the rural community that we were looking for,” says Margaret Chapman.

“Nevertheless, the three finalists’ entries were outstanding, and we congratulate them on their selection.”

The finalists will now be brought to Wellington for individual interviews by the judging panel, to determine their placing.

Rural Women New Zealand thanks our sponsors BNZ, Access Homehealth and Precise Print & Design, who have made this Award possible.

ENDS

Finalists’ business synopsis:
Kaingaroa Roading Contractors Ltd is a forestry road maintenance business, based at Murupara. Jan Bolton puts the success of her business down to her deep commitment and passion for this industry, a great team of guys who operate her machines and the trade suppliers that she has developed a long term support and working relationship with over the last 22 years. Her motto: “Kaingaroa Roading makes the grade!”

• Tora Coastal Walk is a unique three day walk over farmland set in the beautiful South Wairarapa. The Tora Coastal Walk celebrated 13 years of operation in October 2008 and continues to be renowned as one of the best loved privately run walks in New Zealand. The track encompasses a variety of stunning and diverse scenery including a river walk, open hill country farmland, the rugged Tora Coastline and native bush. Warm farm hospitality is the essence of the Tora experience. This along with unique and charming cottages, legendary cuisine and full luggage transfers sets the Tora Costal Walk apart as the “must do” walking package.

• Beverley Forrester farms Blackhills, a fourth generation hill-country sheep and beef cattle property in North Canterbury. Sheep, cattle and horses are bred on the property using Biogrow certified animal health products within a sustainable, eco-friendly farm management practice. Quality fibre from the natural coloured sheep is produced into Blackhills hand-knitting yarn and Beverley Riverina designed knitwear garments, distributed both nationally and internationally through Blackhills (NZUK) Ltd showroom and shop in England, and fashion catwalks. Beverley, an international sheep/wool judge and youth beef stock-judging advocate, gained the Network Award 2003 N.Z. Businesswoman of the Year. She also welcomes bus tours (especially for the disabled) to her working farm.

ENDS

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