Where will your journey take you next?

Where will your journey take you next?

AWDT may be coming to the end of its journey, but there are plenty of opportunities for yours to continue.

For 16 years, AWDT has helped women across New Zealand’s food and fibre sector build confidence, develop leadership skills and discover what they’re capable of. One of the things we’ve always believed is that development doesn’t have to follow a particular path. Sometimes it’s about preparing for a leadership role, or gaining practical skills, finding a mentor, building your networks or simply making time to invest in yourself.

While our programmes are coming to an end, the ambition, curiosity and potential of the women in our community continue on. And being in this sector for so long, we know there are some wonderful organisations and opportunities across New Zealand to help you keep growing.

Here’s a few worth exploring:

Rural Leaders: Taking your leadership further
If you’re ready to take the next step in your leadership journey, Rural Leaders offers development opportunities designed specifically for people working across New Zealand’s food and fibre sector.

In particular, the Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme is worth considering. Running over six months, Kellogg brings together people from across the sector to develop their strategic thinking, leadership capability and understanding of the wider forces shaping our industries. Through residential learning, industry engagement and an individual research project, participants gain new perspectives, practical skills and valuable connections with other emerging leaders.

Another option is the Value Chain Innovation Programme, an immersive learning experience that takes participants behind the scenes of New Zealand’s food and fibre value chains. Facilitated by Professor Hamish Gow, participants gain a deeper understanding of how different parts of the sector connect, where opportunities for innovation lie and how to influence change through industry visits, case studies and conversations with business leaders.

Both programmes offer opportunities to broaden your thinking, build valuable networks and develop your leadership capability.

Explore Rural Leaders

Dairy Women’s Network: Learning and connection

For women involved in dairy, Dairy Women’s Network (DWN) offers a welcoming community where learning, support and connection go hand in hand. Through events, workshops, webinars and networking opportunities, DWN helps women build their knowledge, develop new skills and connect with others who understand the opportunities and challenges of working in the sector.

Whether you’re looking for practical information to support your farming business, opportunities to develop personally or professionally, or simply a chance to connect with other women, there’s plenty to get involved in.

Explore Dairy Women’s Network

Rural Women New Zealand: A community that connects and supports

Sometimes the most valuable development comes from the people around us. Rural Women New Zealand has a long history of bringing rural women together, creating opportunities to share knowledge, build friendships and contribute to stronger rural communities.

With branches across the country, the organisation offers local and national events, learning opportunities and a collective voice on issues affecting rural women and their communities.

It’s a wonderful option if you’re looking to expand your networks, become more involved in your community or connect with others who share your interests and experiences.

Explore Rural Women New Zealand

Mayfield Group: Building your governance capability

If governance is something you’ve been thinking about, if you’re joining your first board, wanting to contribute more effectively as a director or strengthen governance within your own business, Mayfield Group offers a range of practical development opportunities.

Its governance courses range from focused one-day workshops through to a comprehensive six-month Governance Development Programme. Topics include the fundamentals of good governance, strategy, financial oversight, risk and directors’ responsibilities, with options for aspiring and experienced governors. For women looking to make the move into governance, or take their existing experience further, this is a valuable next step.

Explore Mayfield Group’s governance courses

Lincoln University: Continuing your learning

Formal study can be another rewarding way to build on your experience, explore new interests or take your career in a different direction. Lincoln University offers opportunities for further study and professional development, particularly in areas relevant to New Zealand’s land-based industries.

For those considering postgraduate study, Lincoln’s Postgraduate Toolbox provides workshops covering research, communication, writing, presentation skills and personal development.

These resources are designed to support postgraduate students, so they’re particularly useful if you’re considering returning to study or already working towards a qualification.

Explore Lincoln University’s Postgraduate Toolbox

Supporting the next generation of women leaders

It’s also encouraging to see new initiatives emerging to support the next generation of women in our sector. At Lincoln University, Dr Chloe Dunne is developing a pilot programme for second- and third-year students, focusing on personal development, leadership, confidence and career pathways.

The plan is to start small in 2027, working with a handful of students to explore what works and build something that could grow over time. Chloe is keen to connect with people across the industry who might be interested in supporting the initiative, whether through mentoring, guest speaking, sharing experiences or helping with funding. If you’d like to help the next generation of women find their feet and realise their potential, this could be a wonderful opportunity to get involved.

Connect with Dr Chloe Dunne

Southern Girl: Confidence for life

Founded by Laura Koot, Southern Girl is all about helping women build the confidence and practical skills to make more of life. Laura knows a thing or two about taking a different path. After building a successful corporate career, she made the decision to change direction. Today, she’s an entrepreneur, speaker, mentor and passionate advocate for women backing themselves.

Through Southern Girl, she offers a refreshing, down-to-earth approach to personal development, with online courses, practical workshops and mentoring covering everything from confidence and communication to finances, personal growth and everyday life skills. Her philosophy is simple: just because you haven’t done something before doesn’t mean you can’t.

Explore Southern Girl

Keep learning keep connecting, and most importantly, keep backing yourself

If there’s one thing we’ve learned over 16 years, it’s that development can change far more than an individual’s career. It can change how women see themselves, what they believe is possible and the contribution they make to their businesses, families, communities and industries. That doesn’t stop when a programme finishes.

The connections you’ve made, the confidence you’ve built and the skills you’ve developed are yours to carry forward. So, keep asking questions. Keep seeking out new experiences and opportunities and keep supporting the women around you. But most importantly, keep backing yourself.

Your next chapter is still yours to write.