Black Heels and Tractor Wheels - Presented by Rural Women New Zealand

Joining us on the Podcast is Nadine Tunley, CEO of Horticulture New Zealand. Nadine has always had a very strong connection with the food and fibre sector, having grown up in rural New Zealand. Prior to Hort NZ, Nadine was primarily in the apple and pear industry and Mānuka honey. Nadine candidly talks to Emma and Claire about surrounding yourself with great people, resilience and grit, and the importance of being bold and owning your mistakes. This was a great chat full of golden nuggets for anyone out there who may need an extra push to go out and make that next step.  You can listen here: https://lnkd.in/gYz4hfXD#blackheelsandtractorwheels #podcast #ruralwomennzThank you so much for joining us Nadine!

Today on the Black Heels and Tractor Wheels podcast, we have Kate Scott of Landpro joining us for a chat. Kate is Landpro’s Executive Director, a 2018 Nuffield Scholar and 2023 recipient of the Rabobank Emerging Leader award. Landpro is an environmental consultancy business, working with farmers and growers to help them navigate hurdles and challenges in the environmental space. Kate grew up on a dairy farm in Taranaki and packed up her life, along with her husband, to go and milk cows in central Otago. When Kate was 26, she jointly established Landpro which has now steadily grown to a team of about 75 people.Kate chats about what makes a good leader, how Landpro cultivates such a great culture within their growing team, the importance of trying (and failing), and the advice she would give to 20-year-old Kate. Thank you so much for joining us Kate!

Hayley Gourley joins us on the Black Heels and Tractor Wheels Podcast this week!Hayley hails from a dairy farm on the West Coast, and has had roles in Skellerup, Pāmu, Rabobank and Environment Canterbury to name a few.  Hayley has spent her career in the food and agribusiness sector, and is extremely passionate about all things Agri. Hayley talks to us about selling yourself, acknowledging your weaknesses, being calm under pressure, and the changing face of the sector. #blackheelsandtractorwheels #podcast #ruralwomennzThank you so much for joining us Hayley! 

Next up on the Black Heels and Tractor Wheels Podcast, we have Jen Scoular. Jen is an avocado grower, Board Chair of House of Science NZ, Board Member of International Fresh Produce Association AU & NZ and immediate past CEO NZ Avocado.After 12 years at the helm of NZ Avocado, Jen stepped down earlier this year. After such an exciting career journey, we are very excited to see where Jen's path takes her next! We really enjoyed Jen's openness and enthusiastic personality, something that she is very passionate about bringing into her workplace culture. Jen speaks to us about her unconventional path throughout her career, her love for the horticulture industry, getting out of your comfort zone and being vulnerable, and cheering for people when they try (and fail).Thank you so much to Jen for taking the time out of her busy schedule to chat to us! Listen here: https://linktr.ee/ruralwomennz#blackheelsandtractorwheels #podcast #ruralwomennz 

Lynley and her husband Matt own Spring Valley farm in Kaituna Valley, in the Wairarapa. The business has won several agricultural awards, including Wairarapa Hill Country Farm Business of the Year, Greater Wellington Balance Farm Environment Awards, Wairarapa Gate to Plate, the NZ Golden Lamb Awards and the Allflex NZ Sheep Industry Award for Innovation.While raising their two sons, now both teenagers, Lynley owned and operated a hairdressing salon for 11 years before Spring Valley became her focus while in a rapid growth phase. Lynley co-founded Wairarapa Rural Women Incorporated, a rural business discussion group set up to strengthen agri-business by bringing together women who are fundamental partners in their rural businesses. Lynley is also a Zanda McDonald judge, something that she is extremely passionate about. One of her favourite achievements is providing a platform for agri-women to learn, teach, share ideas and foster leadership, self confidence and friendship.Lynley speaks to us about fostering the younger generation into becoming confident leaders, the importance of a cohesive partnership and what it means to be a good leader. Thank you so much to Lynley for taking the time out of her busy schedule to chat to us! 

Bridgit Hawkins has an incredible resume behind her. Currently, Bridgit is the Chief Sustainability Officer at CropXTechnologies LTD and Chair for various organisations like Bovonic, Agritech and Cropsy Technologies. Growing up on a farm has led Bridigit into the agriculture industry and she is extremely passionate about making a difference in our sector. Bridgit is also the founder of ‘Fields of Change’, which advocates for a strong, diverse, and sustainable primary sector. Its goal is to encourage conversation about women leaders in agriculture, and to find out why the sector is missing a generation of women business leaders.Bridgit speaks to us about the power of the collective, how to elevate female leaders, and where she sees the future of this sector heading. Thank you so much to Bridgit for taking the time out of her busy schedule to chat to us!You can read more about Fields of Change here: https://fieldsofchange.org.nz/ 

