From the Chair: Shaping Our Future

A new chief executive has joined the organisation, and members will soon elect six directors to serve on the NZW and Bragato Research Institute boards. Both are opportunities to influence the direction of our organisation and the future of our industry in what are challenging and uncertain times.

I would like to warmly welcome our new chief executive Anishka Jelicich. As she settles into the role, many of you will have the chance to meet her as she visits wine regions and attends industry events. One of those opportunities will be at New Zealand Wine 2026, being held on 27 Auckland in Pōneke Wellington. The Wine Business Forum will again be followed by the Celebration Dinner, and both promise to be an excellent opportunity to network, gain business insights, and celebrate our Young Winemaker and Young Viticulturist of the Year, along with this year's Fellows. The following morning, the Women in Wine Connect morning tea will be a relaxed occasion to share updates and continue the celebration. For more information go to nzwine.com/events 'New Zealand Wine 2026'.

At the same time as we welcome Anishka, our governance is evolving. From 14-25 September 2026, all NZW members will have the opportunity to vote in the dual class Directors election, selecting three Member Class Directors and three Levy Class Directors (for more information go to nzwine.com/members 'Dual Class Directors Election 2026'). For the first time, all elected directors now sit on both the NZW Board and BRI Board, providing a more integrated approach to governance, research and industry leadership.

By the time you read this, nominations will still be open. This is an important opportunity to influence the future direction of our industry, and I encourage members to think carefully about who should help guide it. We need people who can look beyond individual businesses, think strategically, ask challenging questions and contribute to decisions that benefit the wider New Zealand wine community.

Our industry is fortunate to have many capable and experienced people. If you have the skills, experience and commitment to contribute, I encourage you to consider standing. All eligible members can stand for election. However, given the complexity of the role, members with governance experience, or who are prepared to develop their governance skills, are encouraged to stand. Members who bring strong financial analysis skills and the ability to think long term and strategically are also encouraged to stand. If someone else comes to mind, encourage them to explore what the role involves and how they might contribute.

Participation does not stop with Board elections. The new Board will also be refreshing the membership of the Environment, Brand, and Advocacy Committees. These committees play an important role in shaping our work and provide valuable opportunities for members to contribute their expertise and perspectives. Regional associations remain equally important in ensuring the voice of members continues to be heard.

When voting for the Board elections opens in September, I strongly encourage every member to take part. These are your representatives, your industry organisation and your levy funds. A strong turnout helps ensure the Board has the mandate and diversity of thinking needed to lead confidently through the opportunities and challenges ahead.

As an industry, we have never stood still. We have adapted to changing markets, embraced innovation, invested in sustainability and built an international reputation for premium wines. That success has come from the collective efforts of our members and a shared commitment to remaining relevant to consumers.

The months ahead present an opportunity to build on that foundation. A new chief executive brings fresh perspectives and renewed energy. Board elections provide an opportunity to shape the leadership of our organisation for the years ahead. Both deserve our attention, engagement and participation.

Most importantly, as we navigate change, we must keep our focus on what ultimately matters: producing distinctive New Zealand wines that consumers around the world continue to love, seek out, and value. If we remain focused on that goal, and continue to work together as an industry, the future remains firmly in our hands.

Fabian Yukich is NZW Board Chair