NZI Rural Women NZ Business Awards 2023 Supreme Award Winner Announced

Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) and Premier Partner, NZI, announced the winner of this year’s Supreme Award at the NZI Rural Women NZ Business Awards Ceremony in Christchurch tonight.

The NZI Supreme Award was won by our Emerging Business Category Award winner Sophie Hurley of Honest Wolf,” says National President Gill Naylor.

“This is the first time that our Supreme Award Winner has come from the Emerging Business Category,” says Mrs Naylor.

“This year we have seen the businesses that were created or were forced to pivot and evolve during the 2020 lockdown period really coming into their own now.” says Mrs Naylor.

“Honest Wolf is an excellent example of the innovation and entrepreneurism of rural enterprises and their responsiveness to changing times.”

“In seeking a solution to declining wool prices at the time that plastic bags were being phased out, Sophie and husband Sam, saw an opportunity to use their wool to create a sustainable alternative and Honest Wolf was born.”

Honest Wolf is based in Hunterville and has thrived since its inception. Its range of products has quickly expanded to include a range of luggage and accessories. The brand is a champion for the potential of New Zealand wool.

Amanda Whiting, Chief Executive of IAG New Zealand, noted that it had been incredibly challenging for the Judges to select an overall Supreme Award Winner from the outstanding cohort of finalists.

“Having grown up Western Australia, rural communities have always held a special place in my life and the opportunity to promote and celebrate the creativity and innovation of rural women through these Awards is very special,” says Amanda Whiting.

“We continue to be incredibly impressed by the diversity of businesses owned and operated by rural women that are recognised by the NZI Rural Women NZ Business Awards.”

“Honest Wolf excelled across all aspects of the judging criteria to emerge as this year’s NZI Supreme Award Winner. I offer sincere congratulations to Sophie, as well as all our deserving category finalists.”

ENDS

The Award winners for each Category are as follows:

Creative Arts: Botanic Press – Emma Hasler, Wanaka

Emerging Business: Honest Wolf – Sophie Hurley, Hunterville 

Innovation: Real Country, Laura Koot, Kingston

Love of the Land: Nature and Nosh and The Bush Boardroom – Kylie Rae, Waikato

Rural Champion: Target PR - Rebecca Greaves, Pongaroa

Bountiful Table: Hayz At The Anchorage – Haylee-Chanel Simeon, Bluff

Rural Health and Wellness Excellence: Kathryn Wright Counsellor – Kathryn Wright, Te Anau