Sally Rae, Elspeth Thomson, Mark Thomson and Matthew Holdridge.

One of the highlights of Rural Champions is getting out on-farm with our champions and raising a toast to rural New Zealand. Last week’s event in Otapiri proved to be no exception.

Rural Champions was established to celebrate the South Island’s food and fibre producing champions: people who improve their communities while helping power New Zealand’s biggest export industry.

Last week, the Rural Champions team from Otago Daily Times and Rural Life headed down to the Otapiri Lora Gorge Hall to join 2025 champs Mark and Elspeth Thomson, along with rural services champion Lindsay Wright. It’s a spot that holds special meaning to the Thomsons who helped save it from closure.

On stage, Mark and Elspeth thanked everyone had supported them over the years. Their nomination described them as backbone members of their local community, and the turnout on the night reinforced that.

Beyond their community work, the Thomsons’ Lora Gorge property features 90 hectares of native bush that they’re protecting. They’re also involved with the Makarewa Headwaters Catchment Group and Environment Southland river-liaison work.

We also recognised Lindsay Wright, our rural-services champion. He’s a staunch supporter of his local community and the wider Southland district through the Southland Rural Support Trust.

While Kate Ivey couldn’t make it on the night, we recognised her for the work she’s done lifting rural women up through her online fitness business run from her rural home in the Mackenzie district. Kate was the recipient of the Farmlands People’s Choice award.

And, of course, thanks must be given to the partners who made it all possible. Finchy from Speights pulled up with the always-popular Speights Tavern. Meanwhile Bill and Ben from Silver Fern Farms looked after the food. Brisket, rib eye, lamb chops and more. It’s safe to say that no one went home hungry.

And a nod to our other sponsors: Farmlands, Landpro, Agrispray and Fred’s Fencing, as well as businesses who supported Rural Champions through advertising. Their support helps us celebrate the people who keep rural New Zealand strong. The ones who put in the hours but don’t expect recognition for it.

Finally, to our readers, thank you once again for nominating, for voting, and for supporting our rural communities.