Programme Directors
Our friendly and professional management team is based at our office in Northern Wairarapa. We also have a large group of expert advisors and programme facilitators based throughout New Zealand.
AWDT graduates feature strongly in our management and facilitation teams. Not only do they bring their own expertise, but having completed one or more AWDT programmes, they understand, first-hand, the power of standing shoulder-to-shoulder with like-minded women to provide a rich learning experience for all.
Meet our Programme Directors
We’re here to help – read about each of our roles here. Because we all help each other out in our busy office, when you phone us (06 377 4560) any one of us may answer.
- Loshni Manikam
- Sara Heard
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Loshni Manikam - Escalator
Loshni is our Escalator Programme Director and also facilitates part of the Understanding Your Farming Business programme.
Loshni’s fascination with human behaviour has seen her career progress from law to dairy farming to leadership coaching and training when she obtained her coach certification from the NeuroLeadership Group in 2012.
A graduate of the Escalator programme, Loshni is also a director of a dairy-farming operation in Southland where she farms with her husband and 3 sometimes-lovely children.
She specialises in working in the agri-sector as she firmly believes that people are the key component of the sector’s continued success – unlocking their potential has benefits for the individuals, their communities and the sector.
loshni@awdt.org.nz -
Sara Heard - First Steps
Sara has been working with First Steps since graduating from the programme herself in 2012. She is an accredited International Coach Federation (ICF) coach.
Sara combines coaching and communication skills with her natural empathy and warmth to bring out the best in others, to support their growth and development.
A born and bred farmer, Sara experiences first-hand the multiple roles of a farming woman. She combines her AWDT role with working alongside her husband as an equity partner in a sheep, beef and cropping business.
“AWDT’s Escalator programme opened my world to so many more possibilities than I had envisaged. The programme crafted and enhanced my leadership skills, grew my understanding of governance, and enabled me to have greater confidence to step up and contribute more effectively for the benefit of our rural communities and sector. The Escalator Alumni has continued to support my leadership path, and I will be forever thankful I was selected for the programme.”
- Sandra Matthews – Governor, Facilitator, Coach, Farmer
Applications for Escalator 2023 close on 10 October. Learn more at www.awdt.org.nz/escalator/
Sensational programme - which gives you the opportunity to dig deep and find your your purpose whilst gaining some incredible skills in governance and leadership. I totally recommend this programme to any woman looking to continue their growth and development.
Great programme and SO life changing
Isn't it! Totally recommend. You make life long friends too ❤️
Applications are now open for AGMARDT 2023 Leadership Scholarships.
The annual scholarship programme provides emerging leaders in the food and fibre sector with financial support to advance their governance and leadership skills to take up future roles within agribusiness.
Follow the link to find out more information.
AGMARDT seeking to support future leaders - AGMARDT
agmardt.org.nz
AGMARDT will be opening applications for its 2023 Leadership Scholarships on Tuesday 6 September 2022.
“We need skilled leadership now more than ever. In an increasingly complex sector, with fast-changing consumer needs, we need all hands on deck. This includes the best, the brightest and those who can offer different perspectives. My call out to women is unleash your talent! Escalator is a unique opportunity to learn about your strengths and gain clarity on what you’re most passionate about in a supportive environment. Just go for it!”
Lee-Ann Marsh - AGMARDT General Manager, (Escalator 2019).
Applications for Escalator 2023 close on 10 October. Learn more at www.awdt.org.nz/escalator/
“Escalator is a journey with a huge opportunity to extend your circle of influence, it helped me realise the impact that can be made when you find your voice and passion.”
Fi Dalgety - Farmer, Rangitikei District Councillor, AWDT Trustee, (Escalator 2014).
Applications for Escalator 2023 close on 10 October. Learn more at www.awdt.org.nz/escalator/
“Escalator is a great gift to the sector. I have seen first-hand what the programme does for leaders. AWDT encourages and builds confidence around existing leadership in a way that expresses itself in real community, collaboration and connection-based approaches.”
Dean Williamson - Owner, Farmers Weekly/Agri HQ
Applications for Escalator 2023 close on 10 October. Learn more at www.awdt.org.nz/escalator/
Natalie Coyne
Joanna Hay
