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THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF WINE MARLBOROUGH
ISSUE NO. 262 / SEPTEMBER 2016
MAYORAL BRAGATO LABOUR TOHU
CANDIDATES NEWS CONCERNS VINEYARD
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22
this issue... 30
REGULARS FEATURES
3 Editorial 12 Bragato News - The wine
industry converged in
4 From the Board - Jack Glover
Marlborough last month for
the 22nd annual New Zealand
Winegrowers’ National
6 Tasman Crop Met Report Romeo Bragato Conference.
Winepress looks at some of 26
the topics covered.
28 Gen Y-ine - Richelle Collier
16 Labour Pains - Marlborough’s
30 The Block - Tohu
wine industry needs to take
a zero tolerance approach to
the exploitation of labour, say
32 Biosecurity Watch - Grafted
Grapevine Standard
industry members, following
recent breaches of labour law.
22 Silver Secateurs - Last
36 Export News month’s Wine Marlborough
Silver Secateurs competition
38 Industry News
gave recognition to people
like Ni-Van vineyard worker
28
Daniel Nakomaha (pictured
40 ANZ Wine Happenings top right) doing a hard task in
trying conditions throughout
winter.
Cover:
Nikolai St George with the Fuder barrels he
24 Up and Coming - Some of
is using at Giesen Wines (pg20). Photo by
the country’s best young
Jim Tannock. winemakers and viticulturists
competed in Marlborough last
month.
Winepress September 2016 / 1
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2 / 2016.
Winepress September 2016
From the
General Manager:
Marcus Pickens
03 577 9299
Editor
marcus@wine-marlborough.co.nz
LAST MONTH was one of highs and lows in Marlborough.
Editor: Highs included the Silver Secateurs competition, celebrating the skills and
Sophie Preece recognising the efforts of the people who work in the cold vines throughout the
027 308 4455 long winter, providing a backbone to our wine industry.
sophie@sophiepreece.co.nz
But less than a week later, a release from the Labour Inspectorate outlined
Advertising: serious breaches by at least two vineyard contractors, followed swiftly by an
Harriet Wadworth Employment Relations Authority penalty against a contractor who doctored
03 577 9299 timesheets. That’s a real low.
harriet@wine-marlborough.co.nz It may be just a few operators, but the growers employing them need to take
responsibility for this strike to Marlborough’s reputation, and ensure the people
Wine Marlborough Board: working on their land are being paid a fair wage with good working conditions.
Clive Jones Issues with the treatment of labour have been around for a long time, and
cjones@nautilusestate.com they have always been unacceptable. However, the market’s reaction to poor
Ben Ensor sustainability measures – including employment practices - has become far more
ben.lisa@clear.net.nz palpable in recent years.
Large grocery chains in foreign markets would be “horrified” to find out that
Callum Linklater some workers in Marlborough are exploited, says Geoff Matthews on pg 16. So it
callumandsarah@xtra.co.nz
is essential - for social conscience and commercial success - that Marlborough’s
Jack Glover growers, wine companies and contractors make sure everything to do with their
jack.glover@accolade-wines.co.nz wine is above board.
Delegates at last month’s Romeo Bragato conference in Marlborough heard
Nick Entwistle
that 30% of people can now be categorised as conscious consumers, who will take
nick@wairauriverwines.co.nz
the back-story of a product into account before buying it.
Rhyan Wardman Some will be swayed most by the environment, perhaps, and others by
rhyan@giesen.co.nz health, or animal ethics, but few will like the sound of vineyard workers being
exploited.
Samantha Wickham
samantha@ormondnurseries.co.nz “We are now all part of a leading industry,” New Zealand Winegrowers
Chair Steve Green told the conference audience. “So we have to make sure we
Simon Bishell are leaders - leaders in social responsibility and sustainability, in caring for our
simon@caythorpe.nz workers.”
Stuart Dudley Bragato was another high for the industry, with a raft of research projects
stuartd@villamaria.co.nz presented by the teams of scientists working with industry members.
Beyond the dazzling array of discussions about DNA and ecology, oxygen
Tom Trolove and minerality, there were sessions on marketing, management and financial
tom.trolove@framingham.co.nz
resilience, as well as some compelling conversations about those conscious
consumers.
Printed by: This Winepress touches on a few of the sessions, and future editions will
Blenheim Print Ltd dig a little deeper. In the meantime, information from all the Bragato sessions is
03 578 1322
available on www.nzwine.com.
SOPHIE PREECE
Disclaimer: The views and articles that are
expressed and appear in Winepress are entirely
those of contributors and in no way reflect the
policy of the Marlborough Winegrowers. Any
advice given, implied or suggested should be
considered on its merits, and no responsibility can
be taken for problems arising from the use of such
information.
Winepress September 2016 / 3
From the
Board
Marlborough’s wine industry needs to
nurture tomorrow’s trail-blazers.
