Rotorua woman supreme winner at rural awards

– Rotorua Daily Post Nov 13, 2016

A Rotorua woman who built up her own chain of rural physiotherapy centres has taken out the supreme award at the 2016 Enterprising Rural Women Awards.

Amy Dibley (in centre shot) was presented the award at a ceremony in Wellington on Saturday night for her work as founder and director of Physio Direct, taking home the supreme award that showcases successful rural businesswomen.

Ms Dibley, who grew up on a dairy farm in Ngongotaha, said she understood the physical demands of a rural life and believed everyone should have the right to health services, which was why she offered physiotherapy to small communities.

She was proud of her achievements after five years of working up to 70-hour weeks to get the business off the ground.

She now has nine clinics around New Zealand: Rotorua, Murupara, Matamata, Putaruru, Te Aroha, Taumarunui, Ohakune and Belfast in Christchurch and Oxford, just out of Christchurch.

“It’s been a tough five years getting the business to where it is and really cool to get some recognition of all the hard work.

“Our model helps attract physios into rural areas and the way we have developed that model has been quite unique.

“We have a lot of UK physios coming here and they get the option to move though our sites, have a great adventure and travel around New Zealand and experience what it’s like.”

At just 33 years old she has moved into management of the business which employs 12 physiotherapists and four administration staff.

“Being recognised with an award like that it makes it all worthwhile and I know what I’m doing is working well.”

Minister for Women Louise Upston praised all of the nominees and award winners saying the six supreme award finalists were an inspiration to all women, and in particular exemplified the opportunities that exist for rural women to thrive.

“Owning a business empowers women, helps the economy to grow and promotes gender equality,” Ms Upston said.

“When women achieve greater economic success, they increase the well-being of their families and the wider community they live in.

“It’s no surprise that the number of women entrepreneurs is growing.

“The awards celebrate women who have set ambitious business goals and who know there is no substitute for hard work, and I am delighted to join in congratulating these businesswomen from high-growth sectors who have received such well-deserved recognition.”