The Shout Magazine (New Zealand)

Wellbeing workshops announced for grape growers and winemakers

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has announced it is supporting a series of wellbeing workshops for the wine industry.

The workshops are a result of a challenging 12 months for the industry, with weather events, and labour supply issues and market uncertainty caused by COVID-19.

“The severity of these impacts has varied across regions,” says MPI’s director of Rural Communities and Farming Support Nick Story.

“The workshops will give people the tools to help them tackle the year ahead with a positive frame of mind.”

MPI has allocated $40,000 to New Zealand Winegrowers to deliver 12 wellbeing workshops in winemaking regions, which are available to everyone working across the industry.

The workshops will take place in February and March in the South Island, prior to harvest, and in April and May in the North Island post-harvest.

“The workshops are designed to help boost morale and reignite enthusiasm following last year’s challenges,” says New Zealand Winegrowers’ leadership and communities manager Nicky Grandorge.

“They will include discussions on the importance of mental wellbeing, as well as helping people to reset for 2021.”

Funding for the initiative was provided in Budget 2020. MPI was allocated $1.1 million over three years to deliver extra wellbeing and support services to complement those provided by Rural Support Trusts.

Wine is New Zealand’s sixth-largest export good, with exports hitting $2 billion in 2020. New Zealand wine is sold in more than 100 countries.

Workshop dates:

South Island

  • Nelson – 24 February
  • Marlborough – 25 February
  • North Canterbury – 26 February
  • Cromwell – 1 March
  • Alexandra – 2 March

North Island

  • Auckland Central – 11 March
  • Matakana – 28 April
  • Waiheke – 29 April
  • Northland – 30 April
  • Gisborne – 3 May
  • Hawke’s Bay – 4 May
  • Wairarapa – 5 May

Click here for location information and registration details.

Did you know?

There are 6 ways you can catch up with The Shout NZ?

Our print magazine – February issue out soon! Subscribe here.
Online, updated daily with its own completely unique content and breaking news.
Our weekly newsletter – free to your inbox! Subscribe here.
Our digital magazines – the latest issues are online now.
We are also on Facebook and Instagram!