Negotiating regulatory obstacles

New Zealand Winegrowers works to promote a regulatory environment for growers and wineries free from undue interference and unnecessary cost. Industry interests and perspectives are represented at all levels from local councils to national government, to international organisations such as the World Wine Trade Group, the OIV and the WTO.

A Parliamentary election, the global financial crisis and the EU wine reform have provided the major themes for this year’s regulatory activities. We have sought to build a sound understanding of the industry and its regulatory issues with the new Government. Given the current economic situation, the continuation of funding for export certification and the alignment of the ALAC levy with the excise system can be counted as strong positives.

Internationally, we have progressed collective efforts to develop a consistent methodology for measuring greenhouse gas emissions in the wine industry, made strong and effective representations on the new EU wine rules and secured a key role for New Zealand in the OIV.

An enormous amount of time and energy has been spent on addressing RMA matters. The use of frost fans is an issue that has come up for consideration in many regions. We have sought to promote an approach that is consistent, fair and that recognises the critical role these machine play in our vineyards.

Of course, there remain a number of outstanding regulatory issues. Excise is an ongoing drain on profitability, while the impacts of a highly variable exchange rate make financial planning difficult for export businesses. The fate of the RMA and rules around water management and use will affect everyone in the industry, as will new rules for wine export certification.