JACK GLOVER
AS A board we annually review our on how we address
strategic initiatives, key issues and leadership for
activities we feel are most important our region as we
to focus on for Wine Marlborough. mature beyond
Naturally there are key areas being the global
that we always highlight as being ‘new kid’.
integral in the success of our region Leadership
and our members, such as labour, is often a
environmental issues, marketing, misunderstood
events and the challenges of growing concept. I am sure
each season. many members
Our session this year honed in have received a
on the need to bring a programme book on the topic
in that focuses on future planning for Christmas
and ongoing leadership within or a birthday,
Marlborough as it shifts gear globally or listened to a
from new kid on the block to a mind-shifting address at a conference to the challenges that industry faces,
sustainable region across all measures. or speaking engagement. The simple and assisting them to develop the
Our vineyards, the grapes we thing to understand with leadership skills needed to problem solve these
harvest, wine we produce and the is that it is not just management challenges effectively, is paramount for
people who travel the globe telling or managing. These things come the region’s future success.
our stories have driven a global as a result of good leadership. As a board we are at the early
phenomenon, which had more than its Leadership inspires rather than stages of this concept, but we do have
fair share of bouquets at the inaugural plans, it uses vision to enhance it positioned as a strategic area of focus
International Sauvignon Blanc technical capabilities, it is delivered by and it’s our role as a board to assist the
Celebration earlier this year. With this influencers rather than authoritarians, development of Marlborough’s next
steep growth comes a need to further and leaders will “we” rather than generation.
develop those who are to continue this “I”. These are the leadership traits Over the coming months we will
success and learn from pioneers and we believe are important to start begin to evolve this strategy further
trail-blazers who put our region on the developing in our region and with our and reach out to our members to gauge
map. members. their interest in giving Marlborough
If you take Australia’s leadership I’m part of a generation in the best long term sustainable
programme as an example, they Marlborough who have benefitted advantage through collective
recognised this need some years ago substantially from our first-to-market leadership.
when they established the Future pioneers and the head-turning wine
Leaders Programme in 2006. This styles they produced and promoted.
programme identifies 15 people each I feel we are now at a time as a
year to be mentored, developed and region where we need to share these
have their perspectives heard by an learnings and allow the next wave
initiative owned and sponsored by to gain experience to ensure we
Wine Australia. As a board we believe position ourselves sustainably for the
now is the time to begin a discussion future. Exposing our future leaders
4 / Winepress September 2016
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Winepress September 2016 / 5
By Victoria Raw
Table 1: Blenheim Weather Data – August 2016 August 2016 in summary
August August 2016 August Period August August 2016 was a month of two
2016 compared LTA of LTA 2015 halves; the first half was cold and
to LTA sunny days, recording the majority
GDD’s for month -Max/Min¹ 6.9 -11.6 18.5 (1996-2015) 22.5 of the ground and air frosts; and the
GDD’s for month – Mean² 25.8 -9.5 35.3 (1996-2015) 37.2 second half was warm and sunny.
Growing Degree Days Total
Jul – Aug 16 – Max/Min 14.3 -13.7 28.0 (1996-2015) 29.4 Temperature
Jul - Aug 16 – Mean 57.3 -0.8 58.5 (1996-2015) 59.7 The mean temperature of 8.2°C for
Mean Maximum (°C) 13.5 -0.7°C 14.2 (1986-2015) 14.1 August was 0.8°C below the long-term
Mean Minimum (°C) 3.0 -0.9°C 3.9 (1986-2015) 4.3 average temperature of 9.0°C.
Mean Temp (°C) 8.2 -0.8°C 9.0 (1986-2015) 9.2 The second week of August was
Grass Frosts (
Table 3: Winter temperature for the four years 2013 to 2016 compared with the potential evapotranspiration exceeds
long-term average rainfall by 399.2 mm. That would be
June July August Mean or Total the amount of water that would need
Mean Temp 2013 (°C) 8.9 9.1 10.8 9.6 °C to be supplied as irrigation to keep a
Mean Temp 2014 (°C) 10.8 7.5 8.6 9.0 °C pasture actively growing.
Mean Temp 2015 (°C) 9.0 7.5 9.2 8.6 °C Figure 2 illustrates the severe
Mean Temp 2016 (°C) 10.1 8.7 8.2 9.0 °C water deficit experienced in both 12
LTA Mean Temp (°C) 8.7 7.9 9.0 8.5 °C month periods from July 2014 to June
2015 and from July 2015 to June 2016.
Ground Frosts 2013 11 18 6 35 The 12 months from July 2014 to June
Ground Frosts 2014 2 16 13 31 2015 recorded a water deficit of -683.6
Ground Frosts 2015 13 19 9 41 mm. This was 283.3 mm more than
Ground Frosts 2016 10 12 10 32 average, due to the fact that these 12
LTA Ground Frosts 12.1 15.1 10.5 37.7 months received the lowest rainfall
total on record. July 2015 to June 2016
Mean Ground Frost Temp 2013 (°C) -2.2 -2.5 -1.7 -2.3 recorded a deficit of -635.6 mm. In
Mean Ground Frost Temp 2014 (°C) -1.3 -3.0 -2.7 -2.8 both seasons the soil went into water
Mean Ground Frost Temp 2015 (°C) -2.7 -3.4 -2.8 -3.1 deficit in early September compared
Mean Ground Frost Temp 2016 (°C) -2.2 -2.9 -3.2 -2.8 with mid-October for the average.
LTA – Long Term Average The soil has been above field capacity
from mid-June to mid-August 2016 but
months January to August 2016 is Potential Water Deficit has subsequently gone into decline
1705.1 hours; 109.7% of the long-term Potential water deficit is the and as of 31st August sites at 13.4mm.
average (Table 1). difference between rainfall received This signals that at the start of the
and potential evapotranspiration. In new season on 1 September 2016 that
Rainfall
Blenheim the average potential water the seasonal water balance has little
August 2015 recorded 39.2 mm deficit for 12 months is -399.2 mm capacity to buffer any dry weather that
rainfall; 62.4% of the long-term average (1996-2015): may arise.
of 62.8 mm (1930-2015). Both August Total Rainfall 608.9 mm – Total Of the four months May to August
2014 and 2015 received below average Evapotranspiration 1009.3 mm = 2016, May and June recorded above
rainfall (15.3% and 79.3% respectively) -399.2 mm average rainfall. The potential water
This says that in an average year surplus for these four months was
Figure 1: Monthly and total rainfall for January to August 2015 and 2016
Winepress September 2016 / 7
+46.8 mm, compared with the average viewed on the Marlborough District (http://www.marlborough.govt.nz/
of +73.8 mm. Hence Marlborough Council website. By clicking on the Environment/Groundwater/Status/
needs regular above average rainfall different wells that they monitor Groundwater-Levels.aspx)
events throughout Spring 2016 to around the district you are able to see
ensure that the province does not enter the current well depths compared with Victoria Raw
a third season of drought. last year, as well as the average for Plant & Food Research / Marlborough
The influence of the winter rainfall the site. Well depths vary according to Research Centre
on the Wairau Plains aquifer can be location.
