1. Are you a brewery?

No, we are women who work in the fermented beverages industry. We cover a range of roles, e.g. brewers, brand owners, bar owners, beer distributors, writers, winemakers, anybody who works in the industry.

2. Who made your beers for Beervana?

The beers have been donated from a range of breweries; some who are owned/managed by women, some of them have women brewers. All are brewed by supporters of Pink Boots Society.

When possible, we host a brew day for our members in the lead up to an event. In 2023, we brewed the “Bright Ideas” Hazy IPA at Liberty Brewing Company, Helensville, where our Auckland members were able to participate in brewing this beer.

3. What happens to the funds raised by Pink Boots Society?

We are a non-profit society aimed at providing education, networking opportunities and scholarships to women and non-binary individuals in the fermented beverages industry. All of the funds raised by Pink Boots go back into the brewing industry through the scholarship opportunities and events we facilitate.

4. What is Pink Boots’ Mission?

We are here to ASSIST, INSPIRE, & ENCOURAGE women and/or nonbinary individuals in the fermented/alcoholic beverage profession through EDUCATION.

5. What is the significance of the Pink Boots?

PBS was founded in the USA by Teri Fahrendorf and was named after the pink boots Teri wore when brewing, which had been given to her by her mother-in-law. 

6. Who can join Pink Boots? Do I have to be a Brewer to join?

Not at all! You could be working in the industry; making beer, selling beverages, distributing, writing about beer, or supplying the industry with raw materials. As long as you fit the criteria stipulated below, you are welcome to join. PBS membership is open to all those who identify as women or non-binary, and who are;

• Actively employed in the Fermented/Alcoholic Beverage Industry

• Retired from a career in the Fermented/Alcoholic Beverage Industry

• In the process of opening an Alcoholic Beverage Industry Business, or

• Are currently studying/training in preparation to enter a career in the Fermented/Alcoholic Beverage Industry.

7. Do you raise funds for other charities or causes?

Generally, no; we raise funds for Pink Boots Society and any use of our brand name requires approval from our organisation.

8. In 2021-22 at Beervana the Pink Boots stall partnered with RespectED, who are they?

RespectEd Aotearoa is a charitable trust that works with schools, workplaces and community groups to educate and create open dialogues about sexual harm and healthy relationships. They provide a range of services to help organisations prevent sexual harm and build positive healthy relationships and cultures.

9. What is RespectED’s relationship with Pink Boots Society NZ?

Pink Boots NZ partnered with RespectEd Aotearoa to learn more about our industry and to help facilitate conversations around sexual harm. This was in response to conversations with our members about the worldwide #metoo reckoning of the craft beer industry. We raised funds at Beervana in 2021 where we sold the Brave Noise beer, in order to help RespectEd to start developing resources to support the beer industry. 

10. Where did Pink Boots Society originate and how did you start in Aotearoa?

Pink Boots NZ is a registered chapter of the Pink Boots Society which began in the U.S.A. We are an Incorporated Society operating under NZ legislation as a not-for-profit. The Pink Boots Society was brought to New Zealand in 2014, by a small group of women brewers and industry professionals, to inspire other women to advance their careers in the fermented/alcoholic beverage industry through education.