Rachael Nicholson

As Wellbeing Coordinator for the Rural Community Trust, I manage referrals and connect clients with appropriate support services, ensuring confidentiality and accurate record keeping. I help deliver wellbeing initiatives, maintain strong relationships with local welfare networks, and provide operational support during adverse events all in alignment with the Trust’s mission to support rural communities.

• I co-direct our agricultural chemical and seed supply business in Southland and South Otago, overseeing finances, invoicing, chemical policy, insurance, and all operational requirements alongside my husband, Scott.

• Salesperson in flooring and décor services, responsible for assisting clients with product selection, providing expert advice on materials and design, preparing accurate quotes, and coordinating sales from consultation through to installation

• Co-owner and operator of a 71-hectare dairy farm, converted from dry stock to dairy in 2008 through comprehensive planning, infrastructure development, and operational setup; milking 215 cows and wintering all stock on-farm, I manage both hands-on farm work and business administration including financial oversight, compliance, and strategic planning while raising a family and maintaining a strong commitment to resilience, adaptability, and the wellbeing of our farming enterprise and home life

• As a sharemilking partner, I played a pivotal role in both the day-to-day running of the farm and the broader business management. My responsibilities included livestock care, seasonal operations, alongside overseeing financial systems, payroll, contracts, and regulatory compliance. While raising a young family, I maintained a strong focus on strategic growth and long-term planning building the capital and capability that enabled our successful move into farm ownership

• Sharemilking partner actively involved in farm operations and home management, responsible for calf rearing, financial administration, compliance, staff support, and raising a child while contributing to the success and sustainability of the farming business

• Sharemilker on a newly converted dairy farm, responsible for calf rearing, staff management, financial oversight, regulatory compliance, and actively building equity and farming expertise

• Care Worker: Lady Palmer – Marlow, UK
• Care Worker: Chilworth House Residential Home – High Wycombe, UK
• Office Assistant: EUK Entertainment CE Warehouse – Heathrow, London
• Retail Assistant: Jigsaw Clothing – London

• Wool Handler responsible for sorting and preparing wool clips to industry standards. Duties include skirting fleeces to remove inferior wool, rolling and presenting fleeces for classing, and separating wool based on length, colour, and contamination to ensure optimal quality and value.

• Retail Assistant at Glasson's, responsible for delivering exceptional customer service, driving sales, providing styling advice, operating Point of sale systems, maintaining visual merchandising standards, handling stock, and contributing to a dynamic team environment in a fast-paced fashion retail setting.

• Receptionist and Physio Aid in a busy clinic, responsible for front desk operations, appointment scheduling, patient communication, accounts management, payment processing, and assisting physiotherapists with treatment preparation, equipment setup, and basic patient support.