Figure 2: Seasonal water balance for Blenheim: difference between 3-month
totals of rainfall and potential evapotranspiration
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Winepress September 2016 / 9Candidate Questions
In the lead up to the local body elections, Winepress asks some questions of the
four Mayoral candidates.
Brian Dawson such as tourism, so that collectively we
What do you see as the top priorities are making the most of all the region
for the wine industry in the next three has to offer.
years? How would you go about supporting
The right solution for the the region’s largest primary sector if you
Flaxbourne Community Irrigation become our Mayor?
Scheme needs to be found and I will work very closely with the
the members of the scheme fully wine industry to ensure that Council is
supported to ensure it is a success. playing its part in being an enabler of
Working towards building year- the success of the industry. I want to
round work in the industry so that as see the common sense application of
many locals as possible can have it. rules and regulations.
Industry stakeholders working I am very focussed on attracting Employer scheme) workers. While
collectively to solve the issue of people to work, live, study and do we acknowledge the policy of New
accommodation for the additional business in Marlborough. I will work Zealand workers first, the Government
workers that the industry is going to with the industry to see that they have must allow sufficient RSE workers to
require over the next five years. the quantity and quality of skills and enable the industry to function.
Government understanding the labour required. I also want the wine industry to
needs of the industry, particularly in I will advocate strongly to leverage off the newly created Only
relation to labour requirements. Government that they must take Marlborough brand. We need to work
The industry working closely with a positive and practical approach out how this can be advanced.
other key Marlborough industries to RSE (Recognised Seasonal
John Davis approach needs to be taken on
What do you see as the top priorities industry growth which must be
for the wine industry in the next three sustainable and quality driven.
years? The market of supply and demand
As the wine industry is the biggest will play its part when it comes to
revenue earner for Marlborough, developing worker accommodation.
there needs to be a totally unified However, developers must first be sure
approach between Council, the main of the costs, it’s an expensive game to
industry players, Wine Marlborough play, and do their homework first. We
and government representatives. The also need to look at and address the
latest round of emergency meetings cost barriers to developing purpose
demonstrates that Council have not built accommodation. on quality growth.
been proactive or progressive in their How would you go about supporting We need to unite with the best
planning. the region’s largest primary sector if you skilled players in the team, agree on
The five major issues for become our Mayor? the direction, develop one mind-set
any Mayor to focus on are water, I would start by devoting the and deliver.
viticulture, aquaculture, tourism and time necessary to deal with the The strengths I would bring to
the CBD. They are currently very real issues, so no more emergency the role of Mayor are leadership and
disjointed and lack planning. An meetings. I’d create a team of experts action. I would make viticulture and
investment in time, expertise and and representatives from the relevant its sustainable growth in Marlborough
planning are required to pave the way industry sectors and together we would a priority. I’m action orientated and
forward. create short, medium and long term results driven, so we would certainly
A long term and collaborative plans that are sustainable and focused see positive change and momentum.
10 / Winepress September 2016John Leggett Marlborough can be a vibrant,
What do you see as the top priorities proud region that embraces and
for the wine industry in the next three reflects the world-class reputation
years? of our wines. Marlborough can be a
Sustainable growth and reputation region where everyone thrives – in
are two pressing issues for the business, work, school, home, and our
industry and our region. community.
Growth is fantastic when Let’s work together and make that
managed well, whether you’re running happen.
a vineyard, a winery, a contracting How would you go about supporting
firm, or the region. the region’s largest primary sector if you our communities’ quality of life, social
As the industry grows, it needs a become our Mayor? infrastructure and guardianship of
strong Council alongside it to enable The wine industry is incredibly Marlborough’s environment.
growth, ensure regional efficiencies, significant for Marlborough. Marlborough deserves a strong
provide physical and social The industry and Council face leader who can facilitate open
infrastructure, and inspire healthy many challenges together including and balanced debate, champion
communities. water, labour shortages, sustainable governance, and foster outstanding
The industry has a part to play by growth management, housing, engagement with our community.
ensuring that as it grows it respects environmental concerns and social I have the strength, expertise
our people, our environment, and our infrastructure. and commitment to lead an engaged
reputation. But we also celebrate many Council that is united in leading
Breaching labour or successes together. The Marlborough the region forward and considers
environmental laws damages your region is internationally recognised all decisions along the way with
company’s reputation, your industry’s through the wines produced here. professional integrity and exemplary
reputation, and your region’s. Let’s We’re in this together. governance.
instead work together to ensure As Mayor I will be working with I will lead Marlborough from the
sustainable industry growth and build Councillors to ensure we support the front – with confidence, commitment,
a strong community. industry’s growth while also balancing energy and integrity.
Colin King accommodated and employed by
What do you see as the top priorities responsible contractors who meet all
for the wine industry in the next three their legal obligations toward their
years? employees.
