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.
Emma’s Award was presented to her by Peter Hurlstone, Deputy Chair, Hawke’s Bay Winegrowers.
Emma’s journey into the wine industry began while at university – no not just drinking wine! Emma was studying an undergraduate degree in geology and a Master of Science at Otago University. Apparently when looking for a topic to do her thesis on, it was the guidance of “Country Calendar” that happened to be focusing on the then organic practices at Milton Vineyard, Gisborne that triggered the inspiration for her to want to look at the differences between organic and conventional vineyard practices. Thanks to NZWG funding, while working on aspects of this project, Emma was able to travel to all of NZ’s key wine regions, following which she was hooked.
Emma took on a six month role with Villa Maria based around vintage support in the vineyard and in 2000 was offered a cadetship. Credit to Villa Maria this cadetship exposed Emma to all aspects of the business as well enabling travel to many grape growing regions across the country, further fueling her passion for the industry. Emma then became research viticulturist and ultimately Company Viticulturist for Villa Maria through until 2007.
In 2007 Emma entered the young vit competition. After winning the Hawke’s Bay regional competition, Emma went on to become the Young Viticulturist of the Year, winning the national competition. Emma then competed in the AGMARDT Young Horticulturist Competition, covering all horticultural sectors including forestry, and won that as well.
Always one to give back, Emma coordinated the YVOY competition for eight years for which she was acknowledged with a NZW Recognition of Service award. Three children on, Emma forewent the Viticulturist role with its demands on travel and time away and took on the role of Viticulture Project Manager and subsequently General Manager of Vineyard Plants Ltd.
In 2004 Emma commenced her own business as a Viticultural Consultant. Needless to say she has supported many businesses since that time and in addition from 2021 also holds the role as Viticulture Business Manager for Craigmore Sustainables.
Emma is dedicated to the wine industry and has been a true advocate for HB and the NZ industry. Her support has been extensive and this is a brief summary of her industry involvement.
Industry Involvement
Historical Industry Memberships:
New Zealand Winegrowers Cyclone Response Viticulture Team (2023);
NZW Spray Diary Taskforce (2017 - 2023);
Co-ordinator NZW Bragato Conference (2010- 2011)
EIT, Viticulture and Winemaking Advisory Panel (2008-2011);
HB Young Viticulturist of the Year Committee (2008 - 2011) – including Chair;
Hawkes Bay Grape Growers, Focus Vineyard Group (2004-2010) – including Chair;
Member, New Zealand Winegrowers Research Committee
Historical Pan-Sector Industry Memberships:
MPI Cyclone Gabrielle Recover Fund Advisory Panel (2023);
New Zealand Plant Producers Industry Biosecurity Taskforce (2017 – 2018);
2023 – Present Director, Bragato Research Institute;
Member – Research Governance Group;
Member – People and Culture Subcomittee;
2020 – Present Director, New Zealand Winegrowers Board;
Member – NZW Sustainability Committee (Member since 2017);
2020 – 2023 Chair – Research Advisory Committee;
2015 - 2023 Chair, New Zealand Vine Nursery Association (ViNA) (Member since 2014)
Additional Current Industry Memberships:
NZW Grafted Grapevine Standard Technical Reference Group (GGS TRG) (2014 - Present)
Not only within the industry has Emma’s support been pivotal, but also within her community both with the Greendale Swim club as a committee member and President as well as the Greenmeadows School Board of Trustees chairing the board of Greenmeadows Primary School for four years .
It seems the busiest people actually get the most done and are often sought out to do even more!!
Emma has been working more recently on the ongoing TANK Plan Change.
It is fair to say Emma’s, technical knowledge, passion and drive to support industry members could not be more apparent. Emma is well respected within and outside of the winegrowing network and often sought out for advice and support.
We are all fortunate to have someone of Emma's caliber and with the drive to match, representing winegrowing interests both here in Hawke’s Bay and across NZ.
Peter Hurlstone
Deputy Chair, Hawke's Bay Winegrowers Association
October 2024
