18 May 2009
Jan Bolton of Kaingaroa Roading Contractors Ltd, Murupara, was one of two runners-up in the Rural Women New Zealand Enterprising Rural Woman Award 2009. The awards were presented at Parliament on Friday 15 May.
The winner was Tora Coastal Walk - run by Jenny Bargh and Kiri and Kath Elworthy. The Tora Coastal Walk is a tourism business owned and operated by the three Wairarapa women for the last 13 years. The three day walk is through spectacular farmland with all accommodation, meals and luggage transfers provided.
The other runner-up was Beverley Forrester of ‘Blackhills’, a paddock to catwalk sheep farming and designer wool operation based in Hurunui, North Canterbury.
Jan Bolton says, “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 Award was judged by Theresa Gattung of Wool Partners International, Amber Quinnell of BNZ and Margaret Chapman.
In presenting the inaugural award, Tony Arthur of BNZ Agribusiness said “the success and diversity of the businesses represented by the 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.”
In congratulating Jenny Bargh and Kiri and Kath Elworthy, RWNZ’s national president, Margaret Chapman announced 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.
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.
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.
Source: Rural Women New Zealand media release (edited)