The Marlborough wine industry’s That research and development
top priority must be maintaining the with effective technology transfer
positive reputation it presently holds continues so the standard of vineyard
in the market place. This continues management provides winemakers
to be the most valuable asset for the with the best quality grapes.
Marlborough wine industry now and How would you go about supporting
into the future. the region’s largest primary sector if you every opportunity, whether within
The Geographical Indications bill become our Mayor? Marlborough or whenever the
that is currently before Parliament As Mayor of Marlborough I will occasion presents itself overseas.
must be introduced into law so ensure that the world knows Blenheim I will maintain strong
legal protection can be given to the is New Zealand’s wine capital and relationships with central
name “Marlborough”. This will mean continue to actively maintain and Government to ensure that whenever
that all wines sold with the name promote our region’s enviable a prime ministerial or ministerial
Marlborough are genuinely from reputation. delegation is heading overseas, that
Marlborough. I will spend sufficient time with the Marlborough wine industry is
Ensuring that the highest the wine industry to understand the strongly represented.
possible standards of management emerging challenges confronting it I will instruct council to provide
are maintained throughout the and ensure that there are no barriers to whatever resources are necessary
winemaking process when discharging sustainable growth in the Marlborough to support and secure central
liquids or solids back into the wine industry. Government funding so as to advance
environment. I would positively welcome Marlborough’s position as the largest
We must make sure that those visiting delegations and advocate and most important wine region in
working in the vineyards are well passionately for the wine industry at New Zealand.
Winepress September 2016 / 11Romeo Bragato
New Zealand’s wine industry a star performer.
SOPHIE PREECE
STELLAR EXPORT growth has Annual Report shows exports have
transformed a small, domestically risen 10% in the last year, to just under
focussed industry into an export force $1.6 billion. That’s the 21st consecutive
for New Zealand, says New Zealand year the industry has experienced
Winegrowers Chair Steve Green. significant export growth, and it is well contribution to the social, economic
“Through high dollars and on track to reaching its target of $2 and environmental welfare of our
low, through recessions and near billion of exports by 2020, Steve said. country.”
depressions, through tech booms and “Whether we get there by 2020 or 2019 In the wake of the conference,
busts… wine exports have been the or 2021… the goal is now in sight and Steve says it highlighted best practice,
star performer for New Zealand,” he what an achievement that will be.” enabling winemakers and grape
told delegates at last month’s Romeo The industry is a leader, “so we growers to implement the many new
Bragato Conference in Marlborough. have to make sure we are leaders”, he initiatives on offer, “to continue to
“We are now acknowledged as a wine said. “Leaders in social responsibility work towards those goals of economic
exporter of the first rank. We craft and sustainability, in caring for our and social sustainability”.
and market distinctly New Zealand, workers. Leaders in our relationships Information from all the Bragato
high quality, high value wines. We are with our neighbours and leaders in sessions will become available on www.
renowned for this.” tourism. We need to lead, and by nzwine.com
New Zealand Winegrowers’ leading we will make an even greater
Understanding Vineyard Ecosystems
A complex research programme was placed under
the microscope at the Romeo Bragato Conference, thanks
to several of the geneticists, ecologists, viticulturists and
research scientists involved.
The $7 million Vineyard Ecosystems programme,
which has just completed the first of its seven years,
involves 12 vineyards in Marlborough and another 12 in
Hawke’s Bay. The vineyards are an even mix of “future”
farming sites, with chemical free management techniques,
and “contemporary” sites, using chemicals.
Over the past year, hundreds of holes have been
dug, soil samples collected, DNA extracted and data
accumulated. Statisticians will now continue to crunch
vast numbers to offer a better understanding of vineyard
Simon Hooker
ecology and the impacts of vineyard management
practices.
Among the speakers were Auckland University’s industry’s sustainability aspirations. He says the Vineyard
Associate Professor Mat Goddard and PhD student Ecosystems Programme puts New Zealand’s wine industry
Paulina Giraldo-Perez, who will use next generation at the forefront globally.
sequencing to compare management techniques over the “The complexity of ecosystems hasn’t really been
seven-year period. explored in vineyards. By understanding the interaction
Simon Hooker, New Zealand Winegrowers General between all those different organisms, you can start to
Manager of Research and Innovation, says he was manage your vineyard in a more integrated fashion,
recently asked how research was progressing the wine specific to its ecology.”
12 / Winepress September 2016Yes to GIA
Industry votes for greater influence on biosecurity
decisions.
SOPHIE PREECE
THE NEW Zealand wine industry for GIA and improved biosecurity,”
is to become a partner with the says NZW Biosecurity Manager Edwin
Government in decision making Massey. “New Zealand is a trading Brown Marmorated Stink Bug can
around biosecurity readiness and nation and with increased import and impact on production and quality, and
response. export, and increased travel as well, Edwin tainted Marlborough wine with
New Zealand Winegrowers (NZW) we are seeing biosecurity risk become synthetic stink big odour to open eyes
Chair Steve Green announced at the more and more prevalent. I think and noses to its threat.
Romeo Bragato conference that 96% people see GIA as a means to increase He says growers and winery staff
of voting members and more than our readiness for a growing threat.” need to be vigilant over the high-risk
99% of the levy vote favoured creating Edwin honed in on “the number season, from the end of September
a Government Industry Agreement one biosecurity threat to New to the end of April, by looking out
(GIA). Zealand’s wine industry” at his for a 1.7cm-long shield shaped bug
“It’s a really, really strong Bragato workshop, entitled “How with distinctive marking around the
endorsement from the member base to stop the stink in your wine”. The abdomen.