Today we speak to Dianne Downey, one half of the duo that makes up the Limery. Dianne is based in Wairoa with her husband Paul, where they create 100% pure New Zealand citrus products and juices.As the business has grown, Dianne and Paul have helped grow their community too. They developed Te Rau Haumako, an on-site programme which offers industry experience to local rangitahi. The Limery also collaborates and encourages smaller growers, something that is very important to Dianne and Paul.Dianne chats to us about why the Limery’s Business model works, her advice for those looking to run their own business, and how herself and Paul have built up the Limery to where it is now. You can check out the Limery here: https://www.thelimery.co.nz/You can listen to the episode here: https://linktr.ee/ruralwomennz 

Today we talk to Kate Cullwick, one half of the sister duo that makes up Foxtrot Home, which sells ethically made, sustainably produced natural French linen products. Kate is based in Central Hawke’s Bay, on her husband’s family farm. Having grown up on a beef and sheep farm, Kate and Prue were determined that living rurally would not be an impediment to sourcing their products nor prevent them operating a very successful online business. Today we talk to Kate about her NZI Rural Women NZ Business Awards experience, as well as how Foxtrot Home began and how she manages this all living rurally. You can check out Foxtrot Home here: https://foxtrothome.co.nz/ And you can listen to the episode here: https://linktr.ee/ruralwomennz  

Today we speak to Eljay Anderson, owner of Rural Health Collective. Rural Health Collective is an online fitness, coaching and mentoring platform. Eljay started her business to share her experience of gaining confidence and strength through physical fitness and a healthy lifestyle. Eljay offers a range of programmes which are tailored to potential clients’ goals. She has recently developed Project Evolve, a 12 week programme designed to help women live their best lives. Eljay talks to us about her experience with our Activator programme last year, her own health and fitness journey, and the importance it has played in shaping her life. You take a look at Rural Health Collective here: https://www.ruralhealthcollective.com/?fbclid=IwAR3TYgpRdsdgkWCS-KBlvX30ssjYiCpVSARdupgvAUhRw8ekMaLqXUJstKA 

Today we speak to Sian Noble-Campbell, who hails from the UK but is now based in the Waikato.Sian is a co-founder of the Matahuru Valley Walk, a beautiful walk situated in farmland, with stunning views, several stands of native bush including a kauri grove and of course the Matahuru Stream.As well as the Matahuru Valley Walk, Sian helps run Midlife Downunder, a Facebook page that celebrated the ups and downs of midlife years.We talk to Sian about how she began the Matahuru Valley Walk (which started with one of our very own episodes), her RWNZ Activator experience, and how her life has changed since being an empty-nester.You take a look at the Matahuru Valley Walk here: https://www.matahuruvalleywalk.co.nz/And you can listen to the episode here: https://linktr.ee/ruralwomennz

Today we speak to Sarah Connor, who hails from Hawke's Bay. She grew up on a farm between Hastings and Taihape on the Ngaruroro River, not far from the Kaweka Ranges. But now she resides in the Capital City, Wellington. Sarah is the Founder of Menopause over Martinis, a movement and invitation for friends, family and colleagues to talk and learn about perimenopause and menopause at home, work and in the community.  As well as Menopause over Martinis, Sarah writes online content, as well as facilitates conversations in workplaces and communities to raise awareness and understanding of menopause, and writes children's stories.We talk to Sarah about her experience with menopause, how Menopause over Martinis began, and her top tips for helping women going through menopause. You can read more about Menopause over Martinis here: https://www.menopauseovermartinis.org/ 

Today we talk to Amelia Dunbar, artist extraordinaire. Amelia  operates both a rural entertainment business and works as an artist from her home in Windwhistle. Having made a decision very early in life that she wanted to remain living rurally, Amelia has been working as an actor/writer /producer of comedy duo The Bitches’ Box. The Bitches’ Box which has toured nationwide delivering comedy shows in our rural communities over the last decade. The shows encourage rural communities to come together for a meal and a laugh and build connections in remote rural Aotearoa New Zealand. She is currently working on a feature length film based on the live shows which will bring The Bitches Box story to a wider audience.Amelia is also an artist and has been selling her beautiful works for over twenty years, under the name Amelia Guild Art. We talk to Amelia about the Bitches’ Box, how she met her comedy partner Emma and her experience at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. You can read more about the Bitches’ Box here: https://www.bitchesbox.co.nz/And you can listen to the episode here: https://linktr.ee/ruralwomennz 

