New Zealand is recognised as having one of the most collegiate wine industries in the world and the annual New Zealand Winegrowers Mentoring Programme is a wonderful example of this.
This annual programme aims to match an experienced and knowledgeable mentor with a mentee who is wanting to progress themselves in our industry. It is open to everyone in the New Zealand wine industry working in all roles including viticulture, winemaking, operations, laboratory, sales, marketing, cellar door and general management.
Over the years the programme has seen some real success stories as people grow in confidence, set goals, find a new direction and follow their dreams. One of the 2023 mentees said “I have set goals for the future, and this programme has given me more confidence to achieve these goals as I am more confident with my knowledge and capability.”
Both mentors and mentees gain a lot from the programme as it sparks pride, passion and positivity. “It was great to see the industry and world through the eyes of a younger person. They have a different perspective,” said one of the 2023 Mentors.
The programme helps networks grow and relationships deepen, which along with the transfer of experience and knowledge helps strengthen the wine industry as a whole.
The induction workshops led by Fiona Fenwick, Independent Director & Coach, took place mid-November at Spy Valley in Marlborough and the pairs will now meet six times over the next few months.
The 2024 mentors are: Mike Horton, Indevin; Mick Hudson, Nga Waka; Lesley Boon, Pernod-Ricard; Patricia Miranda-Taylor, Wither Hills; Matt Patterson-Green, Benton Wines; Peter McLeod, Farmgate; and Rachel Petrie, Otago Polytechnic.
The mentors all volunteer their time and expertise to help their mentee grow. “It’s so uplifting to see people wanting to help others,” says Nicky Grandorge, Leadership & Communities Manager at New Zealand Winegrowers, “and a true demonstration of how working together helps strengthen the New Zealand wine industry as a whole.”
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Images can be found here.
For more information or photos please contact Nicky Grandorge, NZW Leadership & Communities Manager, nicky.grandorge@nzwine.com or 021 780 948.