A hundred years of connection. Rural Women New Zealand are our daughters, mothers, friends, business owners, volunteers, and problem solvers.
Otago based Nicola Rae is fostering connections and activating change for the rural women in her community. She is one of the women helping shape the future of the century-old organisation.
Rural women have always been the backbone of our communities; the ones people turn to in times of need. For these women, when they are in need, there is one organisation they can turn to—Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ). For the last 100 years, its mission to give support, connection, and voice to rural women, their families, and communities. Now, in its second century, RWNZ's members are not just forging the familiar path of empowerment and connection, but cementing these values through programmes, such as ConnectHER and Activator.
Activating change
Raised on a sheep and beef farm in South Otago, Nicola Rae has exchanged farm living for rural living, aka a lifestyle block. She and her husband Andrew run the award-winning Weka Landscaping and garden shop in Central Otago.
Volunteering is a central theme of Nicola’s life, from the Alexandra Parents Centre to Victim Support, but her connection with RWNZ did not start as a volunteer role.
“Around three years ago, I saw their Activator programme advertised in the local paper. It was kind of a Dragon’s Den scenario, and I applied. The experience was awesome; I got to take an idea and make it tangible.”
Leading from the front
Putting those skills to use to develop her business, Nicola leapt at the chance to take part in the 2025 RWNZ Leadership Course.
“From change management to providing an implementation framework, it was incredible to be a part of. I have taken all I learned on this course back to my community.”
Nicola started a dinner group to continue fostering connections in the region.
“This a chance to push people out of their comfort zones, meet new people, and make a new friend. Around two-thirds were not members but want to be involved.
“It is a supportive, inclusive environment. Not everyone is from a farming background. Some are new, living on two hectares, but after city-life that can seem huge. They are looking for a slower pace, but maintain valuable, human-to-human connections.”
PGG Wrightson proudly supports the vital work of Rural Women New Zealand through their Growing the County® programme.