Financal Resilience
New Zealand Winegrowers (NZW) will soon launch its for the wine industry. The fourth advisor, Marlborough
new business toolkit, a free online resource for members. farmer Doug Avery, has helped develop a page on mental
Project Manager Tracy Benge says the toolkit will offer a health and wellbeing, she says. “Because when looking to
package of best practice business guidance and tools in protect and grow your assets, the most important asset is
one place, in order to help those in the industry manage you.”
business risks. Over recent years there has been a big shift in financial
The toolkit covers 10 areas of business risk, from sustainability. Global financial markets have developed
business planning, financing and insurance solutions, to sustainability performance tools, such as the Dow Jones
financial benchmarking and succession planning. Each Sustainability Indices, which tie a company’s valuation to
area links to downloadable business guides, website links how well they are performing financially, environmentally
and case studies. and socially. It’s an ethos that reflects the SWNZ pillars,
Tracy says the resources have been developed says Tracy. “The business pillar of sustainability recognises
with the assistance of a group of agri-business experts that sustainability is the balancing of people, planet and
including BNZ, FMG and Crowe Horwath, and are tailored profit.”
Winepress September 2016 / 13Precise Breeding
New genetic technologies debated.
SOPHIE PREECE
NEW ZEALAND needs to urgently
address outdated regulations to
take advantage of brand new and
fast developing precise breeding outcome rather than the method used.”
technologies, says a breeding and The threat is there because other
genomics expert. countries, including the United States,
Plant & Food Research General have deregulated the technology “and
Manager of Science Kieran Elborough now have the capacity and regulatory
says New Zealand is already being left support to produce superior cultivars
Kieran Elborough
behind by countries embracing Crispr very quickly”, he says. “This will be an
(Clustered regularly interspaced short issue at our borders and in our markets
palindromic repeats), which allows “The worst scenario for us as because these superior cultivars
existing genes to be edited in a precise plant breeders is that we will not have cannot be scientifically differentiated
way, at the single base pair level, a highly effective tool we can use to from conventional cultivars, but
without adding any DNA. compete... We have perhaps the best are regulated as a GMO (genetically
The resulting plant is identical breeding science in the whole world in modified organism) in New Zealand.”
in every way to one that can be New Zealand, for all the different crops That means a wine could come
produced by conventional breeding, we are involved in, but we could fast be into New Zealand from another
but is created in a far shorter time, says left behind if we are limited in the use country that has embraced the
Kieran. of this tool by outdated regulations.” technology, but it might be several
Crispr is regulated under New Kieran says precise breeding years before it is revealed that the wine
Zealand’s Hazardous Substances technology can either be a threat or an should in fact be regulated here as a
and New Organisms (HSNO) act, opportunity to New Zealand’s plant GMO, says Kieran. “It’s going to be a
which Kieran wants to see updated. based industries. “(It is) an opportunity huge issue for you as an industry to try
“Legislation in New Zealand needs for us to offer fast, accurate breeding and defend that position. And it’s only
to catch up quickly with the pace of for ‘step change’ cultivars that fit with that position because of regulations.”
breeding technology development,” he New Zealand’s specific needs, but only Kieran spoke of Crispr at the
says. if New Zealand chooses to regulate the Bragato New Horizon’s workshop.
New Zealand-native grape vine clones
New Zealand’s vineyards have limited clonal diversity University, Darrell’s team has developed a rapid clonal
inherited from countries on the other side of the world, identity test, which is being used to recognise mutations
says Lincoln University scientist Darrell Lizamore. and use them to breed a more diverse clonal stock.
He spoke to Bragato audiences about his work to They currently have 200 plants in the field, and
produce clones suited to New Zealand conditions by another 2000 in tissue culture. Darrell says the time
harnessing natural mutations in grapevine DNA.“Mutation needed to progress the project from science labs to
is the natural source of species diversity,” he told delegates. working vineyards depends on the level of investment.
However, artificial selection, as has been practiced However, it is feasible that when existing vineyards have
through manual breeding over hundreds of years, serves to their vines replaced in 15 to 20 years, growers could choose
drastically reduce that gene pool. a “New Zealand-native” clone rather than a French one.
That has resulted in very limited diversity, which is “We are developing the next generation of clones to be
a major obstacle to breeding clones that are optimised used in New Zealand.”
for New Zealand conditions. With funding from New The October Winepress will have a more detailed
Zealand Winegrowers, Plant & Food Research and Lincoln feature on Darrell’s work.
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Winepress September 2016 / 15Labour Laws
Flouted
Marlborough’s wine industry is being threatened by illegal
labour practices.
SOPHIE PREECE
MARLBOROUGH’S WINE industry Of the 10 independent contractors
needs to take a zero tolerance visited, two were breaching minimum
approach to the exploitation of labour, wage, holiday pay, and record keeping
says the Chair of Wine Marlborough. requirements, with another seven
Following revelations of breached asked to supply additional records.
labour laws, Clive Jones says it Kevin says the industry needs
is “absolutely frustrating” that a to take some ownership of the
few contractors, and the growers issue, including seeking assurances
that employ them, are putting the from contractors that all minimum
reputation of Marlborough’s wine employment standards are being
industry at risk. “The law is the law met. “By engaging with contractors
and people need to comply with all the who choose to ignore employment
relevant regulations.” standards, the New Zealand wine
Labour Inspectorate Regional industry is exposing themselves to
Clive Jones
Manager Kevin Finnegan says a joint reputational damage.”
