Meet Your Board - Chair Steve Green

Steve Green, Principal of Carrick Wines in Central Otago. I am elected from the Category 1 wineries.

What Is Your Background In The Wine Industry?
Barbara and I planted our vineyard 20 years ago and formed Carrick in 1999. We were part of Mt Difficulty for the first couple of years, but went on to do our own thing with our first vintage in 2000.

When Did You First Become A NZW Board Member?
I've been on the Board for seven years.

What Inspired You To Stand For The NZW Board?
Not sure if inspiration is the right word. I had been involved with industry organisations including a stint as President of Central Otago Winegrowers and Chair of the marketing arm – Central Otago Pinot Noir Ltd. A few people from around the country asked me if I would put up my hand and here I am. I guess I have a real interest in the industry, how it works and the people in it.

What Committees Are You Involved With And Why Those?
As Chair, I'm automatically a member of the Finance Committee. I'm also a member of the Advocacy Committee, which makes sense because I am the go-to elected member in our relationship with Government. Initially I was a member of the Marketing Committtee where I believe there is a need to have interests from all winery sectors to ensure that our programmes and policies work for all.

As A Representative Of Your Region – What Are The Major Concerns Of Those Members?
As soon as you sit around the Board you are expected to work for the good of the whole industry. Representation becomes a minor part of the role, and, of course, I wasn't elected as a regional representative but as a Category 1 Winery. I deal with concerns from all members. Sometimes they are specific – needing help to deal with a problem that affects an individual member or a group of members. Often concerns are more general. There is no doubt that the biggest concern that members have is the on-going viability of their businesses, and the need to protect the industry's exemplary reputation for quality wine.

What Do You Believe Is The Greatest Hurdle Moving Forward For NZ Wine?
Continuing to produce quality grapes and quality wine on which our businesses are based. There are many challenges in overcoming this hurdle, from biosecurity risks to maintaining the standards that the world demands if we are to continue to receive premium prices for our wine.

What Issue Do You Believe Needs A Higher Priority Than It Is Currently Receiving – And Why?
Often our (New Zealand Winegrowers) priorities are not the priorities of those that we engage with. I would love to see conclusion on issues like GIs which are essential in protecting our New Zealand, regional and ultimately our own business brands. Similarly we need to have robust oversight over the ultimate positioning of wine exported in bulk – unfortunately these things take time.

What Would You Say Is The Greatest Achievement NZ Wine Has Accomplished And Why?
There are many. As a category New Zealand Wine has an enviable position in quality perception and pricing around the world. That hasn't just happened and it's based on building blocks like the marketing of the New Zealand wine brand, sustainability programmes, leading edge research and a lot of hard work. Every wine producing country in the world would like our reputation and position.

What Is Your Personal Vision For The Future Of New Zealand Wine? How Do We Get There?
To maintain that place and to grow the value of New Zealand wine. To get there - smart marketing, stronger sustainability, more innovation and more hard work.
At an organisational level, a single entity – New Zealand Winegrowers Inc. - where every member's interests are valued and heard.