The Inspiring Wāhine Rural Conference & Events is for rural wāhine from all walks of life across Aotearoa New Zealand — whether you’re on the farm, orchard, in business, leading in your community, starting out in your career, or simply looking for fresh ideas and connection.

In 2025 our theme is Thriving Together: Cultivating Inspiration & Resilience — a celebration of rural women’s strength, diversity, and creativity.

We welcome:

• Farmers, growers, small business owners, and entrepreneurs

• Community leaders, volunteers, and advocates

• Creatives, educators, and wellbeing champions

• Young wāhine and students keen to explore rural opportunities

This is more than a conference — it’s a gathering with high-calibre local and international speakers, hands-on workshops, and inspiring kōrero. You’ll find practical strategies for wellbeing, leadership, creativity, and community building, alongside plenty of laughter, shared stories, and real connection.

We’re also working with local schools and community clubs so that the skills, ideas, and inspiration shared at the conference ripple out into the wider community.

Come along to celebrate, connect, and leave energised — ready to thrive, together.

Yes – refunds are available for the main Conference Days (Thursday 16th and Friday 17th October 2025) up until 15 September 2025.
Please note that no refunds are available for Pre-Conference Activities on Wednesday 15th October.

Absolutely. Infants are welcome. If your baby becomes unsettled or noisy during a session, we kindly ask that you step out briefly to settle them, so everyone can enjoy the presentations.

Yes – pre-registration and payment are required for all Pre-Conference Activities.

All activities will go ahead rain or shine. Each location has shelter, but please dress for the weather – bring gumboots, a raincoat, and warm gear if needed.

Yes – you’ll need to pre-register for the workshops taking place during the conference.
Your conference ticket covers the cost of attending, but spaces may be limited, so be sure to book early.

Yes – full conference tickets will be available first. If tickets remain, we’ll open up single-day ticket options closer to the event. Keep an eye out for announcements.

The main conference event is being at Croydon Lodge in Gore on Thursday, 16th October and Friday, 17th October 2025

We’re working on this! If you're planning to attend as a group or with your workplace, please email us at to discuss options.

The main conference ticket includes:

Wednesday, 15th October 2025, light nibbles, bubbles and optional whiskey tasting, (cash bar available)

Thursday, 16th October 2025 tea and coffee, morning tea, lunch, pre-dinner networking welcome bubbles, light nibbles and mains (cash bar)

Friday, 17th October 2025 continental breakfast and lunch.

We cater for most dietary requirements – please let us know when you register

We recommend bringing:

• A reusable water bottle

• Comfortable shoes

• A notebook and pen

• Weather-appropriate clothing (especially for Wednesday’s activities)

Yes – the following venues are wheelchair accessible:

·      Croydon Lodge

·      Gore Visitor Centre

·      Hempfield Farm, Balfour

·      Triflor, Tulip Farm in Eden Dale, and

·      we aim to make the event as inclusive as possible.
If you have specific accessibility needs, please get in touch ahead of time so we can support you.

Yes! If you’re keen to support the event as a volunteer, we’d love to hear from you. Please email us at clare@inspiringwahine.nz with your interest.

Sadly no, all the tickets including the conference tickets do not include accommodation. Croydon Lodge where the conference is being held does have some accommodation which is one option for you to consider,

Do you have a question that is not answered by the ones above? Please get in touch email clare@inpiringwahine.nz