Marlborough vineyard operation Nine contractors from the
between his department, Immigration Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Clive says it is “no coincidence”
New Zealand and Inland Revenue scheme were also visited, with all that the RSE contractors came out
found contractors committing serious nine found to be compliant with clean. “The people that rely on RSE
breaches of employment standards. employment standards. workers for part of their labour force
Best Practice
Wine companies have a corporate social responsibility are exploited, and it’s
that should include protecting the workers they rely on, frustrating to know
says the Operations Director of Lion’s New Zealand wine some elements are
interests. letting the industry
Geoff Matthews says since around 2008, when Wither down, he says.
Hills started to use more contract labour, the company has “We have a social
ensured it has the right systems and processes in place for responsibility, and as
their own employees, as well as ensuring similar systems the industry grows
for any supplier or contractor they use. it’s important that
“It came about from us wanting to be responsible as you are doing the
a corporation - to be seen to be doing the right thing. We right thing.” Responsible employer Vinepower
didn’t want to use a contract company or a labour supplier, Illegal labour works for Wither Hills with both Kiwi
to find out at some point down the track that they weren’t practices have been and RSE staff.
compliant with various laws and regulations. This is not an issue at various
only labour laws, it also extends to health and safety, points in the past, but the wine industry is a lot larger
pastoral care and ethical standards that we as a company than it used to be “and everything revolves around its
are often expected to have as a supplier of premium reputation as a premium wine producer”, Geoff says. “So
products to our customers and consumers.” we need to be doing the right thing to ensure we maintain
Large grocery chains in foreign markets would be that reputation.”
“horrified” to find out that some workers in Marlborough
16 / September August 2016have been put through the hoops to through Winepress and through www.
make sure they are compliant with employment.govt.nz.”
the system. I think that over the years One grape grower Winepress
they have all developed a duty of spoke to says everyone should
care and real sense of responsibility play their part in ensuring good
for the people who are working for employment practices. “There aren’t
them – whether they are Kiwis or RSE foolproof systems in place, but growers
workers.” can and should, in my opinion, take
Wine Marlborough offers guidance some responsibility on this. This could
and advice, but relies on members to go a long way towards eliminating
ensure the contractors they employ illegal practices.”
are compliant, and on the Labour This year she went through the
Inspectorate to deal with cases of process of hiring a new pruning
shoddy practice, says Clive. “The board contractor, asked to see the required
is always concerned about labour, and paperwork early on in the discussions,
it’s always on our agenda. We do what and explained what her requirements
we can, but unfortunately we have no were regarding compliance and work
authority.” practices. She also rang John Maxwell
Wine Marlborough General of the Labour Inspectorate to ask
Manager Marcus Pickens says he what her rights and obligations were,
Marcus Pickens
was “deeply disappointed” to read the in order to be satisfied that workers
Labour Inspectorate’s media release. on her property were being treated
“It is distasteful to learn that around the country and potentially fairly. That included asking if the
some people who work to make around the world.” prospective contractor was known to
something we are all so proud of are The news should be a wakeup the department, either negatively or
being exploited in our industry. One call to the industry at large, Marcus positively.
indiscretion is too many – more over says. “The challenge is to stamp it It was an easy process, but left
the coming months may change our out and follow accepted guidelines her wondering whether all contractors
stellar reputation – in our community, and advice that is freely available could be required to be RSE certified
Recognising RSE for anyone
Growers using shoddy contractors should receive a hefty employing
fine, says a Marlborough contractor frustrated at blows to them.”
the sector’s reputation. Labour
Marlborough’s RSE (Recognised Seasonal Employer Inspectorate
scheme) contractor spokesperson Aaron Jay says breaches Regional
of labour laws are an industry problem, not just a Manager
contractor one. “Yes, your contractor should be fined, but Kevin
there should be bigger fines for the grower using them, in Finnegan
my point of view.” says RSE, an
Nine RSE contractors were investigated in the recent immigration
labour investigation and all were found to be compliant scheme
that allows Aaron Jay
with labour laws. However, Aaron says people reading
about the breaches in the UK, where his wider family employers
lives, will assume companies like his are complicit. “So to recruit staff from endorsed countries, currently allows
I’m gutted from personal perspective and also from an accreditation to approximately 136 employers. “There is
industry perspective, because the last thing consumers a cap of 9500 on the numbers that can come into New
want to do is sit down with their bottle of wine and think Zealand in a calendar year; thus not everyone or anyone
of slave labour in New Zealand.” can employ these people.”
He would like to see contractors join the RSE scheme However, RSE contractors can also employ New
or get out of the business. “They don’t need to recruit Zealanders, and the scheme stipulates that Kiwis have first
from the Pacific Islands, but they would be registered and crack at positions, he says. “There is no automatic right to
recognised as having good practices. That’s peace of mind employ from the islands.”
Winepress September 2016 / 17if they want to remain in the business. providers of their compliance with
“That would both simplify the health and safety laws, and looks for
process for growers and provide some evidence of that.
protection for workers.” The latest investigation adds fuel
Wine Marlborough Labour to the argument for a Labour Officer to
Coordinator Nicolette Prendergast be based in Blenheim, he says. “I think
believes Sustainable Winegrowing New for people who are compliant it won’t
Zealand (SWNZ) is another avenue to make any difference, but I suspect for
ensuring better practice, by taking a some it is a case of out of sight, out
deeper look at a grower’s contractor of mind.” It is a topic NZW has raised
history in the two yearly audit. a number of times with Government
Wine Marlborough was aware of over the years, he says. “From our
the impending labour investigations perspective this just reinforces the
and was asked to provide any need for this.”
intelligence they could, says Nicolette.
