Waipara Springs celebrates 36 years of wine, food, family and community. Thirty-six years and three generations is a legacy worth celebrating. Waipara Springs marked the milestone on October 16 with an intimate gathering at its historic winery restaurant. In typical Waipara Springs style, the evening was beautifully executed, without a hint of pretence. Among the guests were loyal customers, current and former staff, family, neighbours and friends. Everyone had played some pa

1. How has your rural upbringing and background shaped the person you are and the path you have taken? I grew up with an intergenerational interest and involvement in rural artisan crafts, including embroidery, patchwork and basketry. I was taught to knit, crochet and tat by my maternal grandmother and mother. Growing up on a farm also taught me to use initiative, make decisions, solve problems, get up early, do a job and finish it. There were plenty of fun times too, includi

Marie Black is Mayor of the Hurunui District, a role that places her at the heart of one of Canterbury’s most strongly rural communities. With deep ties to farming and community life, she brings a grounded understanding of the challenges and strengths that shape rural people and places. 1. As mayor of a largely rural district, how has your connection with rural people and communities shaped the way you lead? Living and farming in Hurunui District has given me a

From a high-country farm near Twizel, Kate Ivey has built a nationwide fitness business focused on helping women become stronger, healthier and more confident. Through Kate Ivey Fitness and DediKate, she has turned the realities of rural life, motherhood and limited access to gyms into a business with reach well beyond the farm gate. You built Kate Ivey Fitness and DediKate from a farm near Twizel. How much did rural life shape the business you eventually created? It is

Kate Acland is Chair of Beef + Lamb New Zealand, a Mid Canterbury farmer and the inaugural 2026 Rural Woman of the Year. A strong advocate for rural communities and the red meat sector, she brings both practical farming experience and national leadership to the table. You’ve reached one of the most influential governance positions in New Zealand agriculture. What has shaped the way you lead? I’ve been lucky to have some fantastic mentors along the way and a great network

Karen Williams is Chief Executive of Irrigation New Zealand and a long-time advocate for farmers and rural communities. With a background spanning farming, industry leadership and agricultural advocacy, she brings a practical voice to some of the sector’s biggest conversations around water, land use and the future of food production. 1. You’ve worked across farming, advocacy and irrigation leadership. What has kept drawing you into roles where rural voices need to be heard? M