Grow you.
Grow leadership.Grow community.Grow whenua.Grow Aotearoa.

When we grow, so does our whānau, whenua, community, and impact.

AWDT builds your skills, courage, and connections to lead with purpose, anywhere. We’re growing leadership, transforming New Zealand’s food and fibre sector.

It starts with you.

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Growing wāhine leadership

At the heart of AWDT is the fundamental belief that when women lead, industries and communities thrive. AWDT’s transformative learning programmes, connected communities and dynamic partnerships grow the leadership and influence of wāhine across Aotearoa. Together we are shifting mindsets, unlocking potential, and building new capability in the food and fibre sector.

Our story

Current programmes

Power Up

Alumni Development

A one-day development programme to understand your personal power, refine your communication in tricky situations and learn more about employment law.

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It’s all about YOU

Foundational leadership

A two-day development programme for women to explore values, strengths, goals and experiences. Break away from routine, reconnect with yourself and explore new possibilities for positive change in your life.

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Next Level

Governance Programme

A six-month leadership and governance programme for women. Break through barriers to find courage, develop a leaders mindset, build your ability to influence and connect with like-minded women.

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Escalator

Leadership Programme

A 10-month programme combining best-in-class leadership, governance, and personal development with practical application — featuring blended learning, executive coaching, and inspiration from established leaders.

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Wāhine o te Whenua

HEALTH, WELLBEING & LEADERSHIP

A six-month wāhine-led programme incorporating matauranga Maori principles, values and experiences to empower, equip and support wāhine Māori to lead in influential roles.

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Success stories

Realising a vision

“You don’t have to have it all figured out; just taking the first step can take you forward in a new direction.”

Wendy Coup

Understanding how your potential benefits others

“First Steps not only gave me a new awareness of my skills, but permission to start my own personal journey as a respected industry professional.”

Cathy Cotter

Life-changing new pathway

“The move north was a catalyst for reinventing myself as I’d been away from Northland for so long I didn’t know many people.”

Eloise Neeley

Course identifies leadership strength

“I’d had a successful career prior to leaving my job after the birth of my second child and had become a bit lost and disillusioned that I’d lost my identity.”

Emma Hammond

Blogs / 28th October, 2025

From oil to soil: Kate Faulks’ journey of grit, grace, and governance

Kate is clear that her journey is ongoing; “I just want to keep learning, growing and contributing. You can’t have it all, but you can choose what matters most. For me, that’s family, purpose, and how I show up each day at home on the farm or in the boardroom. Progress isn’t linear; sometimes it even feels like you’re going backwards. Still, choose courage and lean into discomfort – that’s where the magic happens”.

Be your story: Nicki Mackay on 30 years of leadership and lessons

At the heart of all these lessons is Nicki’s leadership mantra: Be your story. Own it, live it, love it. “Leadership is about knowing yourself and serving others,” she says. “You don’t have to get it right all the time. You just have to keep learning, keep reflecting, and keep walking forward.”

Finding balance: What young farmers can teach us about the future

As Cheyne puts it, the best gift we can give young people in food and fibre is a chance. A chance to learn, to lead, and to find their place in their own time. Support them, but don’t rush them. Invite them in, to conversations, to communities, to decision-making spaces. Show them the depth and diversity of opportunity that exists in our sector. Because when young people have the confidence, wellbeing, and breadth of experience to lead with purpose, our rural communities, and our country, thrives.

Communicating with confidence and clarity

Georgia Nelson, a seasoned communications expert who has navigated journalism, corporate communications and Police communications, brings deep insight to the art of speaking with confidence. Her message is refreshingly reassuring: “Anyone can be a good communicator. It’s a skill we can all grow. The more you nurture and work at it, the better you’ll get.” Georgia reminds us that confident communication isn’t about charisma or perfection — it’s about clarity, self-awareness, and practice.

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Grow you.
Grow leadership.Grow community.Grow whenua.Grow Aotearoa.

Growing wāhine leadership