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Welcome to the Black Heels and Tractor Wheels Podcast where we are sharing stories from a range of women around New Zealand. Our hosts, Emma and Claire join a whole raft of incredible New Zealand women to discuss topics ranging from starting your own business, navigating career and university changes, building confidence, and getting back to work with young children. If you enjoyed this podcast, feel free to visit our Instagram, Facebook and website, or even become a member! www.ruralwomennz.nz
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Heather McKay is our inaugural associate board member for Rural Women New Zealand. Today on the podcast we chat about Heather’s career development to date, along with her journey from the West Coast to the Tasman District. We also unpick pathways to dairy farm ownership, taking opportunities as they arise, and the importance of being purposeful in …
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Claire Edwards from the Tora Collective joins us on the Podcast today. We discuss Claire’s journey from Golden Bay to Marlborough and now Tora. From University to bars in Wellington and finding soulmates, to starting a sustainable, catch to order kaimoana business. What strikes us about Claire is her really strong and uncompromising standards and v…
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Today on the Black Heels and Tractor Wheels Podcast we have a great chat with Greer Paterson ✨ Greer lives on the Chatham Islands and provides us with an outlook of how truly unique and different Island life is. She talks us through the first moment she landed on the Chatham Islands, having never heard of it, or been there before she arrived. Her o…
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We have a chat with Sandra Matthews, Chair of RWNZ and local community legend. We yarn about engendering volunteering from a young age, developing identity as a woman coming onto a farm from outside, depression and anxiety, and also leadership pathways. Sandra delivers some stellar advice on governance, leading yourself and leading others. Thank yo…
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Send us a text We speak to Mel Bennett, a progressive leader in New Zealand's horticulture industry ✨ Mel has come a long way- From accidental beginnings in the avocado sector 🥑 to pivoting into kiwifruit🥝, and now embarking on her new journey as a mum. We discuss the importance of both backing yourself as well as getting super support in a new jou…
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Send us a text 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 surrou…
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Send us a text 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 hurd…
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Send us a text 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.…
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Send us a text 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 exciti…
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Send us a text 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 …
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Send us a text 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 dif…
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Send us a text 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 …
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Send us a text 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 no…
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Send us a text 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 tailore…
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Send us a text 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 …
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Send us a text 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 ta…
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Send us a text 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 Bi…
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Send us a text 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 e…
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Send us a text 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 mak…
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Send us a text 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 intergenera…
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Send us a text 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 an…
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Send us a text 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 upc…
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Send us a text 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! See omnystudio.com/liste…
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Send us a text 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…
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Send us a text 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 …
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Send us a text Christina Perriam is a strong rural woman with merino wool in her blood, who is now a pillar of the Central Otago community after an upbringing at Bendigo Station. Christina walks us through her fashion journey from Tarras school, learning from her creative and entrepreneurial parents, to now running one of New Zealand’s most iconic …
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Send us a text Nadia Lim needs no introduction. She’s an all round superwoman, who now lives in the beautiful Central Otago with her husband Carlos and two small sons. After the incredibly successful sale of My Food Bag, Nadia and Carlos purchased “Royalburn Station”, and are now sharing their farming journey with the rest of Aoteoroa. In this podc…
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Send us a text Pip Cameron lives in the high country with her two small daughters and husband Joe on Otematata Station in the Waitaki Valley. Along with many other hats, Pip is the incredible station cook, who whips up practical, rustic smokos for the hardworking crew. She’s also an author, mother, advocate and is incredibly proud of her rural root…
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Send us a text Laura Morrison farms with her husband Rich in the beautiful Rangitikei region, with her two small boys on their sheep and beef farm with a twist. The Morrison’s run “The Gullies”, and alongside their ethical livestock genetics, they also invite artists to share their landscape at the Cottage each year. Laura opens up and shares with …
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Send us a text Today we’re speaking with Fiona Gower, immediate past president of Rural Women New Zealand and community champion. We talk with Fiona about the importance of setting your own path, power of communities and connection, and the awesome opportunities she’s had through RWNZ. Today’s Shout Out goes to the wonderful Rural Support Trust, wh…
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Send us a text Today on the podcast, Sarah Reed of The Grumpy Merino (TGM) joins us to have a chat! Sarah, her husband Jono and their three children live on the Grampians in Culverden, North Canterbury. The Grumpy Merino (TGM) is driven by a desire to better utilise merino wool, transforming it into high-quality yarn and blankets. The wool can be t…