Sisters Dayna and Nicole Buchanan took over the operation of the Craypot in Jackson Bay, South Westland in 2018. Since then they have transformed the menu which features beautifully presented fresh kaimoana and produce from local suppliers. The Craypot has become a go to place for visitors wanting a truly authentic New Zealand food experience. The Craypot hosts many passing tour groups but it has now become a sought after destination for helicopter tours groups. Dayna and Nicole absolutely love what they do and have an eye to the future but are mindful of preserving the uniqueness that draws people far and wide to The Craypot.Today we speak to Dayna about how they took over ownership of the Craypot, what it is like living in such an extremely isolated area and winning the NZI Rural Women NZ Business Awards.Apply for the 2023 NZI Rural Women NZ Business Awards here: https://ruralwomennz.nz/nzi-rural-women-nz-business-awards-2023/

Jody Drysdale is Southland born and bred, now living on a farm in Balfour, Southland with her husband Blair and three children. Jody and Blair had been looking for ways to diversify their farming operation, deciding on hemp. In response to one of her children experiencing skin irritation, Jody researched and developed a recipe to make a soothing cream using her hemp seed oil- resulting in Hopefield Hemp’s incredible skin care range. Hopefield Hemp is very much a family business and building connection with customers is hugely important to Jody. Jody chats to us about getting into the hemp industry, making products in the kitchen with her cake mixer, and her experience with the NZI Rural Women NZ Business Awards 2022. You can see more about Hopefield Hemp here: https://www.hopefieldhemp.co.nz/Apply for the NZI Rural Women NZ Business Awards 2023 HERE: https://ruralwomennz.nz/nzi-rural-women-nz-business-awards-2023/

Today we talk to Serena Lyders, of Whānau Consultancy Services. As a 6th generation member of a shearing family, the industry and the people in it are close to her heart. Serena knew from an early age that she wanted to make a difference in the lives of others, especially women and children, and lead change to address the intergenerational trauma and social issues in the shearing industry. Serena has spent over 18 years in health and social work environments and has been the driver and innovator behind countless initiatives to empower people in her region and across the country. Serena is also last years winner of the Rural Champion Category at the NZI Rural Women NZ Business Awards. In this episode, Serena talks to us about her extremely diverse background, her obsession for qualifications and her hopes for the future. 

Today we chat to Miki Coulston, who is based in Te Puia Springs, near Gisborne. As a farm manager on the East Coast, she is super passionate about farming, especially women in farming.Miki was also one of our Activator’s, which a programme to help rural women get their business ideas off the ground. Miki brought her idea, Country and Me, a clothing brand all about providing affordable clothing for the active rural woman.In this episode, Miki has a chat to us about her experience with Cyclone Gabrielle, the challenges of launching a new business, and her hopes of building a community. You can check out Miki’s clothing brand, Country and Me here: https://www.countryandme.co.nz/shop 

Black Heels and Tractor Wheels is back for Season 5! No better day to start off a brand new season than International Women's Day.We chat to one incredible, inspiring, kick-ass woman, Kate Ivey of Kate Ivey Fitness. Kate has recently expanded her business into Australia, and is in the depths of calling for registrations’ for her upcoming 8 week programme, DediKate Rural. Kate has a chat to us about her journey with Kate Ivey Fitness, the challenges of running your own business, and tips and tricks for keeping active and healthy when you have a million things on the go. DediKate Rural is all about celebrating Rural Women and empowering them to exercise and look after themselves. The challenge starts on Monday 20th March, equipment isn’t necessary! You can register for this incredible programme here: https://kateiveyfitness.com/dedikate/rural/ 

To celebrate the last episode of Season 4, we have a good ol’ best bits. Thank you to our incredible listeners for tuning in to each episode, we are so very lucky to have you all.And another big thank you to the amazing women we have featured this season (and every season). Stay tuned for S5 in the New Year!

Karen is a farmer with her husband Mick and lives in Gladstone, Wairarapa along with her teenage children. Originally a town girl with a resource management degree, her passion for improving the environment (and marrying a farmer) encouraged her to embrace farm life. Karen now works for FMG, but she is also is the immediate Past Vice President of Federated Farmers NZ and was formerly the Federated Farmers Arable Industry Group Chairperson.Karen has many accolades, including winning the Ballance Farm Environment Awards for the Wellington Region, Federated Farmers Biosecurity Farmer of the Year, and is a graduate of the 'Escalator' Programme from the Agri-Women's Development Trust (AWDT).We talk to Karen about vision to see agriculture and food production thrive, her ‘unusual’ path into governance roles, and her experience as a woman in governance. 

Laura MacDonald, also known as Kiwi Country Girl, lives with her family in Te Akau. Laura is a born and raised rural gal, growing up on a 60-acre sheep and beef farm. While her husband Josh works for his family’s business, Laura is very grateful to be able to stay at home with her three children, and earn some income from her social media presence. Laura talks to us about her journey of building an online community, how COVID impacted this journey and her big goal of becoming self-sufficient.