Three Southern women have been recognised with 2023 Rural Women NZ (RWNZ) Business Awards.

They are Haylee-Chanel Simeon from Bluff, Laura Koot from Kingston and Kathryn Wright from Te Anau.

Seven RWNZ category awards are presented annually to celebrate the creativity and innovation of rural women entrepreneurs.

All category winners become eligible for the Supreme Award with will be announced at a ceremony in Christchurch on 24th November.

RWNZ National President, Gill Naylor said the calibre of entries had soared yet again, presenting judges with some incredibly difficult decisions to make.

“The range of enterprises represented across the seven Award Categories is a real testament to the innovative entrepreneurism found in rural and regional Aotearoa New Zealand,” she said.

Haylee-Chanel Simeon from Bluff's Hayz At The Anchorage won the Bountiful Table award.

Bluff born and bred Chanel-Simeon created her restaurant with a desire to highlight indigenous ingredients in vibrant, modern ways.

However Hayz At The Anchorage has now grown to become not only a culinary destination, but also a focal point for the community, it's heritage and kai sustainability.

Laura Koot from Kingston's Real Country won the Innovation award.

The creator of the Southern Girl Experience, Koot offers women the opportunity to build confidence by stepping outside their comfort zone and trying a variety of real on-farm outdoor experiences.

Koot continues to develop new experiences that remain authentic, positive and are designed to empower others.

Counsellor Kathryn Wright from Te Anau won the RWNZ award for Rural Health and Wellness Excellence.

Wright specialises in helping rural people and has written extensively on the barriers young rural males encounter in seeking help for mental health issues.

Wright has a Masters degree in psychology, sociology and social services and has now embarked on a doctorate focusing on rural community connections and factors that harm it.

The other 5 category winners were;

• Creative Arts: Botanic Press – Emma Hasler (Albert Town)
• Emerging Business: Honest Wolf – Sophie Hurley (Hunterville)
• Love of the Land: Nature & Nosh and The Bush Boardroom – Kylie Rae (Waikato)
• Rural Champion: Target PR – Rebecca Greaves (Pongaroa)