Kaitiaki

In Te Matau-a-Māui (Hawke’s Bay), nearly one quarter of the population identify as Māori, most originating from the Ngāti Kahungunu iwi (tribe) – the third largest iwi in New Zealand.

A kaitiaki (ky-tee-a-kee) is a person or group that is recognised as a guardian by the tangata whenua Māori.

All members of New Zealand Winegrowers (NZW) are responsible for ensuring the sustainability of the wine industry so consider themselves to be kaitiaki, protecting the land that creates their exceptional wines.

As part of this, 98% of New Zealand vineyards are certified by Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand™ – the world’s first national wine sustainability scheme established in 1997 and still recognised as the world-leader in ensuring environmental best practice and minimal impact on the natural and social environment.