EDUCATE
Industry News Wine Marlborough Update The mood is cautiously optimistic that winter pruning will be completed on time, according to feedback from a webinar held by Wine Marlborough and New Zealand Winegrowers. There were Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme repatriation flights in June, with 60 workers from Marlborough returning to Vanuatu for humanitarian reasons. Over 200 vintage cellar hands stuck in Marlborough packed the Marlborough Convention Centre on June 17 to hear about their fate (see story Page 10). We will continue to support these members of the Marlborough wine community until they are able to return home. Marlborough Winegrowers joined as a Section 274 party against Fish & Game, the Environmental Defence Society, and by Te Rūnanga o Kaikōura and Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, who are appealing parts of the Marlborough District Council’s (MDC) decisions on the proposed Marlborough Environment Plan. The Environment Court process is likely to take several years and begins with a case management conference in August to determine how the appeals will progress. Wine Marlborough’s advocacy manager, Vance Kerslake, has been appointed to the Marlborough interim-Regional Skills Leadership Group (i-RSLG). The purpose of the groups is to identify the workforce and skills needs and priorities in their region, both now and in the future, and advise government on actions to cultivate these. These interim groups will provide a focus for drawing together labour market information, and offer valuable labour market intelligence to central Government and regions to support the Covid-19 response. The next Marlborough Winegrowers meeting with the MDC is on August 25. If you have any issues you want us to raise with council, email advocacy manager Vance Kerslake at advocacy@winemarlborough.nz
Six day vintage week Wine Marlborough is holding a six-day vintage week seminar on July 29. The event will look at the advantages of a six or seven-day vintage roster and how to make the change. Speakers include Patricia Miranda-Taylor (pictured) and Andrew Petrie from Wither Hills, Courtney Morse from Delegat, and Spring Timlin and Lee Williams from Matua. Wednesday July 29, 3pm, at the MRC Theatre 85 Budge Street. RSVP to advocacy@ winemarlborough.nz
as all the news and events updates the industry requires. “We’re a world class wine industry, and it’s important that Wine Marlborough’s website reflects that.” Check it out at winemarlborough.co.nz
Matariki
Website refresh Wine Marlborough’s website refresh provides an inviting view of the region’s wine industry, including an invitation to visit and indulge in a Marlborough Escape. Marketing and communications manager Sarah Linklater says the site is easier to navigate, cleaner to view, and designed to appeal to both industry and consumers, with a ‘visit’ page that showcases cellar doors, as well 30 / Winepress July 2020
New Zealand Winegrowers plans to be a little star struck this month, with a series of stories to celebrate Matariki, the Māori name for a star constellation that rises into the sky in mid-winter and marks the Māori New Year. Traditionally, Māori used Matariki to determine when to harvest and plant crops for the next season. Nowadays Matariki is still seen as an important time to celebrate the end of harvest and show respect for the land on which we live. New Zealand Winegrowers will be sharing stories on how wine companies mark Matariki on nzwine.com throughout July.
Grape Days 2020 Due to the uncertainty caused by Covid-19, including the complexity of inviting international speakers, Grape Days will not be held as physical events this year. As an alternative, New Zealand Winegrowers and Bragato Research Institute are exploring ways to bring members research, news and vineyard extension through online platforms or smaller regional workshops in the coming months. Anyone with ideas for these webinars or workshops can email info@bri.co.nz
Sydney International The Sydney International Wine Competition will proceed with its 41st event this year, with the entry period and judging schedule moved back a month due to increased logistical issues associated with coronavirus. The entry date for wines is July 27 and entries close on October 26. Judging will take place in mid-November, with a judging panel reduced to 11 to meet the New South Wales social distancing regulations, while entries will be restricted to a maximum of 1,300. Because of international border closures, judges will largely come from Australia this year, but may include New Zealand judges if restrictions