While she is not surprised by the Penalties
outcome, she is disappointed that Employers who breach employment
some growers are complicit, because law are subject to enforcement action,
Philip Gregan which can include penalties of up to
they are not checking the background
of their contractor. “They are bringing $50,000 for individuals and up to
the industry down.” looking after the land and the air $100,000 or three times the financial
New Zealand Winegrowers and the water, we have to look after gain for companies. MBIE encourages
(NZW) Chief Executive Philip Gregan our employees as well. I think most anyone in this situation, or who knows
says growers and wineries have a people in the industry would take that of anyone in this situation, to call its
duty to ensure that workers on their absolutely for granted, but clearly there contact centre on 0800 209 020.
property, whether they are employees are some employees who are not being
or not, are treated in accordance with treated appropriately.”
the law. “Anything less than that is Philip says SWNZ seeks
clearly totally unacceptable… Like confirmation from contract labour
Anyone employing a
contractor should:
• Seek proof the contractor has
public liability insurance
• Seek proof of tax exemption
(Wine Marlborough have a
relevant form)
• Hold a register of names of
everyone on your vineyard
every day
• Understand that vineyard
workers are due the minimum
hourly rate, regardless of
whether they are on a piece rate.
For more information, contact:
john.maxwell@mbie.govt.nz
03 9892965 / 0274491851
richard.wilson@mbie.govt.nz
03 9892957 / 0274948674
or contact Wine Marlborough
Labour Coordinator Nicolette Richard Wilson from Immigration New Zealand, left, and John Maxwell from the Labour
Prendergast on 0275778440 Inspectorate.
18 / Winepress September 2016Digging
Deeper
SOPHIE PREECE
THE LIVING organisms in a single
teaspoon of healthy soil outnumber
humans in the world, says a consultant
urging the wine industry to seek a
deeper understanding of their land.
AgConsult’s Gerard Besamusca spoke
at an Organic Winegrowers New
Zealand (OWNZ) workshop at the Growers are only scratching the surface in understanding their soil. Photo from Clos
Mahi winery last month, giving 45 Henri
growers an overview of soil nutrition
and its role in the vineyard. requirements than Sauvignon Blanc.” “We are talking about sub-regions in
He told the group there could OWNZ representative Fabiano Marlborough and there is so much to
be more than 6 billion living things, Frangi, who helped organise the event, learn about the dynamics of how the
including bacteria and fungi, in says that despite the steady strides elements work in the soil, in the plant,
a teaspoon of soil, making an in wine science over recent decades, how they are made available to the
understanding of its nutrition vital to a the industry’s understanding of soil plant and what happens if we use a
productive operation. The three-hour nutrition has progressed little since the certain practice or another.”
seminar could only scratch the surface 1970s. The Vineyard Manager at Clos
of the topic, with individual regions, He says the seminar was not Henri Vineyard has studied agriculture
sites, varieties and wine aspirations all limited to organic growers, “it just and viticulture and worked in the
impacting on the needs of the soil. happens most of the good practices industry for 15 years, but says there’s
Gerard discussed the fact that are part of an organic regime”. The still much he doesn’t know. “Every
many people tend to react to a soil “elemental principle” was that time I hear that topic or try to look at
analysis by adding whatever seems soil analogies only give a surface my nutrition plan I still believe I am
to be missing. However, it is “scary” understanding of soil. Growers learning, and when I retire from my
to make a decision based on a single have to literally dig deeper, taking job I think I will know very little of it.
soil test result in isolation, without subsoil samples, while also seeking There is so much to learn every time.”
looking at the bigger picture, including to understand how the soil works, A more detailed article on this
subsoil, petiole/leaf potassium, as well including its biology, chemistry and seminar will run in a future edition of
as the variety grown and yield targets. physics. Winepress.
“For instance, low yielding Pinot Noir The field is exciting, because there
generally has much lower potassium is so much to learn, says Fabiano.
Winepress September 2016 / 19Fuder
For
Thought
New technology is
enabling old winemaking
practices
SOPHIE PREECE
BETWEEN 1000 litre oak barrels and
three tonne granite tanks, Nikolai St
George has his hands full at Giesen
Wines.
Since he joined the company last
year, Nikolai has been expanding
his winemaking scope using the
66 German oak barrels behind the
company’s Fuder range, along with
three weighty granite tanks.
The Fuders provide an alternative
fermentation to their smaller barrique
cousins for a number of reasons,
including fatter staves with better
insulation properties. That means
when cool autumn weather impacts on
small barrel temperatures, the Fuders
are unaffected, resulting in a warmer
and more consistent fermentation, Giesen winemaker Nikolai St George. Photo by Jim Tannock
says Nikolai.
Maturation is different as well. Blanc style with oak that is not fermentation, they provide a challenge
Commonly the larger format results in too domineering, while the wines because the granite is naturally porous
a more reductive influence, achieving achieve the finesse and structure of and sweats, causing them to cool.
the flinty aromas that are in fashion for barrel fermentation. Meanwhile, the “They are a lot of hard work and you
Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, he German sourced oak imparts a sweeter have to be very creative to get the most
says. “One other thing I noticed during aromatic than the French oak on the out of them.”
maturation was that because there is wine, he says. He says many old world wine
less barrel surface area to wine, you get He also likes the size, with the concepts fell out of favour 50 to 60
a bit less oak pick-up.” That means the barrels large enough to do comparative years ago, because of the inability
wine is quite fresh and young when trials on one batch of fruit. to clean vessels such as the Fuder
it emerges from 10 months of barrel Nikolai is also using three granite and granite tanks. Now with steam
aging. “They evolve slower than in tanks to age wine. The tanks, which cleaners, hot water blasters and
barriques.” weigh three tonnes each with the lid ozone, winemaker are able to go back
The Fuders achieve wines with on, hold around 1200l. “They’re pretty to those practices. “I think there are
the mouth feel Nikolai would expect amazing pieces,” he says. His best use opportunities out there for sure.”
