An Ashburton dairy herd manager has been convicted in the Ashburton District Court on serious animal welfare offences after the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) brought charges against him under the Animal Welfare Act 1999.

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has revoked export certificates for four consignments of lactoferrin manufactured by Westland Milk Products which have nitrate levels that exceed the New Zealand standard.

An analysis of social media in New Zealand and China has found an emerging group of Chinese residents in New Zealand and others with close ties to China, vigorously defending New Zealand's brand in the wake of Fonterra's whey protein contamination crisis.

Powdery mildew was described by grower Doug Bell at the recent NZW grape days, as “sinister.” 

With 2013 being New Zealand’s largest vintage ever, there is a high likelihood of 2014 being much larger again. Due to the near perfect conditions at flowering in many of the country’s wine producing regions, bunch initiation that will affect the next vintage yields, is high.

Will We Still Be Reliant on Sauvignon Blanc? Sauvignon Blanc is such a distinctive variety and it caught the attention of the world establishing the base of the New Zealand wine industry.

As we look to the future, there are a number of environmental issues becoming increasingly apparent in New Zealand and overseas.

Ihave been asked to be clairvoyant, and write about viticulture in 40 year’s time. This is to write about uncertainty, but I hope my ideas might include some intelligent guesswork. One thing is for sure, that no-one will wave this article in front of me in 40 years time, and tell me that I am right, or wrong!

What a fabulous time to come on board Hawke’s Bay Winegrowers Inc. with not only a vintage to remember, but with an organization and community that wants change.  The last five months have been one of observation, learning and doing as only a sole employee can.  

Especially given that this month marks the 40th anniversary of the first modern day grape plantings in Marlborough.