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Our Team
Nick Paulin
Chair, Executive Committee
Nick’s journey into viticulture started with a family history of farming and horticulture in Central Otago, where his great-grandfather started an orchard in Clyde that is still a family business today. Growing up he had a strong desire to live and work in Central Otago both for the family connection and the fabulous lifestyle here. After graduating Lincoln in 2004, Nick landed a role at Felton Road which propelled his journey with organic and biodynamic viticulture. From Felton Road he went on the be the Viticulturist at Peregrine Wines for seven years. Over that time, he developed a passion for organic and biodynamic farming and continues to learn constantly from each season and the challenges each year throws at us. His current role is National Viticulturist for AONZ Fine Wine Estates, overseeing the vineyard activities across Hawkes Bay, North Canterbury and Central Otago. It is a role that has a significant amount of challenge and reward, working across three very diverse regions. It gives him a broad range of experience to contribute to the organic winegrowers committee for the past six years.
What is the core ambition of organic wine in the context of the NZ wine industry? “My ambition is for organics to be the norm in which the majority of the industry can farm free from synthetic products and return the land to the next generations in a better state than we took it on from our predecessors.”
Nick’s journey into viticulture started with a family history of farming and horticulture in Central Otago, where his great-grandfather started an orchard in Clyde that is still a family business today. Growing up he had a strong desire to live and work in Central Otago both for the family connection and the fabulous lifestyle here. After graduating Lincoln in 2004, Nick landed a role at Felton Road which propelled his journey with organic and biodynamic viticulture. From Felton Road he went on the be the Viticulturist at Peregrine Wines for seven years. Over that time, he developed a passion for organic and biodynamic farming and continues to learn constantly from each season and the challenges each year throws at us. His current role is National Viticulturist for AONZ Fine Wine Estates, overseeing the vineyard activities across Hawkes Bay, North Canterbury and Central Otago. It is a role that has a significant amount of challenge and reward, working across three very diverse regions. It gives him a broad range of experience to contribute to the organic winegrowers committee for the past six years.
What is the core ambition of organic wine in the context of the NZ wine industry? “My ambition is for organics to be the norm in which the majority of the industry can farm free from synthetic products and return the land to the next generations in a better state than we took it on from our predecessors.”
Amy Hopkinson-Styles
Vice-chair, Executive Committee
Amy studied a BA in Political Science, followed by a Postgraduate Diploma in Viticulture and Oenology. After a formative vintage in Te Matau a Māui / Hawke's Bay, she headed for Europe to take up a three-month vintage winemaking job in Spain. She ended up staying there for nine years. While based in Spain Amy also worked in New Zealand, Australia and Italy. In 2012 Amy and her Husband Olly moved to Te Matau a Māui / Hawke's Bay where they have their own brand Halcyon Days, making handmade, certified organic wines with no additions. Amy has judged at the Decanter World Wine Awards and IWC in London. She is currently completing her research project in order to obtain the Master of Wine qualification, having already passed the theory and practical exams.
Amy studied a BA in Political Science, followed by a Postgraduate Diploma in Viticulture and Oenology. After a formative vintage in Te Matau a Māui / Hawke's Bay, she headed for Europe to take up a three-month vintage winemaking job in Spain. She ended up staying there for nine years. While based in Spain Amy also worked in New Zealand, Australia and Italy. In 2012 Amy and her Husband Olly moved to Te Matau a Māui / Hawke's Bay where they have their own brand Halcyon Days, making handmade, certified organic wines with no additions. Amy has judged at the Decanter World Wine Awards and IWC in London. She is currently completing her research project in order to obtain the Master of Wine qualification, having already passed the theory and practical exams.
Rebecca Reider
Coordinator
Born and raised in California, Rebecca came to Aotearoa New Zealand in 2005 "for a year", on a postgraduate research fellowship. The research goal was to work out what sort of support could help more farmers to convert to organic. That research led to a variety of jobs in the NZ organic sector, including an invitation in 2008 to facilitate a group of organic grape and wine producers to form a new association: Organic Winegrowers New Zealand. Rebecca has been the organisation's coordinator ever since, and loves working to carry out the visions of the OWNZ board, a dynamic group of creative, forward-thinking producers who are motivated by the greater good. Rebecca also works as an organic journalist, editor and natural health practitioner.
