Ms Fiona Gower, ONZM, of Tuakau, for services to rural women and governance
Fiona Gower served as National President of Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ), leading delegations to the Associated Country Women of the World South Pacific Area Conference and the World Conference in Melbourne, representing RWNZ at the United Nations in New York, and helping to lead and implement a restructure from RWNZ Council to a Governance Board.
She was a founder of RWNZ’s Waitanguru Branch, initiated the Onewhero Branch, and was elected National Councillor for Region 7, working in the Environment portfolio.
She chairs the New Zealand Landcare Trust Board. She established a partnership with NZI and others to expand the NZI RWNZ Business Awards.
Ms Gower has developed quality relationships with government departments and Ministries, stakeholders, and other organisations to ensure that RWNZ retains a strong voice.