Congratulations to Lindy Nelson MNZM

Rural Women New Zealand offers congratulations to Lindy Nelson who has been named as a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) in the New Year 2016 Honours.

Lindy received the award for her service to agriculture and women. She is a long-time member of Rural Women NZ and featured as a guest speaker at our recent National Conference.

Lindy is married to a farmer, David, and together they manage a country sheep and beef operation. Lindy is an active participant in her community of Alfredon and is passionate about encouraging rural people to grow their potential.

Lindy has channelled her business skills into developing leadership programmes for women through the Agri-Women’s Development Trust (AWDT). The Trust aims to develop leadership, business and governance skills in rural women. Over 1300 women have completed an AWDT programme and many are members of RWNZ. Lindy is proud that graduates have progressed to working for some of New Zealand’s largest rural organisations.

Lindy sees the New Year’s Honour as an acknowledgement for women in the sector and she hopes it inspires others. She has won several awards over the past few years including being named “Business Woman of the Year” in 2013 by Next Magazine.

Rural Women NZ and Lindy are already busy working on programmes to offer to our membership and branches to foster future leaders for our organisation and council.

Rural recipients of New Year 2016 honours include:

Knights Companion of the Order of New Zealand
David Fagan ONZM of Te Kuiti for shearing services.

Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit
David Civil of Cambridge for services to the dairy industry.
Robert Davison of Wellington for services to the sheep and beef industries.

Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit
Brian Powell JP of Blenheim. For services to heritage preservation and the community.
Jonathon Kirk of Waimate for services to agriculture.