INTRODUCTION
Women play a central role in New Zealand agriculture, yet their financial position and long-term security within farming businesses is not well understood. This survey aims to explore the lived experiences of women in relation to farm finances, ownership structures, and decision-making, particularly where assets are held through trusts, companies, or multi-generational arrangements. Early conversations suggest that many women could face significant financial vulnerability if their circumstances changed unexpectedly - for example, through widowhood, separation, or shifts in farm succession plans. Unlike previous generations, today’s women are often deeply involved in farm life but are not necessarily recognised as owners or equal financial partners, despite contributing substantially to the success of the farming operation. This is a modern and rapidly changing issue, and there is currently very little data about how widespread these experiences are, or what they mean for women’s long-term wellbeing and for the resilience of rural communities. Your participation will help build a clearer picture of these realities and highlight the opportunities, risks, and needs facing women in contemporary agriculture.
Agriculture is made up of many pathways, and women engage in this sector in countless ways - through partnership, family connection, business ownership, on-farm roles, off-farm support, or the expectations and responsibilities that come with being part of a farming family. Some women may one day return to a family farm; others are already living and working on-farm within multi-generational ownership structures. Many contribute financially, practically, or emotionally to farm life, even when not formally recognised as owners or decision-makers. This survey welcomes all of these experiences. Some questions may apply to you more closely than others. Where your situation doesn’t fit a tick-box, you are invited to add your own context so we can understand your perspective.
To our knowledge, a survey of this nature has not previously been conducted in New Zealand agriculture. Your insights are valuable and appreciated.
Agriculture is made up of many pathways, and women engage in this sector in countless ways - through partnership, family connection, business ownership, on-farm roles, off-farm support, or the expectations and responsibilities that come with being part of a farming family. Some women may one day return to a family farm; others are already living and working on-farm within multi-generational ownership structures. Many contribute financially, practically, or emotionally to farm life, even when not formally recognised as owners or decision-makers. This survey welcomes all of these experiences. Some questions may apply to you more closely than others. Where your situation doesn’t fit a tick-box, you are invited to add your own context so we can understand your perspective.
To our knowledge, a survey of this nature has not previously been conducted in New Zealand agriculture. Your insights are valuable and appreciated.