From The Board - Stu Dudley

From the Board

The vital value of Marlborough Winegrowers

STU DUDLEY

NOT AGAIN! That was definitely the thought I had on August 11, when I heard the coronavirus was back and Auckland was heading into lockdown. Back came all the memories of having to adjust to a new normal and installing procedures across our businesses, which were fortunate enough to still operate through Alert Level 4 earlier this year. Also, the memories of the difficulties social distancing created, and the genuine stress it placed on people and families. However, if a 24/7 harvest can be handled, then I am sure we can work through most other periods of the winemaking calendar with a bit of effort.

What has been great through this and other events is the ability of Wine Marlborough to go to bat and support our membership, and promote our fantastic region. I have been lucky enough to be part of the Marlborough Winegrowers Board for almost six years. It has been great to be involved with this organisation and get an insight not only into the work this special team does, but also into many of the challenges being faced by our industry. Often I feel that much of this work, especially the smaller detail stuff, does go unnoticed in the wider industry. But I want recognise it as an important part of the region’s fabric and resilience. The Marlborough Wine & Food Festival, Marlborough Wine Show, and this magazine are brilliant advertisements for us, and in some ways the face of Wine Marlborough. These more visible offerings should not, however, overshadow the ongoing advocacy work that is being done to better our industry and work for the membership.

For me, Covid-19 and its fallout would seem the biggest issue the advocacy team have had to deal with to date, with the earthquake in 2016 and some of the ongoing Marlborough Environment Plan work also having real significance. Due to Covid issues, labour shortages in vineyards and the upcoming skills shortage in our wineries is demanding attention, and there are some positive steps in how this will be managed. Again, it will require collaboration of all stakeholders, including Wine Marlborough, to try and make this work. It was great to see the adjustment needed through the pruning season to get the job done, and for me it really highlighted just how dependent we are on our skilled vineyard labour teams, the excellent work they carry out, and also the ability of our industry to pivot and adjust where required. It is likely a similar perspective will be seen in vintage 2021 when it is unlikely that we will have the usual numbers of skilled winery workers returning to our shores.

The other piece of work that I feel needs mention, and support, is the work Marlborough Winegrowers has done and continues to look at, regarding the Marlborough Environment Plan and protecting our industry. Of most significance is the appeal from Fish & Game who are wanting to significantly raise the water cut-off levels in the Wairau River, which would be crippling for our industry. I hope there is awareness out there of exactly what is happening and how this would affect you all as members.

As it’s my last opportunity for now, I want to thank the other board members I have worked with over the past six years. Special mentions go to chairpersons Clive Jones, Rhyan Wardman and Tom Trolove, who have all been great to work with and learn from during these years. It has also been a pleasure to work alongside Marcus and the team at Wine Marlborough and I wish them all the best for the future. There is always another challenge on the horizon and I am sure they will continue to meet them. Finally, I would urge you to stand in future elections - it is a very rewarding job and a great way to support Marlborough to be one of the great wine regions of the world. See you out in the vines! Stu Dudley has stepped down from the Marlborough Winegrowers Board. Voting for two winery board members and one grape grower board member opens on September 15 and closes at noon on September 28. Results will be notified on October 1.

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