The United Nations have declared 2026 the International Year of the Woman Farmer (IYWF 2026). This year is all about recognising the contributions of women in the agrifood sector, putting the spotlight on the essential roles that women play in the agrifood sector. As the UN states, women farmers and women who work in the agrifood sector are central to food security, nutrition and economic resilience.
Women in agriculture, and their contributions, are key for progress towards many of the Sustainable Development Goals, whether they are towards social, environmental or economic progress.
Celebrating the incredible work of wāhine in our agricultural sector is something that not only recognises people and their contributions, but also inspires those of the next generation – and the current one.
We’ve been lucky to connect with many incredible women in the New Zealand agricultural sector of all ages, and stages of career, and we always leave these interactions feeling inspired, connected, and supported. It is something that we hope we too can provide for other people.
This International Year of the Woman Farmer, we want to make sure that we can hear more of the incredible stories of wāhine in New Zealand agriculture and agrifood. Over the next two weeks, Becks and I are going to share some reflections on International Year of the Woman Farmer and celebrate three women who deserve some recognition for their contribution to the agrifood sector.
Becks' reflections on International Year of the Woman Farmer
As we mark the International Year of the Woman Farmer, I hesitated because I have felt both pride and discomfort. Pride, because women contribute enormously to agriculture in Aotearoa and around the world. Discomfort, because celebration can easily drift into romanticising endurance, applauding women for how much they can carry, rather than questioning why they must carry so much in the first place. In many parts of the world, recognition of women farmers often centres on empowerment in the face of systemic disadvantage. In New Zealand, the conversation is more nuanced. Many women are central to farm businesses, yet their work can remain invisible, their leadership understated, and their load quietly expanded. For me, true sustainability in agriculture must include sustainable roles for women: roles grounded in agency, equity, shared leadership, and long-term wellbeing.
I do not want to celebrate women for surviving unsustainable models of farming life. I want to acknowledge women who are actively reshaping those models – farmers who hold decision-making power, who advocate for rural health and wellbeing, who champion environmental stewardship, and who work toward equitable roles in farm businesses. Women who actively promote sustainability by demonstrating how leadership is shared, how labour is valued, and whether the next generation of rural women see a future that is both meaningful and manageable, the ones creating a future farming sector I’d like the girls to be part of.
Becks has chosen to celebrate the following three women:
Harriet Bremner-Pinckney
Farming with her husband on Jericho Station near Manapouri in Southland, Harriet runs sheep, beef and grazing operations, as well as being involved with a dairy farm near Riverton.
Harriet has become a leading advocate for the wool industry, using storytelling and education to increase understanding of wool’s value. Her children’s book, Wool’s the Word!, celebrates wool and is being shared with schools around New Zealand as a teaching resource about the natural fibre.
Keeping on the children’s books theme, Harriet has written several childrens books that focus on important farming and safety themes, that help children learn about farm life, safety and wellbeing in ways that are relatable and engaging. Harriet founded the ‘Think Safe Brain’ campaign which takes practical safety and wellbeing education into rural schools with interactive modules that help children learn to prevent accidents, understand risks like powerlines and firearms, and think for themselves about staying safe on farms. Her approach to delivering safety and wellbeing education prioritises conversations and behaviour change, and she works in partnership with local specialists such as vets, police, contractors, and agricultural professionals.
Harriet is recognised within the sector for the impact of her work. In 2021 she won the Rural Women New Zealand Rural Champion Award, and in 2023 she received the Zanda McDonald Award, which celebrates people making a positive difference in primary industries.
The Raw Truth podcast is a place where Harriet speaks openly about farm wellbeing, mental health, grief and resilience, helping to normalise real conversations about the pressures people face in rural communities.Harriet’s approach to advocacy is unapologetically real, practical and rooted in her own experience, and she uses her voice not just to educate but to shift culture in farming.
Kate Acland
Running sheep, beef, deer, and dairy, Kate farms at Mt Somers Station with her husband, David. Kate is directly involved in the farming business and real decision-making on the ground. Their business is diversified beyond traditional livestock, including honey, lambswool blankets and a local store. This shows a practical approach to building long term rural and financial viability.
Kate is Chair of Beef + Lamb New Zealand, a farmer elected role where she helps guide the direction of the red meat sector. She is the first woman to hold this position, which is significant in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Kate also chairs the New Zealand Meat Board, which plays a key role in managing sector investments and supporting farmers’ productivity and market access. This means she is shaping strategy while still actively farming. Kate talks about farming as a partnership, both within her marriage and within the wider rural community. There is a strong sense of shared leadership rather than traditional support roles.
An advocate for women in the sector, Kate acknoweldges the visibility challenges for women in agriculture while also reinforcing that many women are already central to farm decision making. Kate advocates for representation without framing it as a battle.
Gill Naylor
Gill has farmed with her husband in Central Otago for 38 years, so her voice comes from lived experience on farm. In her previous role as National President of Rural Women New Zealand, Gill was focused on building sustainable and viable rural communities, not just celebrating women’s contributions within the current system.
She talks openly about how much unpaid volunteer work in rural communities is carried by women, and instead of glorifying that, Gill works to empower women to be at the decision-making table. Gill’s advocacy spans rural health, women’s health, education, connectivity, policy engagement and government consultation. These are the foundations that make women’s roles in agriculture sustainable long term. Her view of sustainability is holistic. It includes environmental care, financial viability, education, adaptability, and strong communities.
Through ACWW (Associated Country Women of the World ) and UN connections, Gill helps ensure rural women in New Zealand are linked into global conversations and that their voices are heard more widely. Her leadership is built on community trust, education and empowerment, making Gill such a wonderful advocate for women in our sector.