Kate Acland named NZ’s first Rural Woman of the Year

Beef + Lamb New Zealand chair Kate Acland was among the standout winners at this year’s Primary Industries New Zealand Awards, recognised with the inaugural Rural Woman of the Year Award. As a member of Rural Women New Zealand we are proud of Kate’s achievements. In her acceptance speech, she acknowledged fellow finalists Sandra Faulkner and Sarah Donaldson for their contributions to the sector, and paid tribute to the women who came before them and helped pave the way for today’s generation of leadership in New Zealand’s food and fibre industries. Judges said Acland had shown “inspirational leadership” in changing the culture and effectiveness of Beef + Lamb NZ.

“Under Kate’s leadership, we have seen a significant change in the sentiment of Beef + Lamb’s levy-payers. “Someone needed to do it and Kate felt that she had the strength to take on the challenge and reset the organisation.”

Congratulations Kate, Sandra and Sarah.