The NZI Rural Women Business Awards Return
Media Statement | 16 December 2025
Rural Women New Zealand is delighted to announce its prestigious business awards are back.
Applications are now open for the 2026 NZI Rural Women Business Awards, to be held at Parliament on 23 July.
The awards celebrate the very best of female entrepreneurship and business achievements, with seven categories there’s an opportunity for every kind of rural enterprise.
Rural Women New Zealand Chief Executive Sandra Kirby says the 2026 awards are extra special as they coincide with the organisation’s Centennial year.
“The awards are open to all women who live and work in rural New Zealand, and we look forward to providing a platform to highlight the incredible entrepreneurial wāhine working in agriculture, horticulture, agritourism, professional services and the arts right across the country.
“We closely follow the journeys of previous winners and are loudly cheering as they continue to excel.
“Our winners have gone on to do amazing things, such as be recognised in the Deloitte Fast 50, employ multiple rural women in communities across the country and join the national movement to raise the profile of wool to name a few,” she says
NZI, who have generously supported the awards from the beginning, are once again the principal sponsor. NZI Executive Manager, Agencies and Schemes, Christina Chellew says NZI is proud to continue the partnership with Rural Women New Zealand and celebrate the incredible contribution rural women make to their communities and the economy.
“These awards shine a light on innovation, resilience and leadership, and we’re thrilled to support initiatives that empower women to grow thriving businesses in rural Aotearoa,” she says.
The 2026 categories are:
Emerging Enterprise - Recognises early-stage rural businesses showing exceptional promise and growth potential.
Love of the Land - Honors enterprises that work harmoniously with natural resources to supply food or fiber.
Creative at Heart - Celebrates rural businesses producing original art or goods using local materials.
Innovation - Recognises businesses challenging norms with new and innovative market offerings.
Rural Champion - Awards individuals or businesses providing exceptional support to rural communities.
Health and Wellness Excellence - Acknowledges contributions promoting rural health and wellness initiatives.
Experience Rural - Celebrates enterprises offering unique and authentic rural experiences to visitors.
Young Businesswomen - A young entrepreneur leading an enterprise making a valuable contribution to a rural community.
Supreme Award - Given to a category winner excelling across all judging criteria in rural enterprise.
Entries are now open and don’t close until 27 March.
For more information please visit our website.
Requirements for entry include being the owner and operator of a business or enterprise with at least 50% female ownership based in rural New Zealand.
Media contacts:
Georgia Nelson
Communications & Advocacy Manager
021 530 769
georgia.nelson@ruralwomennz.nz
IAG Corporate Communications
027 405 9335
Media@iag.co.nz