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 / 19th January, 2026

The courage to come home to yourself: Charlie Butler’s story

To the women reading this in rural homes and kitchens and paddocks across Aotearoa, Charlie has a message. You are not broken. You are not failing because you are tired. You are not weak because sometimes you resent how much you give. You are human. You deserve care. You deserve room to breathe. You deserve to feel nourished by your own life, not drained by it.

Beyond our fences: What the world can teach us about perspective

“Sometimes it takes stepping away from home to really see what’s in front of you.” Travelling to the IDF World Conference in Chile reminded Jane Muir just how connected our dairy sector is to the wider world. She left to share New Zealand’s story — and returned with renewed pride, perspective, and clarity about why our work matters.

Water, leadership and the courage to change course

Water sits at the heart of Aotearoa — shaping our whenua, our memories, and our future — yet its complexity is often lost beneath sound bites and political cycles. In this kōrero, Keri Johnston reminds us that water isn’t just an environmental issue; it’s a test of leadership, courage and long-term vision. From stressed catchments to siloed decision making, she challenges us to see water as a shared responsibility, to value collaboration over ego, and to step forward with honesty and possibility. Because the future of water and our communities will be shaped by those who choose to lead.

Building resilience, one decision at a time : Emma Crutchley

Emma Crutchley shows that resilience is a strategic choice, not a buzzword. Farming 3,000ha in one of New Zealand’s driest regions, every decision is run through a simple framework — profitability, values alignment, and long-term resilience — guiding investments in irrigation, diversification, and renewable energy that keep the business operating even through outages. Her approach blends clarity, fast learning, and strong family values, proving that effective leadership on the land is built one intentional decision at a time.

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

Growing wāhine leadership