Winepress - August 2024

From the Editor

EVERYONE LIKES a pat on the back for their work. Those pats can come in many different forms – words of appreciation, a graduation certificate, a pay rise, winning an award, training to improve skills – and there are some great examples in this month’s magazine.

In the run up to the next round of the Marlborough Environment Awards, previous winners don’t mention the prize money or the framed certificate. For a new company like Repost, the value was in having a reason to take stock of what they’re doing and have the fresh eyes of the judges look over their operation, reassure them they’re on the right track, and provide guidance for the future. For an established company like Lawson’s Dry Hills, the award was a much appreciated community endorsement of their sustainability journey that started back in the 1990s.

Entries are open for the Marlborough Wine Show, and along with winning medals and trophies it’s an opportunity for winemakers to bench-mark themselves against their peers, share their knowledge and promote the sub regionality of Marlborough wine. With the quality 2024 harvest the show organisers are expecting fierce competition for the accolades when winners are announced in October.

The Young Viticulturist of the Year competition has been playing out across the country over the winter and is a great way to recognise and encourage those at the start of their career. As shown in our cover story, the Marlborough competitors wowed the judges and impressed each other. As well as testing an impressive range of skills, the competition gives contestants a chance to feel part of the wider industry with opportunities to develop their career further.

The results of the industry workforce survey on page 17 continues the theme. Report author and economist Amanda Reid highlights the need to invest in staff to attract and keep them and it doesn’t have to cost a lot. “Employers often think pay is the only lever they have, but there are other things you can offer, such as recognition or professional development, which make people feel valued, they’re seen, they’re being invested in... we under-estimate that.” Investing in staff to improve their skill levels is a clear signal that they matter, and employees who feel valued will want to stay and do a good job. Everyone’s a winner.

BEV DOOLE