New deputy chair elected for wine industry

MEDIA RELEASE

7 November 2008

New deputy chair elected for New Zealand’s wine industry

New Zealand Winegrowers today announced the re-election of Stuart Smith as chair and the new appointment of Steve Green as deputy chair.

Smith is a Marlborough grapegrower and proprietor of boutique Marlborough winery Fairhall Downs.

Green is chief executive officer of Carrick Wines in Central Otago and has been involved in the wine industry since his vineyard’s inception in 1993.

Green said he was delighted to be elected as deputy chair by the board of New Zealand Winegrowers.

“New Zealand Winegrowers has set a number of positive goals for the industry. The sustainability policy, which aims to have all grapegrowers and winemakers signed up to an independently-audited sustainable programme by 2012, and the export goal of $1 billion by 2010 are just two of the targets I’m excited to work towards,” Mr Green said.

Green recognises the challenges ahead with the global economic slowdown and is committed to collegiality of the industry of both grapegrowers and winemakers to ensure minimal impact on New Zealand’s wine industry.

“New Zealand Winegrowers needs to identify strengths and ensure these are accentuated in both domestic and international markets to maintain its premium reputation,” Green said.

Green succeeds George Fistonich, who stepped down from the role in October. Stuart acknowledged the “exceptional contribution” of Fistonich, who had served as the deputy chair for two years and remains on the Winegrowers board.

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