Dannevirke: Rural women have special big night out

Yvonne (left) and Cindy Walshe sign in at the Tararua Dairy Women's Network pamper night at RD1. Convenor Charlotte Heald (left) and Deanne Parkes are at right. Photo / Christine McKay

Dairy women left their gumboots at home and deserted the cowsheds for a night of shopping and pampering at the Tararua Dairy Women's Network night out for the girls recently.

"This is a great idea," Cindy Walshe said.

Mary Ritchie had Leigh Buchanan helping her on the night.

Cindy and her mother were keen to escape the wind and rain and enjoy a night at RD1 having facials from Cheryl Augustine and Melissa Monaghan of Ward's Pharmacy.

Emily Mott enjoyed a night out and the chance to relax.

With plenty to tempt the rural women, from handbags, shoes, jewellery and Christmas gifts, as well as a glass of wine and nibbles served by the staff of RD1, the night was a great success, Charlotte Heald, convenor of the Tararua Dairy Women's Network said.

Pam Henricksen and Sarah Foster from Ballentynes had plenty of must-have items for sale.

"The network is about inspiration, connection and learning for women in the dairy industry although we certainly don't exclude those not in the dairy industry," she said.

The "get the girls out" night was aimed at giving women the opportunity to have a night of fun, pampering and inspiration, with more than 100 women from Central Hawke's Bay through to Eketahuna making the most of a night away from the farm.

"This will be the first of many such events," Charlotte said.

The evening was sponsored by RD1, Ballance, FMG, Beale Trucking and Kinetic Electric.