NZ Fellow: Dr Richard Smart
Dr Richard Smart began shining a light on grape growing in the late 1960s, increasingly fascinated by how sunlight interception by vineyards impacted yields and fruit quality.
Committee Chairs are Duncan McFarlane for Advocacy, Tim Nowell-Usticke for Environment, Michael Henley for Brand, and Tim Rose for Finance.
The board is focused on the impacts of a challenging economic climate around the world. "At the moment, people are struggling," Fabian says, noting that while New Zealand wine is "holding its own" against a backdrop of declining global wine sales, there has been a reduction in export sales this year. "And when there's a reduction in sales, there's a reduction in money that comes into NZW." The board will consequently need to prioritise its spending. "We need to look at the tools that we've got, the resources we've got, and say, 'how can we best serve our members?'"
Despite headwinds, he has faith in the future of New Zealand wine and its appeal to consumers. "Once they try it, it's so much more vibrant and approachable than what a lot of others have to offer in our main export markets. I think we have got to where we are based on our unique climate and geography, the passion of our people, and the quality of our wines."
Fabian says there's plenty more for the board to consider in the coming year, including the ongoing governance review with its focus on representation and levies. He encourages all members to review the information being considered by the working group, emphasising that the outcomes will affect the industry at large.
nzwine.com/members/about-us/governance
