Making dreams a reality

Tracy Atkin, Angel investor and business advisor

Through tenacity, hard work, and the courage to follow her dreams Tracy Atkin’s career journey is an inspiring one.

Becoming a Chartered Accountant after completing her Business degree set her up for a varied career in finance and management consulting. Then came the decision to leave her banking career in London and return to NZ to study grape-growing and winemaking, following her passion for the wine industry. Being awarded a Leadership Scholarship from AGMARDT and using that to complete a yearlong course in Leadership and Governance for women in primary industries was another one of those career-defining moments.

Supported by a network of 14 incredible women from across NZ’s primary industries, Tracy embarked on a governance career that now includes five Board roles, including Board Chair.

Tracy’s current roles include Angel Investor, Business Mentor, Trustee, Board Chair and Director.

“I feel privileged to be working with start-ups and small businesses across NZ, and being part of helping them succeed,” she says.

“It’s great to see a growing number of femaleled businesses, and more capital available for female entrepreneurs.”

Tracy relocated to Marlborough in 2018 to establish the Bragato Research Institute. Leading the funding, design and build of the Bragato Research Winery, a legacy she’s extremely proud of.

Alongside her career success, one of Tracy’s proudest achievements is co-founding a charity with another local woman, Sarah Bates, to support RSE workers through the Village to Village Charitable Trust.

This started out as a means to provide clean energy cookstoves to RSE workers on their return to the Pacific Islands to replace the open fires used for cooking that are so harmful to women and children, and then expanded to provide finanical literacy and entrepeneurship training to improve financial sustainability in Pacific Island communities.

Beautician of the building Industry

Sandy Knight,

Decorating Marlborough

When it comes to inspiring women in the trade industry Sandy Knight is a trail blazer.

Owner of an award-winning painting and decorating business, Sandy is proud to encourage and support women in the construction industry and beyond. “It’s great to see more women are taking up the challenge of working in trades,” she says.

With an emphasis on honesty, reliability and respect, it’s easy to see why the team at Decorating Marlborough Ltd are so sought after. Sandy’s love of what she does is also instilled in her team. “What I love most is that each member of our team has the same focus. We are also ensuring the value of our clients’ main asset is protected for years to come.”

“Knowing we have uplifted our clients home environment is a great feeling.”