Media Release
12 May 2026 

 

AWDT reflects on impact as it enters final phase 

 

The Agri-Women’s Development Trust (AWDT) is reflecting on its impact across rural Aotearoa as it enters a planned final phase, with a phased wind-down to take place over the next 12 Months. 

Over the past 18 months, increasing economic pressure across rural communities has reduced the ability and willingness of many women and rural businesses to commit time and money to development programmes. While AWDT has continued to support access and encourage participation, enrolments have declined. This signals a broader shift in priorities and, with limited runway to fully redesign the delivery model, has contributed to the decision to wind down AWDT over the next 12 months. 

AWDT General Manager Julia Jones said, “the decision reflects the current environment, rather than the value of the work.” 

“This is not a reflection of the value of what has been built. AWDT has played a significant role in supporting wāhine across rural Aotearoa to build confidence, strengthen capability, and step into leadership. What has been achieved over the past 16 years is something we are incredibly proud of.” 

Since its establishment, AWDT has supported thousands of women through programmes including Escalator, Understanding Your Farming Business, Wāhine o te Whenua, It’s All About YOU, and Next Level. These programmes have helped build a strong and connected network of rural women leading across farming businesses, governance, industry, and communities. 

This decision also reflects the maturity of the sector. AWDT was established to help build confidence, capability and leadership for rural women, and today women are leading across farming businesses, governance, industry and communities in significant and visible ways.

AWDT will continue to deliver all currently scheduled and committed programmes and a phased wind-down will take place over the next 12 months. 

As part of this process, AWDT will work with industry partners and sector organisations to explore how elements of its programmes, networks, and intent may continue in other forms. 

Ms Jones also acknowledged the collective effort behind the organisation’s success. “AWDT has been built on the commitment of many. The women who have stepped forward to take part, the alumnae who continue to support each other the wider sector, and the partners who have backed this work over many years have all contributed to its impact.” 

AWDT extended its thanks to its partners and supporters, including principal partner ANZ, whose long-standing commitment has helped enable the scale and impact of the programmes. 

“We know our partners have had choices in where they invest, and we are grateful for the role they have played in supporting this work,” Ms Jones said. 

AWDT will continue to communicate directly with participants, alumnae, and partners as the wind-down progresses. 

 

Ends 

Media contact:
Julia Jones, General Manager, AWDT
julia@awdt.org.nz
027 524 8901 

 

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