Connection, cuisine and inspiration: AFK Rural Women’s Dinners unite the community

The cheerful hum of conversation fills the Awatere Hall as local women arrive, exchanging warm greetings and catching up on life. This season’s AFK (Awatere, Flaxbourne, Kekerengu) Dinner is well underway, and once again, the heart of the Seddon community is alive with connection and purpose.

Far from your traditional networking group, AFK Dinners are about genuine connection, a space for rural women to feel welcomed, valued, and inspired. The idea was sparked by Tanya Hawley, who moved with her husband Richard from Windwhistle to Ward two years ago. In Windwhistle, Tanya had been a part of a local dinner group where women took turns hosting monthly meals, helping build a strong, supportive community. When she arrived in Ward, Tanya noticed the absence of a similar space.

Tanya joined forces with Koko Lambert and Nadine Hickman, both well-connected and community-minded, and the trio began assembling a team of like-minded women to bring the AFK Dinner concept to life. What began as a modest idea quickly grew into a movement.

“Our lives in rural communities are full – juggling long commutes, business demands, and volunteering – so socialising often gets pushed aside,” says Nadine. “But connection is essential for mental wellbeing, and out here, it takes extra effort to create those opportunities.”

Isolation, children leaving school communities, and the non-stop demands of rural living often lead to disconnection and loneliness. Many women find themselves missing the sense of community they once relied on. AFK Dinners aim to change that, bringing together women from the Awatere, Flaxbourne, and Kekerengu areas, whether they're long-time locals, new arrivals, or returning community members.

Held in the modern and beautifully designed Awatere Hall in Seddon which is provided free of charge to support community initiatives, the dinners are as nourishing for the soul as they are for the stomach.

With the culinary talents of Sander de Wildt and the Kaiakia Cuisine team, attendees enjoy a three-course meal made from locally sourced ingredients. Local wineries generously donate wine, with proceeds from beverage sales going directly back into event costs.

But it’s not just about dining out, each evening features a surprise guest speaker, a highlight for many members. Past speakers have included Elijah and Rosanna, former residents of Gloriavale; TV personality Matt Chisholm, who spoke on mental health and change; wellness advocate Kate Ivy; Dr Alia Bojilova, an ex Defence Force officer and psychologist; nutritionist Emily Hope; and most recently, Penny Taylor, who shared her incredible survival story after contracting meningococcal disease. With only a 2% chance of survival, Penny’s message of resilience and mindset left a lasting impact.

Now, with high expectations for future events, the committee has established a charitable trust to apply for funding and continue attracting powerful speakers to this small but aspirational corner of the country.

Memberships are available on an annual basis, covering the cost of meals and accommodation for guest speakers. Events are meticulously planned so that members can simply show up and enjoy a relaxing, enriching evening.

“Often people don’t make the effort to be social because they’re busy or overwhelmed,” says Tanya. “We take care of all the details so members can just turn up and have fun.”

“And the guest speakers are truly the icing on the cake,” she adds. “From survivors of Gloriavale to someone held hostage in Afghanistan, these stories are unforgettable.”

If you’re a past or present resident or have ties to the Awatere, Flaxbourne or Kekerengu communities, consider joining the next AFK Rural Ladies Dinner. Connection, inspiration, and a tantalising culinary experience awaits.

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