from a smaller barrel, but have of them at this stage is for carbonic
allowed Giesen to evolve a Sauvignon maceration, but when it comes to
20 / Winepress September 2016Winepress September 2016 / 21
Cutting Edge
LAST MONTH’S Wine Marlborough Vine First Novice Pruner Tasman Crop Championship Team:
Silver Secateurs competition offered 1st Place: Barry Hava (Focus Labour) 1st Place: ‘Island Boys’ (Thornhill) -
recognition to the people doing such 2nd Place: Longo Joseph (Thornhill) Valulua Filo Sao; Tavita Esau; Matthew
a hard task in trying conditions 3rd Place: Valulua Filo Sao (Thornhill) Fidow
throughout winter. 2nd Place: ‘Vanuatu 2’ (Thornhill) -
Farmlands Championship Wrapper:
Jeremy Hyland has been involved Brightly Tamara; Jonny Huri; Allan
1st Place: Stephanie Sawia (Vinepower)
since 1995, when the competition Mahinga
2nd Place: Kome Fruen (Hortus)
was established to improve quality 3rd Place: ‘Vinepower 1’ (Vinepower) -
3rd Place: Clive Wong
in the vines and provide recognition Jamnong Martwiset; Gasimier Bayeo;
for vineyard staff. He says it also Fruitfed Supplies Championship Kamphee Kaewsawang
serves an important role in publically Pruner:
Turtle BoX Championship RSE Team:
showcasing the skills pruners hone 1st Place: Ian Jimmy (Focus Labour)
Winners: ‘Island Boys’ (Thornhill) -
every day in the vines 2nd Place: Pichet Chockchalerm
Valulua Filo Sao; Tavita Esau; Matthew
The name is a viticultural take (Alapa)
Fidow
on the Golden Shears shearing 3rd Place: Anek Misap (Vinepower)
competition, and Jeremy sees a lot John Bibby Memorial Trophy:
Turtle BoX Championship RSE Pruner:
of similarities in the two disciplines. Winner: Barry Hava (Focus Labour)
Winner: Ian Jimmy (Focus Labour)
“They are a job, but they are also a
skill and an art.” The hand to eye Focus Labour Solutions Championship
coordination required for both is Female Pruner:
intense, he says. “Pruning a vine 1st Place: Akenese Lonitenisi
in a competitive environment is 2nd Place: Nee Cameron (Hortus)
quite spectacular. It’s quite similar 3rd Place: JianMin Wu
to watching a class shearer do their Thornhill Contracting Championship
thing.” Cutter:
1st Place: Ale Seuea (Focus Labour)
Silver Secateurs Results
2nd Place: Muratha Boonjeck
Provine Novice Wrapper: (Vinepower)
1st Place: Bangon Soonasaeung (Alapa) 3rd Place: James Collin (Focus Labour)
2nd Place: Sean Somerville (Alapa)
3rd Place: Tavita Esau (Thornhill) Turtle BoX Championship RSE Cutter:
Winner: Muratha Boonjeck
(Vinepower)
22 / Winepress September 2016The Silver Secateurs has become a multicultural celebration of the talent of
people tending Marlborough’s vines. Photos by Richard Briggs.
Winepress September 2016 / 23Wine
Winner
Jordan Hogg is on top of
the world
A SELF-PROCLAIMED “wine geek”
has become the 2016 Tonnellerie
de Mercurey New Zealand
Young Winemaker, despite tough
competition.
Jordan Hogg, who is Assistant
Winemaker at Marlborough’s Seresin Jordan in the midst of the competition.
Estate, took out the title during
the Romeo Bragato Conference in
Marlborough late last month. But Jordan’s consistency and highly skilled but their positions may
He took the competition one ability to work under pressure saw him not always allow them to be front and
step at a time, prioritising the most take the lead. “It’s the ability to think centre.”
important aspects under tight logically under pressure.” Nick says a Nick believes there has been a
timeframes, he says. “I guess it’s like key skill for winemakers is to be able to shift in the industry over the past five
the stress we have at work and through focus on what is most important and years, with less movement among
harvest, and trying to make decisions at the core of winemaking, to ensure winemakers in key positions, so
under pressure.” a commitment to quality and “add a less opportunity for many young
Organising committee member personal touch”. winemakers to climb up through the
Nick Entwistle says the results were The competition throws in tough ranks.
close throughout, with four excellent challenges, to showcase the wealth of “It’s a challenging time, but
contestants. “These are some of the talent among the young winemakers, hopefully in 10 years we will be able to
most talented winemakers in New he says. “Often they are cellar hands look back on the achievements of all
Zealand, regardless of their age.” or assistant winemakers…they are the competitors, having forged their
way to becoming the industry leaders
of the future.”
Seresin Estate General Manager
Michelle Connor and Winemaker Clive
Dougall were brimming with pride
after the result. “In our experience
Jordan is the perfect mix between the
scientific brain and the creative brain,”
says Michelle. “If he is an example
of future generations of winemaking,
then the industry is in good hands.”
Jordan won a $5000 travel
scholarship to France, a 28 litre
Tonnellerie de Mercurey barrel and
a Wine and Spirit Education Trust
(WSET) level 2 scholarship, donated by
Jane Skilton MW.
The big win: Jordan with Marcel Giesen and Sherwyn Veldhuizen from Tonnellerie de
Mercurey. Photo Tessa Anderson
24 / Winepress September 2016You can also read
