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North Canterbury's Tiki Wine & Vineyards has become the first vineyard and winery business in NZ to get regenerative certification status from A Greener World (AGW).
Tiki Wine & Vineyards is a Māori-owned, family-operated wine producer based in Waipara, and founded by Royce and Sue McKean,
The global, independent certification marks a significant milestone for Tiki and the continued development of regenerative viticulture in New Zealand.
Regenerative agriculture works with natural systems to improve soil health, increase biodiversity, strengthen water cycles and build greater resilience across the vineyard ecosystem.
Certification requires an independently audited regenerative plan, with progress measured and verified over time.
For Tiki, this approach is a natural expression of kaitiakitanga – the Māori principle of caring for and protecting the land so it can be passed on in better condition to future generations.
It is a principle that has guided the family-owned producer since its first vines were planted at Waiata Vineyard, near Waipara.
Tiki Wine & Vineyards founder and managing director Royce McKean says the certification is the culmination of many years of commitment from “our vineyard and winery teams across numerous growing seasons”.
“We are grateful to the growers, researchers and organisations around the world who openly share their experience and expertise, and help others make the transition to regenerative farming.”
The certification will support Tiki Wine & Vineyards in sharing its regenerative journey through its Tiki, Maui and Waiata wine brands in markets around the world.
A Greener World regional executive director Wayne Copp says Tiki Wine & Vineyards has demonstrated a clear commitment to measurable and continuing improvement across its vineyard operation.
“We are proud to recognise Tiki as the first vineyard and winery business in New Zealand to achieve Certified Regenerative by AGW status, and look forward to supporting the team as its regenerative journey continues.”
Mr McKean is encouraging more vineyards to begin their own regenerative journey.
“Initiatives such as the Regenerative Viticulture Foundation’s One Block Challenge give growers a practical way to trial regenerative practices in a single vineyard block, learn from the results and build from there.
“We believe healthier soils and more resilient vineyards can support both better fruit and wine and a stronger future for wine growing and the planet.”
Global interest in regenerative agriculture continues to grow, with documentaries like Kiss the Ground and Groundswell, narrated by Woody Harrelson and Demi Moore, helping bring the story of regenerative farming and the One Billion Acres movement to a mainstream audience.
New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) head of Māori export customers Jeremy Gardiner says there is increasing global demand for products that reflect consumers’ values, including sustainability.
“NZTE helps kiwi businesses understand what matters most to international customers, giving them the insights they need to succeed in competitive export markets.
“Tiki Wine & Vineyards is a great example of an exporter that has responded to this demand, building a brand that stands out in markets where values-led production is increasingly sought after.”
This certification marks the start of the next chapter.
Already one of New Zealand’s largest single vineyard wine producers, Tiki is targeting growth both in existing and new markets over the next two years, continuing to prove that caring for the land and building a lasting global wine business go hand-in-hand.