Rural Women Spotlight
Celebrating the women helping shape rural business across our region.
Across the rural sector, women play a significant role in leading businesses, supporting communities, driving innovation, and helping shape the future of the industries they work within.
Through our Rural Women Spotlight series, we’re sharing the perspectives and experiences of some of the women we have the privilege of working alongside.
From farming and horticulture to governance and family business, each story reflects a different side of rural leadership, resilience, and business ownership.
Annette Black
Owner | TKDM Farms & TDM Construction Limited | Mercer
In rural business, it’s often the long view that matters most.
Annette and her family run TKDM Farms alongside TDM Construction, and she’s at the centre of keeping it all moving — balancing family, business and community.
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“My dad, Bernie Balle, remains the strongest influence on my life, despite passing away 35 years ago when he was about the age I am now.
He cared deeply for both the land he farmed and the people around him, and he had a real appreciation for New Zealand’s indigenous trees.
My sense of “true north” came from both Mum, Norah, and Dad — with family always at the heart of the farming enterprise.”
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“The importance of taking a long-term view.
Numbers are my strength, but they only tell part of the story. Timely and accurate information supports good decision-making, but it’s the ability to interpret that information that really matters.
That understanding is what helps you navigate the volatility of markets, weather, and the wider regulatory environment — and ultimately build a resilient, sustainable business.”
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“I’m most proud of the continued involvement of our family, and how that has extended into the wider community.
Three of our children have made their homes near our Mercer farm, and their children now attend Mangatawhiri School, just as they did.
We supply Koheroa Angus beef to Pokeno Bacon and run a construction business from the farm, which allows us to support the local school in practical ways.
Our sheep milking operation also enables something special — surplus lambs are raised by children across the region, giving many more young people the opportunity to experience caring for an animal.”
Olivia Sutton
Owner | JRC Farm Limited | Waerenga
Running a farming business comes with a level of responsibility that often goes unseen.
Olivia and Craig were recently recognised as Share Farmers of the Year at the 2026 Auckland/Hauraki Dairy Industry Awards — a fantastic achievement. They’re a great example of the next generation of rural business, balancing the day-to-day realities of farming with strong decision-making and a clear sense of direction.
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“The level of responsibility that comes with it.
You’re constantly balancing livestock, people, finances and the environment, and there’s always something that needs your attention.
There’s not really an “off” switch, and you have to be able to adapt quickly when things don’t go to plan.
It’s not just physical work — there’s a lot of thinking, planning and decision making behind the scenes that people don’t always see.”
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“To be a woman in this industry, you’ve got to be confident, strong, and back yourself.
Don’t be afraid to hold your ground.
Women can bring a different perspective, with a gentler approach and strong attention to detail, and that’s something to really lean into.
Those strengths add a lot of value on farm and in business.”
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“My grandma, “Moomoo,” has had the biggest influence on my journey.
She’s 80, still rides her horse, never misses a beat, and is sharp as a pin with a strong financial mindset. She sparked my love for farming from a young age.
Growing up watching Moomoo and Baabaa, they never seemed like they were just working — they genuinely loved what they did and each other.
That stuck with me, and I feel really lucky to have found that same kind of partnership and passion with my husband Craig.”
Lisa Hansen
Owner | Hansen Farms (2020) Ltd | Waerenga
Farming isn’t just a job. For many, it’s something much deeper.
Lisa and her husband run a well-regarded family farming operation, and she brings a real passion for the land, her animals, and the work she does every day.
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“Family. I am the daughter of dairy farming parents, so rural life has been second nature to me since the get go.
My passion for rural life also led me to join a Young Farmers Club, where I met my husband, we now continue our rural journey with our own family. ”
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“I would have to say - growing out beef weaner calves we purchase or breed, then finishing as fat R3 cattle is super rewarding.
I get immense pride knowing that the glossy, fat, happy cattle we draft up, which have been farmed naturally outdoors on our property, then go on to feed the world as quality protein.“
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“The love I have for the cattle and sheep I farm and the beautiful landscape around me, always fills me with motivation when I pull on my work boots.
Whether it’s the dryest of summers or the harshest of winters, I just remind myself the next change of weather pattern is never too far away. ”
Anya Thomas
Director | Rio Vista Farms Ltd | Waikato
Running a rural business takes more than just hard work. It takes resilience, foresight, and the ability to juggle a lot of moving parts.
Anya is a Director of Rio Vista Farms and a great example of the capability and energy we see across the rural sector every day.
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“My Dad. His career with AgResearch, as a Grass-Scientist, lead him off-shore advising NZ companies and trading partners of best agricultural practices.
He continues in his 70's to love learning, and consulting to companies. Work ethics growing up in our family were strong and I feel we have passed this on to our kids.
Also the love of traveling and exploring. I love hiking as my ‘switch-off’ time from the busy juggle of life!“
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“Managing to juggle the farm business alongside a career in Marketing and Sales that I genuinely love, all while raising our two girls.
The three can be meshed together, but it requires discipline, structure and efficiency. It’s interesting how the three inter-twine!”
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“The practical on-farm activities are always forefront. However, to avoid knee-jerk reactions, plans and budgets are needed 6-12 months ahead, so all involved in the team know their direction and purpose.
Decisions need to be made 3 months ahead to know what is on the horizon, which can then be developed into practical plans and goals for the team to action.”
Shardé Dodd
Owner | Pleasant Valley Blueberries | Awhitu Peninsula
Running a rural business often means learning as you go and figuring things out along the way.
Shardé and her husband run the family business Pleasant Valley Blueberries, and her journey into rural life is a great example of adaptability, resilience, and building something from the ground up.
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“My family and the life we’ve built together. I didn’t grow up in this sector, so it’s been a huge learning curve but we’ve adapted and made it work for us.
There have definitely been challenges, but they’ve taught me resilience and patience.
Everything we do is about creating a good life for our family, and that’s what keeps me going.
I’m really proud of how far we’ve come and what we’ve built along the way.”
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“How you make it all fit around family life.
It’s not just the work on the farm, it's keeping the household running, getting to kids activities, and often travelling long distances for commitments.
There’s a lot of juggling and planning behind the scenes, and not everything goes to plan. But somehow, you make it work because you have to and because it matters for your family.“
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“To back yourself and be willing to learn as you go.
You don’t have to have all the answers, a lot of it comes from just getting in and figuring things out.
Make sure you build strong friendships around you and don’t forget to make time for yourself, your friends, and social outings.
It’s easy to get caught up in the work, but having that balance is so important.
It can be challenging, especially juggling family and everything else, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Just find what works for you and your family, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.”
At Campbell Tyson, we’re proud to work alongside rural businesses across our region and to support the people helping drive them forward every day.