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

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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

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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! 

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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/ 

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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 

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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  

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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 

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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

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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/ 

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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 

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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/

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