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.
The Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme has been building leadership capability in the Food and Fibre Sector since 1979.
During that time, over 1000 scholars have graduated.
These talented people completed the programme and left armed with the ability to think and act strategically, and to make a positive impact on the Sector.
For more information on how you can apply for 2023
ruralleaders.co.nz/kellogg-rural-leadership-programme/
Our programme to prepare farming partners to adapt and thrive through change is back.
Our Resilient Farming Business is a chance for you and your business partner to take time out to work purely on your business instead of in your business.
It starts with calm and open minds, and business plans & financial accounts open. Take time out to make a plan to manage risks, take opportunities & share the load together.
Secure your place on our face-to-face programme in Feilding (starts 27 Oct), or the online pilot programme (starts 8 Nov).
Register now at
www.awdt.org.nz/programmes/our-resilient-farming-business/
#supportedgrowth #keepingitreal
Agri-Women's Development Trust (AWDT)
facebook.com
We empower women with the mindsets, skills, confidence and connections to create positive change.
Congratulations to seven members of our #EscalatorAlumni - elected by their communities to lead and govern the people and places they care about. #keepingitreal #creatingpositivechange
Adrienne Wilcock - Mayor, Matamata-Piako District Council
Tracey Collis - Mayor, Tararua District Council
Donna Cram - Councillor, Taranaki Regional Council
Claire McKay - Councillor, Environment Canterbury
Eileen Lawson - Councillor, Hastings District Council
Fi Dalgety - Councillor, Rangitikei District Council
Lyn Neeson - Councillor, Ruapehu District Council
Congratulations 👏 great to seee women stepping up into leadership roles all over the country.
A fabulous line up of very capable women leaders, so great to see. We wish you all the best on your journey and you have our sister support embracing you ❤
Excellent news well done everyone and best wishes for the job ahead.
So good! Proud to be associated with you all as you bring your very best to local government. You are all superstars in my eyes! Well done x
Congratulations everyone!
Congratulations ladies. I look forward to hearing about your impact.
Thanks Jane Wright, I took the plunge. Close race but specials shouldn't change the result.
Some brilliant talent in that line up... Though one of us looks a little older lol
Amazing, well done ladies
Well done ladies! 👏
"Escalator will help you discover what drives you. It will give you the freedom to care deeply. This drive and care will propel you to be an even better version of the person you already are.
Escalator graduates make lifelong friends and become part of a supportive community of inspirational agri-leaders."
Helen Blom - Farmer & Chair, Escalator Alumni Inc.
Applications for Escalator 2023 close this Monday 10 October. Learn more at www.awdt.org.nz/escalator/
Love that Helen "will give you the freedom to care deeply." Definitely where ones WHY comes from.
Awesome lady, family.
Escalator 2023 applications close this Monday.
Accelerating progress & change in our food & fibre sector and rural communities needs new leaders to stand up. Women like you.
Escalator is about unleashing your true self in the service of others. Build on your strengths, embrace your leadership style and develop the hard and human skills that define modern, mission-oriented leadership.
Across the 10-month programme, form life-long connections with your cohort of female leaders and connect with progressive primary sector New Zealanders, including Escalator Alumni.
Applications close 5pm Monday 10 October Learn more here
www.awdt.org.nz/escalator/
Julianne Nightingale