"Organic wine shines like a beacon. We can absolutely produce a premium quality product and take care of the earth at the same time. When we started this organisation, there were a tiny number of organic wine producers in New Zealand. These days, whenever a wine writer produces a 'best of NZ wines' type list, organic producers are totally overrepresented. The results in the bottle speak for themselves; ecological integrity tastes good, and that's only the beginning of the benefits."
Born and raised in California, Rebecca came to Aotearoa New Zealand in 2005 "for a year", on a postgraduate research fellowship. The research goal was to work out what sort of support could help more farmers to convert to organic. That research led to a variety of jobs in the NZ organic sector, including an invitation in 2008 to facilitate a group of organic grape and wine producers to form a new association: Organic Winegrowers New Zealand. Rebecca has been the organisation's coordinator ever since, and loves working to carry out the visions of the OWNZ board, a dynamic group of creative, forward-thinking producers who are motivated by the greater good. Rebecca also works as an organic journalist, editor and natural health practitioner.
"Organic wine shines like a beacon. We can absolutely produce a premium quality product and take care of the earth at the same time. When we started this organisation, there were a tiny number of organic wine producers in New Zealand. These days, whenever a wine writer produces a 'best of NZ wines' type list, organic producers are totally overrepresented. The results in the bottle speak for themselves; ecological integrity tastes good, and that's only the beginning of the benefits."
Jared White
Executive Committee
Audit Manager for BioGro New Zealand, Jared has worked for BioGro in a range of roles for 22
years. In that time he has visited over 800 certified organic properties in New Zealand and the
Pacific Islands, including almost all of New Zealand’s 150+ certified organic vineyards. He now provides technical support in organic regulations for the viticulture sector, manages BioGro's team
of auditors, and is part of BioGro’s core management team. Jared is a long-time member of the Organic Winegrowers New Zealand executive committee, where he shares his uniquely in-depth knowledge on matters related to organic certification, conversion, regulations and more.
Audit Manager for BioGro New Zealand, Jared has worked for BioGro in a range of roles for 22
years. In that time he has visited over 800 certified organic properties in New Zealand and the
Pacific Islands, including almost all of New Zealand’s 150+ certified organic vineyards. He now provides technical support in organic regulations for the viticulture sector, manages BioGro's team
of auditors, and is part of BioGro’s core management team. Jared is a long-time member of the Organic Winegrowers New Zealand executive committee, where he shares his uniquely in-depth knowledge on matters related to organic certification, conversion, regulations and more.
Erica Crawford
Executive Committee
Erica is a veteran of the New Zealand Wine industry. She co-founded Kim Crawford Wines in 1996, introducing a groundbreaking business model (virtual winery) and selling the brand in an extraordinary sale that did not include any land or bricks and mortar. Loveblock represents her deeply personal journey to organics and living values. Making a 180 degree turn in approach, the Crawford family now owns all the vineyard land that supplies the Loveblock brand, with a deep focus organic farming and sustainability. She describes this experience as both “humbling and a steep learning curve”, propelling her to complete a degree in viticulture from EIT. Erica has been a member of NZ Winegrowers Marketing Committee and overseas marketing in her role on the OWNZ executive. She holds a number of directorships, both in the wine industry and in other sectors.
Erica is a veteran of the New Zealand Wine industry. She co-founded Kim Crawford Wines in 1996, introducing a groundbreaking business model (virtual winery) and selling the brand in an extraordinary sale that did not include any land or bricks and mortar. Loveblock represents her deeply personal journey to organics and living values. Making a 180 degree turn in approach, the Crawford family now owns all the vineyard land that supplies the Loveblock brand, with a deep focus organic farming and sustainability. She describes this experience as both “humbling and a steep learning curve”, propelling her to complete a degree in viticulture from EIT. Erica has been a member of NZ Winegrowers Marketing Committee and overseas marketing in her role on the OWNZ executive. She holds a number of directorships, both in the wine industry and in other sectors.
Bart Arnst
Executive Committee
Bart Arnst began his vineyard journey in Canterbury before relocating to Marlborough to manage vineyards for Montana Wines. Around 1996 he began experimenting with organic techniques, and after significant successful outcomes he joined the Seresin Estate team to lead their vineyards through organic conversion. In 2005 Bart ventured out on his own, providing viticultural consultancy, which he continues to do for growers and wineries throughout New Zealand. In 2007 he teamed up with Chris Darling to produce a range of certified organic wines under the label The Darling. Bart is a founding member of OWNZ and remains an active member of the organisation’s executive board.
