The international day of rural women will be celebrated with a day-long event at Telford Rural Polytechnic next month.
South Otago Rural Women of New Zealand president Hilary McNab said women of all backgrounds were welcome to attend the October 15 gathering, which will include an address by Courts and Pacific Islands Minister Georgina Te Heuheu, two fashion parades and other entertainment marking Rural Women of New Zealand Otago's 40th birthday celebrations.
This year's theme is "rural women at the heart of innovation" and Mrs McNab said it was fitting the first two speakers would be Denise and Cara McGill, winners of the Otago Regional Council's sustainable resource management and innovation award.
The McGill family owns a large organic sheep and beef property in the Catlins that featured on a recent episode of Country Calendar.
The programme looked at the organic farming system and associated horse trekking business.
Mrs McNab said Ms Te Heuheu would also speak to participants during the day.
"We are sure all tastes will be catered for with such interesting speakers and displays from 10 local women at the heart of innovation so mark this day on your calendar now," she said.
Registrations are $20 and close on October 7.
More details are available by contacting Lorraine Pringle on (03) 418 3711 or emailing jubileepark@xtra.co.nz.