The award is given in recognition of Kate Radburnd’s leadership role in both the Hawke’s Bay and New Zealand Wine sectors.
Kate is a pillar of the Hawke’s Bay wine community. She is being recognised this evening for her leadership, mentoring, advocacy and ability to empower others in the wine industry across NZ. Kate was the only woman in her graduating year at Roseworthy Agriculture College and alongside a distinguished career in winemaking, she has strived to create a pathway for women within the industry. After seven years as a winemaker at Vidal’s – thee years as assistant winemaker and four years as head winemaker – Kate became CJ Pask’s head winemaker. Within two years she was a part owner of the Gimblett Gravels company and by 1999 she was Managing Director. During her time with Pask, Kate represented Hawke’s Bay on the board of NZ Wine for 14 years, chaired Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand for more than five years and was instrumental in rolling out the Sustainable Winegrowing programme throughout New Zealand.Kate believes in developing the next generation of winemakers and served on the Council of the Eastern Institute of Technology from 2001 to 2013.
When NZ Women in Wine was launched in 2017, Kate was one of the first mentors to get involved to support women in the industry and encourage them to take up roles of leadership and governance and she has since taken on Chair of the organisation.
Kate was also one of the instigators behind the Charity Wine Auction which she chairs today. This annual auction has raised close to four million dollars for Cranford Hospice since its inception.
In 2010 Kate was awarded the Sir George Fistonich Medal and in 2015 she was the second woman inducted as a Fellow of the New Zealand Winegrowers for her outstanding contribution to the New Zealand Wine Industry.
Kate is very passionate about Hawke’s Bay varietals and over the years has made Award winning wines and developed her own wine label, Radburnd Cellars.
Kate has held many titles over her years within the industry and works every day to lead, inspire and advocate for the Wine Industry.
