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.
Our "𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗬𝗢𝗨" programme 𝗶𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗕𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗺 𝗼𝗻 𝟴-𝟵 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁. We have a few places left on this chance to take two full days out to focus entirely on YOU! You'll discover your true value, refocus on what is important, explore possibilities and create new networks. For more details and to secure your place today at www.awdt.org.nz/its-all-about-you/ #supportedgrowth
Self-appointed 'environpreneurs', Roger & Nicki Beattie turn environmental problems into profitable ventures, basing their decisions on 'low-cost, easy-care, ethical farming'. #creatingpositivechange at its best in this #OnFarmStory
Graham Clarke
Our 10-month leadership and governance programme, Escalator, is for women involved in the primary sector and rural communities - from the farm to the boardroom and everywhere in between. Pahiatua dairy farmer, Tracey Collis, Tararua District Mayor shares her experience of Escalator here. Applications for #Escalator2020 are now open. Find out more at www.awdt.org.nz/escalator/ #SupportedGrowth with DairyNZ, Beef + Lamb New Zealand, AGMARDT, Ravensdown, ANZ New Zealand, FMG, Red Meat NZ, CRS Software - Cash Manager
Greta Norrish
We are seeking a multi-talented, experienced manager to join our team in developing women as vital partners in progress and change across New Zealand’s primary sector and rural communities.
The Programme Manager will ensure effectiveness of a range of AWDT programmes and services, as well as support our industry partnerships and alumni networks. You’ll value the same things we do - #supportedgrowth, #keepingitreal & #creatingpositivechange.
Applications close on 2 August. Find out more at www.awdt.org.nz/news/careers-vacancies/
Makarena pass on to the whānau Kiriauahi might be interested ,
This is in your neck of the woods Helen Marr. You might know someone who would be interested?
"I believe education is critical in the agricultural sector" says Kairuru sheep and beef farmer, Amanda Henderson, and we couldn't agree more. #OnFarmStory highlighting Amanda's dedication to shifting the perception of NZ's primary sector. #creatingpositivechange
Josie Mulgrew
