RWNZ Enterprising Rural Woman Award 2009 winner

Winners of the inaugural RWNZ Enterprising Rural Woman Award 2009:  Tora Coastal Walk.  Pictured here are (l to r) Kath Elworthy, Margaret Chapman (chief judge and RWNZ National President), Tony Arthur (BNZ), Jenny Bargh and Kiri Elworthy

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, Margaret 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. 

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.

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.

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.