Debra Cruickshank wins NZI Supreme Enterprising Rural Women Award

Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) is proud to announce the NZI Supreme winner of the Enterprising Rural Women Awards 2017, Debra Cruickshank of Tannacrieff Wines.

“A truly inspiring story” is how the awards judges captured Debra’s business success. RWNZ’s National President, Fiona Gower was on the judging panel and said, “We were impressed with Debra’s demonstration of a love for what she does and a focus on family, heritage and her roots.

“Debra displays a superb work ethic, skill and innovative thinking, which has provided a great foundation from which to leverage and grow the Tannacrieff Wines brand.”

Over 180 people attended the awards event with friends, family and colleagues supporting the four finalists vying for the Supreme Enterprising Rural Women Award. The announcement was made during the RWNZ National Conference at the Ascot Park Hotel in Invercargill.

Minister for Women Hon Julie Anne Genter attended the awards ceremony and said, “rural women have always led the way for New Zealand, and today is no different. Congratulations to the winner, Debra Cruickshank, the finalists, and all entrants to the NZI Supreme Enterprising Rural Women Award.”

The awards are supported by industry partners: Agrisea New Zealand, NZI, SWAZI New Zealand and Homeopathic Farm Support.

RWNZ National Conference connects rural women from around New Zealand

The annual conference has been a successful event showcasing inspirational rural women and their dedication to build dynamic communities through communication, connections and collaboration.

The conference began with a video greeting from the Governor-General of New Zealand, Dame Patsy Reddy, who is the Patron of RWNZ.

Guest speakers included Minister for Women Hon Julie Anne Genter who spoke about the importance of what rural women do, and the challenges for the new government.

Speeches were also presented by MP for Invercargill Sarah Dowie and Mayor for Southland District Gary Tong. Key speaker Professor Paul Spoonley spoke about New Zealand’s changing demography, the implications and challenges.

Special guests attended the conference sessions and delegates participated in workshops covering health, rural environment, education and social issues.

Congratulations to the category winners for the 2017 Enterprising Rural Women Awards:

AgriSea New Zealand Love of the Land winner: Kiri Elworthy and Jenny Bargh – Tora Coastal Walk, Martinborough www.toracoastalwalk.nz

NZI Innovative Enterprising Rural Women Award winner: Kylie Davidson and Emma Hammond – Hammond and Davidson Accountants, Riversdale  www.hammonddavidson.co.nz

Homeopathic Farm Support Emerging Enterprising Rural Women Award winner: Jo Kempton – Happy Belly Ferments, Greytown   www.happybellyferments.com 

Swazi New Zealand Entrepreneurial Enterprising Rural Women Award winner and NZI Supreme Award winner:
Debra Cruikshank – Tannacrieff Wines, Cromwell www.tannacrieff.co.nz 

Click here to download a high res image of Debra Cruickshank.