Bart Arnst began his vineyard journey in Canterbury before relocating to Marlborough to manage vineyards for Montana Wines. Around 1996 he began experimenting with organic techniques, and after significant successful outcomes he joined the Seresin Estate team to lead their vineyards through organic conversion. In 2005 Bart ventured out on his own, providing viticultural consultancy, which he continues to do for growers and wineries throughout New Zealand. In 2007 he teamed up with Chris Darling to produce a range of certified organic wines under the label The Darling. Bart is a founding member of OWNZ and remains an active member of the organisation’s executive board.
Nick Pett
Executive Committee
Nick’s interest in organic winegrowing grew as he worked for several companies around the world who were converting or practicing organic grape growing and winemaking. His passion was further ignited and continues in his current role as winemaker at Seresin Estate, where he was worked since 2020. Nick has been part of the OWNZ executive team since 2021 and is the co-chair of the Organic & Biodynamic Winegrowing Conference committee.
Nick’s interest in organic winegrowing grew as he worked for several companies around the world who were converting or practicing organic grape growing and winemaking. His passion was further ignited and continues in his current role as winemaker at Seresin Estate, where he was worked since 2020. Nick has been part of the OWNZ executive team since 2021 and is the co-chair of the Organic & Biodynamic Winegrowing Conference committee.
Anika Willner
Executive Committee
Anika Willner, a Lincoln and Ohio State University graduate, has gained experience working in Oregon, California, Burgundy, Australia, Germany, South Africa, and New Zealand. She joined Coal Pit Winery as Winemaker in 2018 and has been a driving force in their transition to organic and regenerative viticulture. When she’s not in the vineyard or the winery, Anika spends her time trail running in the backcountry foothills that surround her home in the warmer months and skiing in the winter.
Anika Willner, a Lincoln and Ohio State University graduate, has gained experience working in Oregon, California, Burgundy, Australia, Germany, South Africa, and New Zealand. She joined Coal Pit Winery as Winemaker in 2018 and has been a driving force in their transition to organic and regenerative viticulture. When she’s not in the vineyard or the winery, Anika spends her time trail running in the backcountry foothills that surround her home in the warmer months and skiing in the winter.
Clive Dougall
Executive Committee
Since making the first certified organic wine from Marlborough in 2007, Clive has been fully committed to organic winegrowing. It is both his passion and his purpose, and he is driven to grow and improve the opportunities for all organic producers. Having made certified organic wine for 15 years, and as the co-owner of Deep Down Wines, Clive fully understands the frustrations, difficulties and complexities that organic producers face. This is a very important moment for all organic producers in New Zealand. The new organic standard and regulations are being written by MPI in consultation with the organic sector. OWNZ holds a significant role in this process, and we have representatives involved in all aspects. I am the OWNZ representative on the MPI Organics Advisory Board alongside the leaders of the other organic sectors. Our collective experience and involvement are critical.
“I am proud to have been a member of the OWNZ Executive Committee for eight years and holding the role of Chair many of those years. Over that time OWNZ has grown in profile, membership and importance to the NZ wine story.”
Since making the first certified organic wine from Marlborough in 2007, Clive has been fully committed to organic winegrowing. It is both his passion and his purpose, and he is driven to grow and improve the opportunities for all organic producers. Having made certified organic wine for 15 years, and as the co-owner of Deep Down Wines, Clive fully understands the frustrations, difficulties and complexities that organic producers face. This is a very important moment for all organic producers in New Zealand. The new organic standard and regulations are being written by MPI in consultation with the organic sector. OWNZ holds a significant role in this process, and we have representatives involved in all aspects. I am the OWNZ representative on the MPI Organics Advisory Board alongside the leaders of the other organic sectors. Our collective experience and involvement are critical.
“I am proud to have been a member of the OWNZ Executive Committee for eight years and holding the role of Chair many of those years. Over that time OWNZ has grown in profile, membership and importance to the NZ wine story.”
David Foes
Executive Committee
Dave has been a winemaker for 17 years following a Bachelor of Science in Environmental
Management, and a Graduate Diploma in viticulture & oenology. He started his career in Central Otago where he worked for Amisfield and Peregrine before moving to Marlborough, where he’s been for the past 13 years. Dave has supplemented his career with vintage positions in Oregon,
Burgundy and Yarra Valley.
He is currently the Operations Winemaker at The Coterie – a facility that specializes in
organic production. He has held this role for the past three years. The Coterie currently has six
wine companies making organic wine at the facility and therefore he feels he’s in the right
position to span between OWNZ, and the needs of this section of the industry.
