New Zealand Winegrowers

Help shape the future of one of New Zealand’s most recognised and successful export industries.

New Zealand wine has earned an enviable reputation on the world stage. Renowned for its quality, innovation and commitment to sustainability, it is an industry that continues to demonstrate the value of thinking differently and looking ahead.

With annual exports exceeding $2 billion, the industry makes a significant contribution to New Zealand’s economy, regional communities and international reputation.

In recent times NZ Winegrowers has undertaken a review of it’s governance, representation and levy arrangements. This has led to a significant change to it’s Board structure.

The Board has reduced in size from 12 directors to 9, with six member-elected directors and three independent directors.

This is an opportunity to bring fresh perspectives, independent thinking and strategic leadership to an industry with a strong international presence and ambitious plans for the future.

The opportunity

New Zealand Winegrowers is the national industry body representing New Zealand's grape growers and wineries. It plays an important role in building global demand, advocating for the industry, driving innovation and research, and supporting the long-term success and resilience of New Zealand wine.

Working alongside six elected directors, the three new Independent Directors will help strengthen the Board's collective capability, challenge conventional thinking and contribute to the strategic direction of New Zealand Winegrowers and its subsidiaries, including the Bragato Research Institute (BRI).

BRI plays a critical role in advancing research and innovation, translating scientific discovery into practical solutions that improve productivity, sustainability and the industry's global competitiveness.

These appointments come at an important time, as the industry navigates evolving consumer preferences, changing international markets, regulatory complexity and opportunities emerging through science and technology.

Who we are looking for
We are seeking three experienced governance professionals who bring intellectual curiosity, commercial acumen and the confidence to contribute an independent perspective.

Across the appointments, we are looking to build a complementary mix of expertise in four key areas:

• Consumer insights, marketing and market development: Understanding changing consumer behaviour, global markets, brand positioning and the strategies that build demand and long-term value.
• Commercialisation and innovation: Experience turning ideas, research and emerging technologies into commercially viable opportunities and measurable industry outcomes.
• Science, research and innovation governance: Understanding research ecosystems, strategic research investment, partnerships and the governance of science-led organisations.
• Regulatory and public policy: Strong knowledge of New Zealand's domestic regulatory environment, policy development and the ability to navigate complex stakeholder and government relationships.
  We do not expect any one candidate to bring all four areas of expertise. We are interested in the depth of capability you bring and how your experience will complement the Board as a whole.

What you will bring
First and foremost, you will be an accomplished director with proven governance experience, sound strategic judgement and the ability to see beyond immediate challenges to longer-term opportunities.

You will be comfortable contributing within a skills-based board, constructively challenging assumptions and working collaboratively to make well-considered decisions.

Experience across primary industries, research and science, member-based organisations or New Zealand's export sector would be advantageous, although direct experience in these sectors is not essential.

Importantly, genuine independence is essential. Independent Directors must not have a current material connection to the grape and wine industry. We are particularly interested in hearing from directors whose experience outside the industry will bring new ideas, different perspectives and valuable strategic insight.

Why this opportunity?
Few governance roles offer the opportunity to influence an industry that combines global brand strength, scientific innovation, regional prosperity and New Zealand's international reputation.

As an Independent Director, you will have the opportunity to contribute to the future direction of New Zealand wine, support the translation of research and innovation into industry value, and help ensure the sector remains competitive, resilient and successful for generations to come.

These are remunerated appointments, with an initial two-year term and the possibility of renewal.

If you are an experienced director who can bring fresh thinking, strategic perspective and the confidence to challenge and contribute, we would welcome your interest.

To submit your application, click on the “Apply Now” button below. The IoD is managing applicant interest so please contact Manager, Board Appointments, michelle.pearson@iod.org.nz  for application support or more information.

Applications close : 30 October 2026

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