'Digital doesn't work everywhere'
The chief executive of Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) Gabrielle O’Brien says care is needed to avoid digitally excluding those in rural communities.
Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) and insurance company NZI have launched the NZI Rural Women NZ Business Awards for 2021.
RWNZ national president Gill Naylor says the awards are an opportunity to showcase the creativity and innovation of rural women entrepreneurs and the support they provide rural communities.
"Many small businesses have faced significant challenges as a result of the pandemic. This makes the opportunity to recognise and celebrate the resilience of women-owned and operated rural businesses all the more important.
"Rural business owners employ local people and support their local businesses and suppliers - this creates more opportunities in these local communities and economies," Naylor says.
"We want to encourage women living in rural New Zealand, and that includes small towns who own and/or operate rural businesses to enter the Awards this year so that we can support and promote them."
The awards have been held annually for more than ten years.
NZI executive manager commercial underwriting Christina Chellew says the insurer is 'delighted' to support the awards.
"The awards night itself is always a great celebration of the powerful impact women have on the industries that underpin New Zealand's economy - and we are always very proud to be a part of it."
Entries close on Friday 30 July at 5pm.
The country’s 4200 commercial fruit and vegetable growers will vote from May 14 on a new HortNZ levy.
Meat processor Alliance Group is asking farmer shareholders to inject more capital in order to remain a 100% co-operative.
A vet is calling for all animals to be vaccinated against a new strain of leptospirosis (lepto) discovered on New Zealand dairy farms in recent years.
Dairy
Rural banker Rabobank is partnering with Food Rescue Kitchen on a new TV series which airs this weekend that aims to shine a light on the real and growing issues of food waste, food poverty and social isolation in New Zealand.
Telco infrastructure provider Chorus says that it believes all Kiwis – particularly those in the rural areas – need access to high-speed, reliable broadband.