Dave’s role at The Coterie is vast and includes financial, management, winemaking, viticulture,
production and logistics and therefore he has experience in most facets of the industry.
Prior to this role, he worked for Kauri Winery Supplies who distribute 2B products, which are
organically certified. In this role he travelled around New Zealand and had the pleasure of
meeting most of the country’s winemakers.
His other past roles at larger facilities afforded him experience in working groups -
project management, health and safety as well as wine quality and culture. The skills learned
in these positions can be transposed into committee membership such as OWNZ.
Outside of work, Dave is kept busy with his wife and five and seven-year-old daughters and in his very limited free time, he enjoys getting out and about in Marlborough hiking, fishing and
freediving.
Dave has been a winemaker for 17 years following a Bachelor of Science in Environmental
Management, and a Graduate Diploma in viticulture & oenology. He started his career in Central Otago where he worked for Amisfield and Peregrine before moving to Marlborough, where he’s been for the past 13 years. Dave has supplemented his career with vintage positions in Oregon,
Burgundy and Yarra Valley.
He is currently the Operations Winemaker at The Coterie – a facility that specializes in
organic production. He has held this role for the past three years. The Coterie currently has six
wine companies making organic wine at the facility and therefore he feels he’s in the right
position to span between OWNZ, and the needs of this section of the industry.
Dave’s role at The Coterie is vast and includes financial, management, winemaking, viticulture,
production and logistics and therefore he has experience in most facets of the industry.
Prior to this role, he worked for Kauri Winery Supplies who distribute 2B products, which are
organically certified. In this role he travelled around New Zealand and had the pleasure of
meeting most of the country’s winemakers.
His other past roles at larger facilities afforded him experience in working groups -
project management, health and safety as well as wine quality and culture. The skills learned
in these positions can be transposed into committee membership such as OWNZ.
Outside of work, Dave is kept busy with his wife and five and seven-year-old daughters and in his very limited free time, he enjoys getting out and about in Marlborough hiking, fishing and
freediving.
Katie Cameron
Executive Committee
Katie grew up in Tauranga with a strong connection to nature and the ocean. Fascinated by plant science and where food comes from, she naturally found her path in agriculture. Graduating from Lincoln University and Montpellier with a MSc in viticulture and enology, Katie returned to NZ to pursuit her career in the wine industry. Her work is driven by a commitment to growing and creating with respect for the environment, sustainability and always with a focus on quality.
Katie’s passion for organic viticulture is emphasised at her position as Ata Rangi’s assistant winemaker, and she enjoys working alongside the team to navigate the challenges and rewards of organic growing in the Wairarapa.
Katie grew up in Tauranga with a strong connection to nature and the ocean. Fascinated by plant science and where food comes from, she naturally found her path in agriculture. Graduating from Lincoln University and Montpellier with a MSc in viticulture and enology, Katie returned to NZ to pursuit her career in the wine industry. Her work is driven by a commitment to growing and creating with respect for the environment, sustainability and always with a focus on quality.
Katie’s passion for organic viticulture is emphasised at her position as Ata Rangi’s assistant winemaker, and she enjoys working alongside the team to navigate the challenges and rewards of organic growing in the Wairarapa.
Naomi Galvin
Marketing & Events Coordinator
Naomi joined OWNZ in late 2020 to assist with marketing, events, and administration. Her role at has since expanded in response to the strong growth the organic sector is experiencing. Naomi originally completed a Diploma in Viticulture and Wine Production at NMIT and went on to work vintages in Marlborough, the Hunter Valley, and Puligny-Montrachet before settling into various marketing roles at several local wineries including Clos Henri and Two Rivers. Naomi has challenged the status quo and advocated for organics and biodiversity at all the wineries she has worked at over the years. She has been instrumental in putting together native planting projects on vineyards.
Naomi joined OWNZ in late 2020 to assist with marketing, events, and administration. Her role at has since expanded in response to the strong growth the organic sector is experiencing. Naomi originally completed a Diploma in Viticulture and Wine Production at NMIT and went on to work vintages in Marlborough, the Hunter Valley, and Puligny-Montrachet before settling into various marketing roles at several local wineries including Clos Henri and Two Rivers. Naomi has challenged the status quo and advocated for organics and biodiversity at all the wineries she has worked at over the years. She has been instrumental in putting together native planting projects on vineyards.
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