A total of 480 women from across the Southern South Island recently gathered in Gore for B+LNZ’s Ladies Long Lunch for a day of inspiration, connection, and celebration. The event, backed by an impressive lineup of sponsors, sold out in just 15 minutes.
Organised by Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) and facilitated by Dr. Robyn Dynes, Science Impact Leader at AgResearch, the event celebrated the vital role women play in the agricultural sector.
The programme featured keynote speaker Gemma McCaw and a panel of rural women who are all embracing the homesteading lifestyle.
Claire Teutenberg, B+LNZ Extension Manager for the Southern South Island, says “This event was about more than just gathering – it was about empowering women to see their value, share their stories, and build lasting connections. These ladies are juggling the demands of farm life, family, and personal aspirations, so it’s great to give them the opportunity to step off-farm and reconnect with other like-minded women.”
Below are some of the key takeaways from the day.
Micro-steps to improve wellbeing
Keynote speaker Gemma McCaw, a three-time Olympian and founder of Ladies Who Venture, spoke about the importance of wellbeing, mindset, and taking micro-steps toward personal growth.
Highlighting the need to prioritise mental health and do things that “fill your cup,” she shared, “Your mind is like the top two inches of soil – it’s where everything starts.”
Reflecting on her journey from elite sport to motherhood, Gemma encouraged women to “look in the mirror before looking out the window,” urging them to focus on what they can control and how they can show up as their best selves – not just for others, but for themselves.
Gemma’s keynote was proudly sponsored by FMG.
Living off the land and the importance of community
Rural women know better than most the value of being connected to the land and to each other.
The Rural Women New Zealand panel, themed Innovation Meets Tradition, featured three inspiring women redefining what it means to live off the land.
Gillian Swinton, author and self-sufficiency advocate, reminded attendees to “go back to what you value” and for her that is food, community and the land. Her journey from a small Scottish island to a thriving Central Otago lifestyle block was largely shaped by gardening knowledge passed down by her grandmother and strengthened by her local community connections.
West Coaster Alesha Tomasi shared her deep passion for hunting and gathering, encouraging more women to “give it a go.” Whether it’s planting a veggie patch or trying something new in the kitchen, her message was clear: you don’t need a big farm or years of experience to live well from the land – just a bit of grit and a willingness to start.
Stevie Cockburn, the green-thumbed force behind @likegrandmadid, brought a practical and passionate voice to the panel, highlighting that anyone can make small, meaningful steps towards self-sufficiency. “There’s no time like the present to plant a pot of herbs next to the sink,” she said. She echoed the importance of connecting into your local community, and looking into initiatives like the Southern Seed Swap.
The panel was proudly sponsored by Rural Women New Zealand.
Thanks to sponsors including FMG, Forsyth Barr, Rural Women New Zealand, Ministry for Primary Industries, House of Travel, Rabobank New Zealand, Mainland Minerals, ANZ Aotearoa, Southern Land & Water Planning (SLWP), Ballance Agri-Nutrients, Advance Agriculture Ltd, Pukerau Nursery, Mt Nicholas Station, Shepherdess Magazine, OSPRI, Alliance Group, Van Der Water Jewellers, Vet South, Smart Recovery, Westpac.
