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 Wine, and who by virtue of their attainments or reputations are worthy of special recognition.
Citation presented by Rod Easthope on behalf of Hawke’s Bay Winegrowers
Michael Henley’s contribution to Hawke’s Bay wine extends well beyond his impressive international career. As Rod Easthope reflected when presenting Mike’s Fellowship, it is his generosity with his time, his leadership and his remarkable ability to bring people together that have made such a lasting difference to our wine community.
Mike’s career has taken him around the world, from working vintages in South Africa, California, Marlborough, Oregon, the Barossa and Spain, to working with Christie’s in London and California. He went on to play a significant role in the early development of Craggy Range, including leading its European markets, before taking on senior leadership roles at Trinity Hill and Aotearoa New Zealand Fine Wine Estates. Along the way, he also achieved one of the wine world’s highest qualifications, becoming the world’s 495th Master of Wine.
Closer to home, Mike served on the Hawke's Bay Winegrowers Board for 12 years, from 2012 to 2024, including four years as Chair from 2015 to 2019. During this time, he chaired the Marketing and Communications Committee, helped drive the region's work in China, contributed to the development of Hawke's Bay Wine's ten-year Action Plan and was a strong advocate for building the region's identity and reputation on the international stage.
His contribution has also extended nationally, serving on the New Zealand Winegrowers Board since 2020, including as Chair of its Brand Committee, and chairing Pinot Noir New Zealand 2025.
But as Rod so warmly acknowledged, Mike's contribution is about much more than the positions he has held. He is one of the industry's great connectors — someone who generously shares his knowledge, opens doors, makes introductions and brings people together. His influence can be seen not only in the organisations and initiatives he has helped lead, but also in the many people whose careers and opportunities have benefited from his encouragement and support.
In Rod's words, "They say everyone in the world is separated by only six degrees; in New Zealand, it's only two if you know Michael Henley."
It is this combination of leadership, generosity, friendship and genuine commitment to the wine community that makes Mike such a deserving recipient.
Chair, Hawke's Bay Wine
October 2024
