Applications Open for 2026 NZI Rural Women Business Awards
Applications are now open for the 2026 NZI Rural Women Business Awards, set to be held at Parliament on 23 July.
Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) congratulates the successful applicants of two recent grant funding rounds.
RWNZ national president Gill Naylor says the two funds are designed to assist initiatives for rural communities that support children, the elderly, community, conservation, counselling, and education.
The first fund, the Scotlands Te Kiteroa Charitable Trust, was established by RWNZ in 1982 and provides grants of up to $1500.
This year’s recipients are:
Meanwhile, the Cynthia Collier Grant has been awarded to The Friends of Taihape who look after native reserves within Taihape’s Hautapu River Park.
The reserves are of high ecological value and contain mature Kahikatea, Totara and Matai, some of which are more than 500 years old.
The grant was provided by the family of the late Cynthia Collier, who lived on Wakarua Station near Taihape and was a “passionate” member of RWNZ, Naylor says.
“RWNZ’s extensive range of funds and grants is one way in which our organisation provides assistance to rural women and communities in everything from advancing their education to accessing healthcare and support after adverse natural events,” she says.
“I congratulate all of our grant recipients and wish them every success in progressing their projects and initiatives,” she concludes.
A Taranaki farmer and livestock agent who illegally swapped NAIT tags from cows infected with a bovine disease in an attempt to sell the cows has been fined $15,000.
Bill and Michelle Burgess had an eye-opening realisation when they produced the same with fewer cows.
It was love that first led Leah Prankerd to dairying. Decades later, it's her passion for the industry keeping her there, supporting, and inspiring farmers across the region.
Rangitikei Rivers Catchment Collective (RRCC) chairperson Roger Dalrymple says farmers in his region are taking a national lead in water quality awareness and monitoring.
One young couple is proving farm ownership is still within reach for young Kiwis.
Greenlea Premier Meats managing director Anthony (Tony) Egan says receiving the officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) honour has been humbling.

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