Central Otago September Dinner 2026

Rural Woman New Zealand, Central Otago September Dinner

Whether you're a Rural Women NZ member or simply a woman who is rural at heart, you are warmly welcome here. This is a night for all of us, a chance to get out and spend an evening with good company around a table.

We know it is a busy time of year for farmers, horticulturalists and rural communities. Come and make some genuine new connections, catch up with familiar faces, and go home with a full belly and a warm heart, having heard a brilliant guest speaker.

Real people. Delicious kai. Great conversation.

Guest speaker - Jocelyn (Joc) Kinney - Otago Rural Support Trust

Joc Kinney is the Otago Regional Coordinator for the Rural Support Trust (RST), a New Zealand-wide organisation providing free, confidential support to farmers, growers and rural communities. RST helps rural people navigate everything from financial pressure and health and wellbeing challenges to employment issues, biosecurity events and recovery from adverse weather — all with the goal of keeping rural communities strong, connected and able to support one another.

Joc brings a deep, personal understanding of rural life to this work. She grew up on a sheep farm in South Otago before her family relocated to the Ida Valley to take on a new property with its own set of challenges. Today, she and her husband David farm sheep and beef on their hill country property in Hyde, alongside raising their three young adult children. Having experienced firsthand the many ups and downs of farming, Joc understands just how important it is for farmers and growers to have support available when they need it most. Before joining RST, Joc also worked around Central Otago as a rural Occupational Therapist, giving her further insight into supporting people through difficult times.

Joc is looking forward to sharing more about the vital work of the Rural Support Trust at the RWNZ Dinner in September.

Dinner Options:

There will be 3 dinner options available on the night. You will select your option and list dietary requirements

To keep it easy, please contact RWNZ on the below email address, not the venue, if you have any questions.

1. Thai beef Souvalaki – vegetarian option with fafafel – contains gluten, dairy, onion and garlic

2. Salmon Frittata – with cream cheese and spinach -Gluten onion and garlic free

3. Chicken Parmigiana– with salad and fries – contains gluten, onion and garlic

Cost Per Person:

$45.00 for a RWNZ Member - including a drink on arrival (Beer, house wine or non-alcoholic) + booking fee

$50.00 for a Non-Member - including a drink on arrival (Beer, house wine or non-alcoholic) + booking fee

Register before noon on Friday 4th September by 12 noon (for catering purposes). Unfortunately, we cannot take late registrations.

For more information email lowersouthisland@ruralwomennz.nz

If you're not already a member of Rural Women NZ, membership is only $50 per year!

You can find out more about becoming a member and what we offer here.