Fellow members are people who in the unanimous opinion of the Board have rendered long and signal service to the Hawke’s Bay grape wine producing industry and who have been actively involved with Hawke’s Bay Winegrowers, and who by virtue of their attainments or reputations are worthy of special recognition.
Nick’s Award was presented by Sally Duncan, Chair, Hawke’s Bay Winegrowers Association:
I am very proud to announce on behalf of Hawke’s Bay Winegrowers our 2024 Fellows Award goes to my long-time friend and colleague, Nick Buck, CEO of Te Mata Estate Winery.
The Fellow Award recognises individuals who have made a lasting impact on the Hawke’s Bay wine industry and who have been involved with Hawke’s Bay Winegrowers.
Nick embodies this perfectly through his tenure on the Board and as a past Chair for many years. Nick has also been a member of the New Zealand Winegrowers Marketing Committee.
Nick is the middle son of John and Wnedy Buck and spent most of his childhood in and around the winery and vineyards.
According to his brother, Toby, he had a sharp business since from an early age and he recalls when they were young – Toby selling whole walnuts for $1 a bag to save for a ski pass, while Nick, ever the savvy businessman, shelled his walnuts and sold them for $2 a bag. Even back then, Toby says Nick had a natural flair for business!
After High School, Nick went on to complete a business degree at Massey University and then his career in wine took him across the globe - from working at Chateau Margaux in Bordeaux to the vibrant London wine scene, and even fruit packing in Hastings.
During his time abroad, Nick never missed an opportunity to explore the wines of Europe, broadening his knowledge and passion. When he returned to New Zealand in 2000, Nick took charge of Te Mata Estate's sales and marketing, and in 2013 he was appointed Chief Executive.
I had the privilege of working with Nick for 15 years at Te Mata and it was really one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Nick and I shared countless memories, from strategic planning for the business' future, to Coleraine celebrations, to more relaxed moments - like the time we braved a dodgy curry in Dannevirke!
Through it all, we always shared a laugh and I've seen firsthand how Nick's leadership has shaped Te Mata's path and his passion and dedication have never faltered.
Nick has an unwavering commitment to Hawke's Bay. His time on the Hawke's Bay Winegrowers Board showed how deeply he cares about and promoting our region as a world-class premium wine destination. Whilst Nick was Chair HBWG got a new Logo - I mean new brand identity! Also during his tenure, HBWG launched the China Marketing group where a number of wineries grouped together to promote HB wine into China and GIS came into place - to name a few of his achievements.
His commitment to the region continues today and he continues to promote HB on the international stage. This was recently highlighted from his keynote speech at the 2024 inaugural Hawke's Bay Winegrowers Red Workshop.
Beyond business, I've also had the pleasure of knowing Nick and all his wonderful family, his wife Lisa and their children.
Nick and Te Mata Estate's influence on the New Zealand and Hawke's Bay wine industry is outstanding and I couldn't be prouder to recognise him today.
Sally Duncan
Chair, Hawke's Bay Winegrower Association
October 2024
