How I became... Masterton's March Hare

Globetrotter Gretchen Bunny, 32, bounced back from redundancy to start her own business in the vineyards and olive groves of her home town.

"I had always envisioned ending up in Paris, Shanghai or New York, but instead I’m back home in Masterton – and I have never been happier! 

"I can’t believe the perfect job exists, that I’ve been able to create it for myself – and I’m succeeding at it!

"In February this year I was devastated to be made redundant from the job I loved as an IT recruitment consultant in Wellington. The following month I was grooming poodles as a short-term filler but those snarling little dogs and my redundancy motivated me to get out and do something big, something I’d always wanted, but had been too afraid.

"I spent a month frantically researching if my idea would be financially feasible before jetting off to the UK and Europe for three weddings in six weeks. Setting up a business meant I was going to be poor for a while, so why not go out in style?

"Two months after my return I launched March Hare Enterprises. With a delicious picnic of local goodies, visitors spend an afternoon pedalling at their leisure, tasting boutique wines and oils under the gorgeous northern Wairarapa skies.

"I love the craziness and variety of my days – from meetings with community leaders, to coming up with quirky marketing ideas, to building outdoor furniture for my weary cyclists. I get see people’s reactions at the end of what they feel has been an amazing experience, and know that I was responsible for that.

"But the best part is creating an internationally acclaimed tourism operation that makes a positive difference and will sustain the community where I grew up – I’m a fifth generation local. If my business is doing well, then so are the five vineyards and olive groves that I work with, and spending is increased across the region. 

"There’s been a fair few bloopers along my path to success. Luckily I’m good at laughing at myself. When I was 19, I was declined more than 100 times when I applied for positions as a high country station shepherd. But I got the most fantastic job in the end and that was an early lesson that perseverance can get you anywhere. The many small businesses I’ve worked for have taught me how to be canny and develop a successful business on the smell of an oily rag.

"My goal now is to spend the New Zealand winters (when my business is closed), travelling to exotic places. Perhaps I could set up a sister company in the Greek Islands or the Caribbean? Anything’s possible - gosh, less than nine months ago I worked on the 12th floor of a Wellington office block. I drank lots of coffee, went to meetings, and embraced corporate life. I would never have believed I would be doing this and I feel immensely proud, and slightly surreal that home is actually where my heart is."

Interview by Rosalind Le Bas Walker; Photograph: Katherine Robinson