Our research winery officially opened its doors to the New Zealand wine industry, marking a significant milestone in the establishment of our research capability. The winery will enable us to trial new technology and innovation, as well look at the impact of vineyard trials on finished wines, ensuring the New Zealand wine industry is at the cutting edge of modern grape growing and winemaking.
BRI teamed up with local food producers, NMIT and the Omaka Marae Aunties to host the event. Speeches from Mark Gilbert (BRI Chair), MJ Loza (BRI CEO) and Tracy Atkin (BRI Establishment Manager) were followed by a cultural performance led by Kiley Nepia of Hawaiki Kura and performed by pupils of Te Pā Wānanga and the unveiling of a plaque by Marlborough Mayor John Leggett. The celebration would not have been such a success without the hard work and dedication of Sigrun Steinhagen of Focus Marketing. Thank you Sigrun for all your help over the past few months!
The event was attended by industry, educators, research partners, and several Government officials from Marlborough District Council to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.
Chief Executive of the Marlborough Research Centre Gerald Hope was also in attendance. “This major investment has come just in time. Local researchers have been under pressure to deliver greater outcomes for the wine industry across NZ. MRC campus is at maximum capacity and also requires further infrastructure investment to keep pace with one of NZ’s strongest primary sector exporters,” he said.
TVNZ 1 News reporter Katlin Ruddock was on site to chronicle the event, as was Marlborough Express reporter Maia Hart. Check out their coverage below:
