The Inspiring Wāhine conference which began in Alexandra has been moved to Gore this year, in conjunction with International Rural Women’s Day today (Wednesday October 15).

The 2024 event was founded by Clare Toia-Bailey, backed by Women in Horticulture (WiH) and United Fresh Inc. It attracted 150 people, with guest speakers coming from all over New Zealand.

WiH communications group member and organising team member Whitney Conder said organisers hit the ground running with the first event and received great feedback.

“We want to spread the love out into the regions, and we thought Gore would benefit from something like this,” she said of the decision to move this year’s event into Eastern Southland.

Alongside practical workshops on topics such as investment, nutrition, managing stress and strengthening advocacy skills, inspirational speakers Nadia Lim (celebrity chef and entrepreneur), Dr Denise Quinlan (Director of the Institute of Wellbeing and Resilience), Tori Moorby (Olympian), Pauline Smith (award-winning author and educator), and Dr Jo Cribb (leadership and governance expert) will be attending.

“It’s a chance for rural women to fill their own cup and be part of a community that understands the unique challenges and triumphs of rural life,” Whitney said.

It was important to shine a spotlight on the role thousands of rural women play in horticulture and agriculture, as growers, leaders, innovators and kaitiaki of the land, she said.

“This conference is a chance for wāhine to connect, reflect and grow. Whether you're hands-on in the fields, behind the scenes in horticulture or supporting the sector from another angle, this three-day experience in Gore is all about supporting each other and celebrating all that we do.”

In September 2024 the government contributed $300,000 over three years towards gender equity. Part of the funding allows the United Fresh Women in Horticulture initiative to deliver workshops and professional development.

WiH project manager Stephanie Wrathall, said wāhine were central to the sector’s success – from small family-run producers to large multi-million dollar growing operations. 

“Women are often at the heart of these businesses and post-harvest workforces, yet they often fly under the radar, juggling family priorities with business success and not always receiving the support and acknowledgement they deserve.

“United Fresh and Women in Horticulture aren’t just celebrating rural women – we’re backing them in the places they live, grow and lead. Through our sponsorship of the Inspiring Wāhine Conference, we’re championing the voices of wāhine in horticulture and supporting initiatives that empower them at the grassroots level.”

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