Keeping the cup full

In the midst of a challenging drought, the recent Refill Your Cup event in Hurunui brought together a community of two hundred women.
The event, which took place on May 29 at the Omihi Community Hall, was the fifth of its kind in the district.
It was a day filled with inspiring speakers and a much-needed opportunity to step away from the farm and connect with one another.
The event recognises that rural women, often the emotional backbone of their families and farms, bear a significant amount of the stress during difficult times like a drought.
“Since 2015, Refill Your Cup has come about from an overwhelming desire to provide an opportunity for women to come together so they can nurture their families and communities,” event co-founder and Hurunui District mayor Marie Black said.
The event featured four keynote speakers – Fitness entrepreneur Kate Ivey, artist Corina Hazlett, Cheviot GP Anthea Prentice and agricultural economist and consultant Carla Muller.
Black said line-up of speakers and the small businesses selling products at the event showcased the role women now play in business both on and off the farm.
“There is a generational change.
“What I see is women using their own skills and talents to actually add value to their farming operation.”
Lunch was provided with catering by Greta Valley School, and the event was free thanks to sponsorship from Westpac and support from Rural Support Trust and the Hurunui District Landcare Group.
by Claire Inkson
