Gene Technology Bill: Impact on Winegrowers and New Zealand Winegrowers' Response
Genetic modification has long been a topic of hot debate.
In February, New Zealand Winegrowers (NZW) hosted the Primary Production Select Committee in Blenheim, along with Stuart Smith, MP for Kaikoura. At their request, the itinerary focused on large-scale export businesses. With visits to Indevin, Delegat and WineWorks, as well as a tour of the Bragato Research Institute (BRI) research winery, NZW demonstrated the investment, technology, and commitment of the wine industry to operating on a scale to deliver the wine our international consumers want to purchase. NZW also provided a 'state of the industry' briefing at the meeting, which provided an overview of the industry and issues of importance to all members.
Advocacy has also been engaging on proposed legislation that could significantly impact the industry. The team prepared a submission on the Gene Technology Bill, followed by an oral submission on the Resource Management Act legislation as it relates to freshwater farm plans for industry associations.
There has been significant engagement with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade to understand the implications of new United States tariffs. The support and access we have to officials and other agencies has assisted Advocacy to ensure members have timely and relevant information in this fast-changing environment.
Immigration policy is of immense importance to our industry. In March NZW hosted a visit by the Immigration Engagement Partner to North Canterbury wineries, who shared their businesses' reliance on international vintage workers. This visit was followed by an opportunity to present to the immigration policy officers about our industry and to answer their questions.
In April, Philip Gregan met with Minister Andrew Hoggard to share industry's concerns with proposed energy labelling changes and to discuss support for a wine industry specific threshold for freshwater farm plans. Philip, together with some regional representatives and Board members, also met the Minister in Hawke's Bay, canvassing a range of issues relevant to industry and the region.
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) Immigration (Skills and Residence) Policy team released proposals for seasonal visas to replace the current Specific Purpose Work Visa. Advocacy drew on a cross section of members who have experience in using this visa, particularly for winery cellar hands, to develop NZW's submission. Advocacy is also developing a submission for additional roles for the new National Occupation list, as this will replace ANZSCO as the list Immigration uses from the end of 2025, so please contact the team if you have suggestions for additional roles at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Other activities include submissions on changes to vocational education, a letter to the Minister of Customs to request a two-year freeze to excise increases, a briefing to MBIE workforce and immigration officials on the industry, and meetings with the Ministry of Health on domestic health policy, the health levy and preparations for the upcoming United Nations High Level Meeting on Non-Communicable Diseases.
Advocacy has also supported BRI’s engagement activities, including a visit to BRI’s space in Lincoln by Associate Minister for Agriculture Nicola Grigg, and a visit by Dr Shane Reti to the BRI office in Blenheim. BRI Chief Executive Juliet Ansell attended a meeting with the Prime Minister for local businesses when he spent the day in Marlborough in April.
In late May, Advocacy will host an officials’ briefing in Wellington, to share key updates and engage in discussion with senior officials who support the wine industry. We hope to restart hosting these briefings in wine regions soon.
Planning is well underway for a Parliamentary function in June to celebrate wine industry success and 30 years of Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand. Hosted by Stuart Smith, MP for Kaikōura, it is an opportunity to celebrate the successes of the industry and to demonstrate the industry’s commitment to continuous improvement in sustainability practices.
Nicola Crennan is NZW External Relations Manager
