Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s (B+LNZ) Ladies' Long Lunch events have been a popular go-to for rural women wanting to ‘refill their cup’ and connect with like-minded women.
The event series, held throughout the year in various B+LNZ regions, is designed to bring together rural women ranging from farmers to rural professionals for a day of inspiration, learning, and networking.
Recently, B+LNZ hosted four events in the Northern North Island and Mid-Northern North Island regions. These events were a huge success, drawing attendees from all walks of life in the agriculture sector.
Upcoming events
Looking ahead, B+LNZ is excited about two upcoming events:
- Southern South Island Event: set for 19 June and already sold out! With an impressive number of tickets sold, this event promises to be a memorable occasion.
- B+LNZ Ladies Night with Nadia Lim: join us on 3 July in Palmerston North for an evening with the renowned chef, farmer, and TV personality, Nadia Lim. This event is a fantastic opportunity to be inspired by Nadia’s journey and enjoy a night of fun and networking. Don't miss out – book your spot here today!
Mikaela Greig, B+LNZ’s Western North Island Extension Manager and organiser for the upcoming Palmerston North event says these gatherings are more than just social events; they provide essential support and inspiration for women in agriculture.
“We’re looking forward to having Nadia join us for the night. She has so many interesting hats she wears - celebrity chef, entrepreneur, bestselling author, and media personality – and it’s truly inspirational hearing from women like her who juggle so much,” says Greig.
Claire Teutenberg, B+LNZ’s Southern South Island Extension Manager says it is fantastic to have the Gore event sold out, with 390 tickets sold.
The lineup of speakers includes B+LNZ’s Chair Kate Acland and award-winning journalist Brodie Kane. The ladies' panel includes the founders of Mt Nicholas Merino, Kate Cocks and Latisha McMuray, ShepherdessMagazine’s Kristy McGregor, and the founder of Nest Treehouses, Elizabeth Hayes.
“There’s no shortage of incredible women making waves in our sector,” says Claire.
“These events are all about sharing inspiration, empowering women, and fostering industry connections. It's about celebrating the value women bring to their businesses and farms.”
Keep a lookout for future events like these by visiting B+LNZ’s events webpage.
Insights from previous Southern Ladies’ Long Lunch
B+LNZ is committed to sharing the valuable insights from these events with a broader audience. At a previous Southern Ladies’ Long Lunch, Loshni Manikam, Fonterra’s Dairy Woman of the Year 2018, spoke passionately about the need for farming women to break free from the cycle of guilt when taking time for themselves. Her presentation is available in a B+LNZ’s Scene + Herd Podcast here.
Other ways B+LNZ is supporting rural women
B+LNZ is proud to be a strategic partner of the Agri-Women’s Development Trust (AWDT) and a Territory Partner of Meat Business Women NZ, both of which focus on uplifting and upskilling women in agriculture. We also encourage leadership opportunities through our Generation Next programme and support a diverse B+LNZ Farmer Council.
Understanding the power of rural storytelling, B+LNZ supports Shepherdess Magazine, providing a platform for the voices of rural women. We also collaborate with organisations like Rural Women New Zealand and Dairy Women’s Network to share information and opportunities, ensuring that women in the sector are well-supported and connected.