A new national award recognising the contribution of women to New Zealand’s rural communities has been launched, with nominations now open.

The Rural Woman of the Year award has been established by Federated Farmers and Rural Women New Zealand, with the inaugural winner to be announced at the Primary Industries New Zealand (Pinz) awards in Auckland on June 23.

Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford said the award aimed to recognise the often unseen leadership and impact of women across the rural sector.

“Our rural communities are absolutely overflowing with talented women doing amazing things across the industry in farming, advocacy, grassroots leadership, and within their community.

“We want to shine a bright light on the work they’re doing to lead, inspire, connect and strengthen New Zealand’s rural communities and the wider agricultural sector.”

Organisers expect a strong field of nominees from across the country.

Rural Women New Zealand board chair Nicole Oliver said the award would provide national recognition for women whose work had made a difference in rural communities.

“This award is about celebrating the impact an exceptional rural woman has, whether that’s in farming, community leadership, advocacy or supporting the primary sector.”

The award is open to women from across the rural economy and is not limited to members of Rural Women New Zealand.

“There are more than 400,000 potential nominees out there, and we want to make sure there are absolutely no barriers for a worthy recipient of this award stepping forward and entering,” Oliver said.

“Whether you’re milking cows in Morrinsville, shearing sheep in Waipukurau, volunteering for a local club in Gore, or working for Fonterra in Auckland’s CBD – this is the award for you.

“If your work has made a difference for our rural communities, the primary sector or New Zealand’s wider success, we want to celebrate you.”

Brightstar chief executive Paula Cleghorn said the award would sit alongside other categories at the Pinz awards, which aim to recognise excellence across the primary sector.

“Half of rural New Zealand’s population is female, so it’s great to be introducing this new award category that specifically recognises their contribution and achievements,” she said.

“The Rural Woman of the Year award isn’t sector specific: it’s open to those in dairy, sheep and beef, arable, supporting industries, or even those who just live in rural New Zealand.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing who takes home the inaugural title.”

Nominations for the Rural Woman of the Year award are open now and close on April 1, 2026.

- Supplied by Federated Farmers