While the men got a party, the women got a lesson in how to host one.
A "Ladies Drought Shout" to acknowledge the work of rural women during the drought was held at the Carterton Event Centre on Tuesday night, with a cooking demonstration by celebrity chef Ruth Pretty.
The sold-out event was funded from surplus money from the Tui Brewery Drought Shout this year.
About 300 women watched Ms Pretty prepare a full menu, including venison and ginger burgers, parmesan and potato top meat pies and blackcurrant and white chocolate creme brulee.
Wairarapa Federated Farmers provincial president Jamie Falloon said the night was "for women, to recognise their contribution for keeping things on an even keel during the drought".