Rural Women New Zealand National Office
Nicola Eccleton
Interim Chief Executive
Responsible for guiding the team through an exciting new revitalization of the services and support we offer to our members.
Nicola is a senior leader in the non-profit sector, and has led teams with a focus on partnerships, research, communications, and service delivery.
She has extensive experience across a range of sectors including hospitality, events and local government, in operations, business development and strategy.
Most recently Nicola has specialised in areas that are particularly important to women, including maternal health and family violence.
Georgia Nelson
Communications and Advocacy Manager
Responsible for leading Rural Women New Zealand’s advocacy and communications efforts to amplify our mission, support members, strengthen our public profile and help us grow.
Georgia Nelson is an award-winning communications expert, former journalist and sheep and beef farmer.
From speech writing for Police, travelling to Scott Base with film crews and delivering media training workshops across the country, Georgia is an expert at helping people share their stories.
In 2020 she was awarded Young Practitioner of the Year by the Public Relations Institute of New Zealand. Her roots are firmly planted in rural New Zealand and she farms alongside her partner in Central Hawke’s Bay.
Sharon Jansen
Finance and Operations Manager
Responsible for ensuring the smooth running of Rural Women NZ by managing its financial health, operational processes and compliance.
Sharon has spent over 20 years working in the not-for-profit and charities sector, driving financial performance, operation efficiency and organisational compliance.
She has a background in finance, audit and governance and is committed to delivering accurate, insightful financial reporting and analysis, supporting executive leadership with data-driven decision making and enhancing governance structures to align with regulatory standards.
Innes Moffat
Development and Delivery Manager
Responsible for delivering services and partnerships that make a positive impact for rural communities.
Innes has held a variety of leadership roles in the New Zealand agriculture industry, working for the red meat sector in market development, trade policy and advocacy roles, based in New Zealand and off-shore.
He managed a national agricultural industry practice change programme that introduced innovative community engagement projects and led the deer industry producer board from 2019 to 2024.
In 2025 Innes was invited to chair the governance group for the red meat industry/government funded market development and research programmes.
Fiona Pohlen
Membership Manager
Responsible for supporting and strengthening our membership community, ensuring members feel valued, connected, and engaged, while helping grow our network for the future.
Fiona is an experienced membership manager, and engagement expert.
She has a proven track record of strong commitment to serving communities and problem solving under pressure, and worked as a detective for New Zealand Police.
Her experience is anchored in community service and making Aotearoa a great place for all.