2026 NZI Rural Women Business Awards

Kylie Dorr crowned Supreme Winner

Kylie Dorr has taken out the Supreme Winner title of the 2026 NZI Rural Women Business Awards. 

Kylie is the owner of Southern Reproductive, an independent reproductive services and training business which she began five years ago. 

Having returned from eight years in the USA she started by providing an AI (Artificial Insemination) service as an independent technician. Southern Reproductive is now the national distributor for IMV Technologies ultrasound devices.

In her spare time Kylie races her dirt bike, has won a national series and represented New Zealand at World Championship level.

Heather Sorensen, RWNZ National President, said " It was a great challenge for the judging panel as there were so many incredible, high calibre and creative businesswomen among the entrants. To be announced as the Supreme Winner is very special and I am delighted that Kylie Dorr is the recipient this year”

Celebrating Rural Women in Business

Since 2018, we've partnered with NZI to shine a spotlight on the rural women running successful enterprises across Aotearoa. The NZI Rural Women Business Awards celebrate the innovation, community impact and business excellence of women who build thriving businesses in our rural communities.

Explore Gala Dinner Images

2026 Winners

  • AnnaFit

    Anna King

    Anna is redefining wellness in Mid Canterbury by making expert-led, inclusive Pilates accessible.

    Read more here.

  • Kylie Dorr

    Kylie established Southern Reproductive in 2021 and has built a leading livestock services business while creating opportunities for growth, employment and innovation within the rural sector.

    Read more here.

  • Millie Aitken

    Millie is the owner of Bar M Custom Tack, a Central Otago business specialising in handmade tack and custom cowboy hats.

    Read more here.

  • Philippa Cameron

    Philippa Cameron is the creator of the iconic What's for Smoko brand, an author, and a passionate advocate for rural communities.

    Read more here.

  • Sonia Minnaar and Liz Henderson

    Sonia and Liz are two friends who built Canopy Camping Escapes, a luxury accommodation business that connects people with curated glamping stays.

    Read more here.

  • Karen McGrath

    Through 20 years of dedication Karen and her family have built a substantial business supplying high-quality fresh nutrition for New Zealanders 365 days a year.

    Read more here.

  • Kate MacDonald

    Kate is the founder and creative director of Davaar, a premium knitwear brand created from the strong wool grown on her family's fifth-generation Southland property, Davaar Station.

    Read more here.

  • Kathryn Jackson

    Kathryn Jackson is an award-winning leadership & wellbeing specialist, author, and executive coach with over 25 years of experience.

    Read more here.

From Rural Roots to Global Success

Emma Lewisham Q&A

“Rural New Zealand is in my bones. I grew up in the Waikato, my father spending his life in farming, and it was simply the fabric of our family's life.”

“No one understands your business better than you, so back yourself.”

We were delighted to have beauty entrepreneur Emma Lewisham join us at last week's Gala Dinner, where she sat down with MC Sarah Perriam-Lampp for an insightful and inspiring Q&A.

Reflecting on her upbringing in rural Morrinsville, Emma spoke about the values that continue to guide her today.

"Those values and those roots got me to where I am today and helped distinguish us on a global stage."

From 5am milking sessions with her dad to the strong work ethic instilled by her mum, Emma credits her rural roots with giving her the resilience and confidence to build a globally recognised brand.

Her advice for anyone in business?

Get comfortable being yourself. Show up. Do the hard work.

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