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our team
Clive Dougall
Chair, 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 have held the role of Chair for the past three 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 have held the role of Chair for the past three years. Over that time OWNZ has grown in profile, membership and importance to the NZ wine story.”
Mike Saunders
Vice-chair, Executive Committee
Mike Saunders started his career as a winegrower in the cellar, completing vintages for Esk Valley Estate in Hawkes Bay and Mount Pleasant in the Hunter Valley, Australia. He returned to help run the iconic Esk Valley Terraces Vineyard, eventually taking over management of the block. Combining this with the grower liaison role for Villa Maria broadened his exposure to many different viticultural growing systems while being supported by the fantastic viticultural team there. Moving to Neudorf in Nelson as Company Viticulturist gave a totally different exposure to the region and also scale. Growing the Moutere Chardonnay was a huge privilege and a massive learning curve. The draw of returning home to Canterbury and eventually earning the role of Company Viticulturist for North Canterbury’s Greystone and Muddy Water Wines has been another amazing opportunity. Mike also enjoys his roles with the Young Viticulturist Competition, OWNZ and North Canterbury Winegrowers.
Mike Saunders started his career as a winegrower in the cellar, completing vintages for Esk Valley Estate in Hawkes Bay and Mount Pleasant in the Hunter Valley, Australia. He returned to help run the iconic Esk Valley Terraces Vineyard, eventually taking over management of the block. Combining this with the grower liaison role for Villa Maria broadened his exposure to many different viticultural growing systems while being supported by the fantastic viticultural team there. Moving to Neudorf in Nelson as Company Viticulturist gave a totally different exposure to the region and also scale. Growing the Moutere Chardonnay was a huge privilege and a massive learning curve. The draw of returning home to Canterbury and eventually earning the role of Company Viticulturist for North Canterbury’s Greystone and Muddy Water Wines has been another amazing opportunity. Mike also enjoys his roles with the Young Viticulturist Competition, OWNZ and North Canterbury Winegrowers.
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.
Matt Fox
Executive Committee
Born and bred in Gisborne, Matt got into the wine industry when his family planted a vineyard in the late 1990s. With a love for the outdoors and a family history of growing crops, viticulture was a perfect fit for what he wanted to do. His passion led him to study a Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology at E.I.T. in Hawkes Bay, graduating in 2010. This was followed by several overseas vintages before returning to NZ to manage the family vineyard for a number of years. In 2015 Matt moved to Marlborough to work with Viticulture Consultant Jeremy Hyland where he was exposed to many different winegrowers and wine companies. In 2018 he joined the team at Rapaura Springs to eventually become the Company Viticulturist.
(photo credit: Richard Briggs)
Born and bred in Gisborne, Matt got into the wine industry when his family planted a vineyard in the late 1990s. With a love for the outdoors and a family history of growing crops, viticulture was a perfect fit for what he wanted to do. His passion led him to study a Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology at E.I.T. in Hawkes Bay, graduating in 2010. This was followed by several overseas vintages before returning to NZ to manage the family vineyard for a number of years. In 2015 Matt moved to Marlborough to work with Viticulture Consultant Jeremy Hyland where he was exposed to many different winegrowers and wine companies. In 2018 he joined the team at Rapaura Springs to eventually become the Company Viticulturist.
(photo credit: Richard Briggs)
Helen Morrison
Executive Committee
Originally from Nelson, Helen gained a Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology at Lincoln University. Her first job after qualifying was at Forrest Estate in Marlborough, which provided the invaluable experience of being hands-on wherever she was needed across the business. Helen then took on a winemaker role at Indevin, which gave her experience with client winemaking before becoming Senior Winemaker at Villa Maria. There she enjoyed being back in a family-owned business, with all the passion and quality expectations that that bought, and with the added benefit of largescale efficiencies. Helen has just joined Booster Wine Group as Chief Winemaker. Booster Wine is part of a KiwiSaver fund and encompasses several brands, including Awatere River, Sileni, Waimea, and Bannock Brae as well as the BioGro-accredited organic Gravity winery.
Originally from Nelson, Helen gained a Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology at Lincoln University. Her first job after qualifying was at Forrest Estate in Marlborough, which provided the invaluable experience of being hands-on wherever she was needed across the business. Helen then took on a winemaker role at Indevin, which gave her experience with client winemaking before becoming Senior Winemaker at Villa Maria. There she enjoyed being back in a family-owned business, with all the passion and quality expectations that that bought, and with the added benefit of largescale efficiencies. Helen has just joined Booster Wine Group as Chief Winemaker. Booster Wine is part of a KiwiSaver fund and encompasses several brands, including Awatere River, Sileni, Waimea, and Bannock Brae as well as the BioGro-accredited organic Gravity winery.
Nick Paulin
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.”
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.
James Millton
Executive Committee
James Millton is an Artisan Winegrower who has worked with wine since 1976 having
learnt his craft from the masters in the old world.
In 1984 he helped established The Millton Vineyards and Winery in Gisborne, New Zealand. In 1986 he was instrumental in writing the Bio-Gro certified organic wine standards for winegrowing in New Zealand. He farms one of the 10 oldest biodynamic wine estates in the
world and in 2009 obtained the Demeter certification. He is a founding member of the
international group Renaissances des Appellations, a French inspired group of biodynamic winegrowers. In 2012 James was invested as a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2012 Queen’s Birthday Honours for Services to organic winegrowing and in 2019 James was made a Fellow of the New Zealand Wine Institute.
James is an inspirational figure for many in the organic and biodynamic wine world. His Dry
Farmed vineyards, his Estate Bottled wines and his personal example have given many other
growers the motivation to move to organic or biodynamic activities on their land and to
commence work with their head, heart and hands.
"Before a wine can be great, it must first be true."
James Millton is an Artisan Winegrower who has worked with wine since 1976 having
learnt his craft from the masters in the old world.
In 1984 he helped established The Millton Vineyards and Winery in Gisborne, New Zealand. In 1986 he was instrumental in writing the Bio-Gro certified organic wine standards for winegrowing in New Zealand. He farms one of the 10 oldest biodynamic wine estates in the
world and in 2009 obtained the Demeter certification. He is a founding member of the
international group Renaissances des Appellations, a French inspired group of biodynamic winegrowers. In 2012 James was invested as a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2012 Queen’s Birthday Honours for Services to organic winegrowing and in 2019 James was made a Fellow of the New Zealand Wine Institute.
James is an inspirational figure for many in the organic and biodynamic wine world. His Dry
Farmed vineyards, his Estate Bottled wines and his personal example have given many other
growers the motivation to move to organic or biodynamic activities on their land and to
commence work with their head, heart and hands.
"Before a wine can be great, it must first be true."
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.
Photo courtesy of Seresin
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