RWNZ Enterprising Rural Woman Award winner

MEDIA RELEASE
15 May 2009

For immediate release

RWNZ Enterprising Rural Woman Award winner announced

A boutique Wairarapa tourism venture has won the Rural Women New Zealand Enterprising Rural Woman Award 2009.

At a ceremony held at Parliament on Friday 15 May, RWNZ’s national president, Margaret Chapman announced Tora Coastal Walk - run by Jenny Bargh and Kiri and Kath Elworthy - as the inaugural winner of the BNZ- sponsored Award, which attracted 46 entries from all over the country.

In presenting the BNZ Trophy, Tony Arthur of BNZ Agribusiness said “the success and diversity of the businesses represented by this year’s finalists are testament to the opportunities that exist, as well as the determination, business acumen and entrepreneurism and effort needed to allow these businesses to flourish and their owners to succeed.”

The Tora Coastal Walk partners also received $1500 in prize money and the opportunity to attend a BNZ Women in Agribusiness course.

In congratulating Jenny Bargh and Kiri and Kath Elworthy, Ms Chapman said the passion shown by the women for their business, their economic success and their inputs into the rural community were deciding factors in their win. 

“The business has been running for 14 years, but the women’s enthusiasm is still strong.  They live in a very special part of the country and love to share it with others.  They make a special effort to bridge the urban-rural divide, talking to their guests about what’s happening on the farm and making it a total rural experience,” says Ms Chapman.  “Attention to detail and personal touches are an important part of the Tora Coastal Walk and its success.”

Rural Women New Zealand set up the Enterprising Rural Woman Award to highlight the innovative ways women are contributing to the rural economy, and their determination to succeed in the face of the extra challenges presented by the difficulties in accessing technology and geographical location.

The diversity of businesses which entered the Awards was reflected in the three finalists. 

Alongside the winners at the Award ceremony were runners up Jan Bolton of Kaingaroa Roading Contractors Ltd based in Murupara, and Beverley Forrester of ‘Blackhills’, a paddock to catwalk sheep farming and designer wool operation based in Hurunui, North Canterbury.

Entering the RWNZ Enterprising Rural Woman Award 2009 has been a very valuable experience for all three finalists in gaining recognition for their work and exposure for their businesses.

Jenny Bargh says “It has been excellent for raising our profile, and on a personal note has been a great confidence booster.  It has also been a great self-review process for us.”

Jan Bolton agrees.  “It’s been wonderful, at long last people know what I do.”  Hearing she’d made the finals was a real ego boost and an affirmation of her business model, she says.  “I thought, I am on the right track, I’m doing OK - I’ve made the grade.”

The third finalist, Beverley Forrester, says she’s had huge support from her surrounding rural community since making the finals, as well as strong media interest. 

“Hurunui (population 35) has never seen anything like it!  You are representing all of them and what they are all doing in farming and you feel responsible in that respect to put your best foot forward.”

Tony Arthur went on to congratulate not only the finalists, but all entrants in this year’s award.  “It is no small prospect in this country to raise your head above the crowd and open your business up to inspection by your peers.  I applaud what you have all achieved in your business and also applaud you for the courage to give it a go.  We need to encourage the benchmarking of success in business, and I hope that this year’s Awards are the first of what will be a strong, vibrant and high profile competition.

The Award was judged by Theresa Gattung of Wool Partners International, Amber Quinnell of BNZ and Margaret Chapman.

Rural Women New Zealand thanks all the RWNZ Enterprising Rural Woman Award sponsors – BNZ, Access Homehealth Ltd, Precise Print & Design, Rural News Group and TGM Design.

 
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