Our Impact
AWDT’s range of fit-for-purpose programmes, events and support services have evolved and grown since 2010 to meet the needs of industry organisations and individual participants.
So far we have worked directly with more than 4,500 women in primary industries and rural communities to build their skills and confidence. They are now making a big impact at all levels – in farming businesses, in boardrooms, in management and in communities.
As AWDT graduates understand their purpose and begin to fulfil their potential, they are taking on new challenges and increasing their contributions. This creates a ripple effect that is transforming, farming businesses, communities and the wider industry.
Read our impact stories
- Escalator Alumni
- Critical Farming Partners
- Wāhine Māia, Wāhine Whenua
- It's all about YOU
- Working with industry
This Amplifying Us podcast makes for great listening ahead of Generation Change - our programme preparing young women for meaningful work in the food and fibre sector.
In this episode, our Founder Lindy Nelson talks with sisters Maegan & Emma Blom - both studying at Lincoln University ahead of a future in agriculture.
Here’s an excellent new climate-friendly innovation from our friends Ravensdown.
Developed in collaboration with Lincoln University, the EcoPond system virtually eliminates the methane emitted from effluent ponds.
Ravensdown will provide the system to dairy farmers wanting to reduce their methane emissions and you can read the full story here:
farmersweekly.co.nz/s/fw-article/ludf-unveils-methane-busting-effluent-system-MCRJ7ZHHYUMNC4REHWU...
Congratulations to 2017 #EscalatorAlumni Parmindar Singh - recipient of a 2022 Nuffield scholarship!
Parmindar is a fourth generation New Zealand dairy farmer, company director and independent consultant.
She intends to use the research opportunity to explore emerging market opportunities for trade in dairy, noting that “as a proud, intergenerational dairy farmer, my goal is to identify the shift that is occurring globally and identify future trade and market opportunities for New Zealand farmers.”
It’s inspiring to see members of the AWDT community like Parmindar live their commitment to learning and making impact in the sector they love.
To learn more about the Nuffield scholarship, visit ruralleaders.co.nz/nuffield-scholars/
Congratulations Parmindar looking forward to hearing all about your project once completed
Congratulations Parmindar! That’s fabulous news.
Here's a great opportunity to put your team's business start-up skills to the test.
The IFAMA Oceania 48hr Business Start-up Competition is an annual 'hack-athon' style competition focussed on entrepreneurial food & fibre solutions.
It's about learning the skills, tools and techniques for business analysis, strategy, and communication - in a competitive start-up environment.
Kicking off November 26-28, the competition is designed for anyone - from new teams with no business experience at all, through to experienced teams who have started developing an idea and want to test it out.
Learn more and register at www.eventbrite.com/e/ifama-oceania-48-hour-food-fibre-business-start-up-competition-tickets-18302...
IFAMA Oceania 48-hour Food & Fibre Business Start-up Competition
www.eventbrite.com
A unique food & fibre focused competition to test your business start-up skills, while accelerating your entrepreneurial opportunities!
“As an AWDT Escalator graduate, Wright demonstrates what happens when purpose-led women are empowered with the skills, confidence and connections to impact the people and places they care about.”
It’s inspiring to see 2013 #EscalatorAlumni Jane Wright recognised for her long standing commitment to health, care and compassion in her mid-Canterbury community.
Jane founded the Hospice Mid-Canterbury Trust, providing therapies and programmes supporting local families dealing with life-limiting illness.
Looking back on her Escalator journey, Jane notes that “I have had to dip back into my Escalator toolbox many times and have been extremely grateful for the support I have had from fellow alumni throughout the journey".
Jane’s ability to meet the challenges of rural community health - be they funding, isolation or a culture of stoicism - is a testament to her commitment and the ability to call on a team of supporters, like her #escalator alumni cohort - “there is always someone there who has the relevant expertise or experience to help point you in the right direction or simply encourage you to keep going.”
Thank you for your leadership Jane.
farmersweekly.co.nz/s/fw-article/putting-skills-to-good-use-MCEHO2IHUTMFHCHK3I5SRPSRTPJY
Sensational Jane Wright. Love you and the work you do. Lovely to read this article.
Well deserved Jane. Yes it's mighty toolbox!
Hear from our graduates
Escalator
Understanding Your Farming Business
Wāhine Māia Wāhine Whenua
Protecting Your Team