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Send us a text Black Heels and Tractor Wheels is back! Season 4 is kicking off with a bang, with the first episode featuring the lovely Meredith Carpenter. Meredith is behind Ruanui Station products, which are 100% New Zealand made from start to finish. The sheep are farmed and shorn at Ruanui Station near Taihape, just as they have been for three …
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Send us a text Today Claire and Emma take a look back at Season 3 and talk about some of their favourite themes that have popped up over throughout each episode. Thank you to everyone who has tuned in over the past couple of months! Season 4 will be kicking off in two weeks, so stay tuned for more incredible rural stories! If you enjoyed this episo…
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Send us a text Today we are speaking to Becks Smith, who is based in Ranfurly with her husband and children. Becks is an extremely busy woman, working as a vet, running a social enterprise, farming on a 700ha Sheep, Beef and Deer property, and raising children. Becks is the founder of the Whole Story NZ, a Social Enterprise using the United Nation’…
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Send us a text Today we are speaking to Becks Tosswill, who is based in the Wairarapa with her three children and husband Richard. She is the founder and owner of Farmers Daughter Design Studio, which is based on the 650-hectare Wairarapa hill country farm that she and her husband own. Their farm is known for its innovation, having won the Supreme …
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Send us a text Today we are speaking to Kiri Elworthy, who is based in Martinborough with her husband James. Kiri and her husband own and run Tora Coastal Walk, a three-day, fully catered walk and two 650ha farms, which are where the Coastal Walk is based. Kiri started her journey in Riversdale, eventually heading to Lincoln University. However, at…
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Send us a text Today we are speaking to Clare Bradley, CEO of AgriSea, who is based in Paeroa with her husband Tane and their three children. Clare started her career after studying Biology at Auckland University. She previously lived and worked for 2 years in the Amazon Rainforest, with a remote community helping them to develop enterprises that w…
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Send us a text Today we are speaking with Jenny McDonald, currently our star National Finance Chair here at Rural Women. Jenny lives in Canterbury with her husband Mark and has three grown children, Jack, George, and Annie. Jenny has always been determined to forge her own career as an accountant as well as supporting her husband on the farm. She t…
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Send us a text Today, we speak to Raewyn van Vugt who operates a dairy farming business with her husband Rob in Otago. Raewyn grew up on the West Coast of the South Island, as a coal miners’ daughter in a small town called Reefton. In 1991 she moved to Inch Clutha with her husband Rob, where their farming enterprise started. Raewyn has been heavily…
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Send us a text Today we are speaking to the incredible, 'limb-it-less' Shaz Dagg. She is New Zealand's first elite para-triathlete and Parafed Manawatū's sport development adviser. In 2016, Shaz's left arm was crushed by a gate while she was working on a goat farm. After multiple complications, and nine surgeries, the arm was amputated above her el…
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Send us a text Today we are speaking with Maria Kuster, a rural businesswoman with a twist, who along with her partner Sean runs the incredible Pure Salt boat charter business in Tamatea/Dusky Sound. Originally hailing from Germany, Maria stepped on a plane as a young woman arriving in the South Island and found that Aotearoa was where her future a…
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Send us a text Today Sophie Hurley joins us on the podcast, who is one half of the duo behind Honest Wolf. Sophie is based in the Turakina Valley in the North Island, where she lives with her husband Sam and son Harry. Sophie Sam launched Honest Wolf, a line of accessories made from wool from the family farm, in 2020. Honest Wolf’s goal is to make …
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Send us a text Today, Sarah Martelli joins us on the podcast, who amongst many other things is the incredible woman behind Strong Woman. Sarah is a mum to three young children and lives with her husband Mathew, her kids, a spoodle puppy, pet pig and chickens, on a 400 cow dairy farm in Reporoa, New Zealand. Life is pretty hectic with juggling kids'…
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Send us a text Today’s guest is our 2021 Supreme Winner at the NZI Rural Women NZ Business Awards, Amber Forrest. Amber is based in Wairoa and provides the only full-time beauty therapy clinic with fully qualified staff in the region, a salon called Beauty Antix. Amber has built an award-winning business which is immersed in the diversity of its cl…
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Send us a text Today we are very lucky to speak to Tia Potae, the winner of the inaugural Primary Industries award at the 2021 New Zealand Women of Influence Awards. Tia is based in the sunny Coromandel, but hails from Milton at the bottom of the South Island. The Potae name is extremely well known in shearing circles, with her grandfather’s brothe…
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Send us a text We speak with Tyler Langford, a city gal turned farmer, supermum to three boys, and one half of the YOLO team. YOLO (You Only Live Once) was the project that Tyler and her husband embarked on when Wayne was battling depression in 2017. Tyler tells us that challenges with mental health in the farming community are far more common than…
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Send us a text Today we speak to Olivia Caldwell, a journalist based in beautiful Central Otago. Olivia shares with us her career journey from rural life to urban and then bouncing back again to her rural roots. We have a really great yarn about the single life, the challenges younger women face today as the dating game changes, and Olivia's tips f…
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Send us a text Today on the podcast we talk with Loshni Manikam, originally hailing from Durban in South Africa, and now residing in sunny Southland. Loshni speaks to us about the courage it takes to move halfway around the world and then move cross country, with a one-year-old and a three-year-old in tow. Loshni discusses both the fulfilling and f…
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Send us a text Ele Ludemann’s journey has been a challenging one, but her incredible resilience, coupled with her dedication to helping others in similar situations, has been nothing short of inspiring. Ele speaks of the importance of naming and taming feelings as part of the grief cycle, strategies for everyone to help deal with grief, and shares …
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Send us a text Today we’re speaking to Emily Welch, a trailblazer in women’s shearing here in New Zealand, who lives in northern Waikato with her four children and husband Sam. Emily is a super competitive, inspiring lady who has a proven track record for success, winning the innagural women’s final at the Golden Shears and also claiming second pla…
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