This article in stuff.co.nz is the sort of activity that simply puts a bad face on the wine industry in general and some of the rat bag, out of town financiers that are infesting Marlborough and other parts of New Zealand (Hello Waiata vineyard in Hurunui).
A classic case of absentee owners (hello Auckland) trying to invest into the 'glamour industry' that wine is being marketed as. High rolling, great investment, know all the right people, you know the score.
Well let's throw a little bit of poor planning and bad management into the mix.
Que the failure to secure sufficient water for the vineyard.
"Never mind the water, lets plant the vines!"
"Oh, hang on, you mean they need water??!?"
"Don't worry about getting permission, just take the water. It's easier to pay the fine than to let our poor planning cause loss of revenue."
Nice. Really nice.
So. The wine industry. Turning wannabe viticulturist investors into law breakers who committed an environmental incident labelled as "reckless, irresponsible and deliberate".
I know this story is not about frost fans, but the mind set is just the same. Loot and pillage.
2 comments:
Thanks for posting this article ... I'll remember the Brand and cross it off my list.
Thanks Anonymous. You've identified a really good point. And at the same time highlighted something that I should be including in the article. I should be identifying the offender directly and if a member of the public cares to use this as the basis for making a selection on the type of wine they choose to buy, I would personally regard the decision as well made.
The vineyard involved is Kowhai Farm Vineyards. As reported in the Marlborough Express, this company is operated by Auckland-based Goldridge Estate and managed by Daniel Watson. The land is owned by Auckland investors Weta Estate. Perhaps a wall of shame would be in order? And in order to bring a balance, perhaps a wall of fame where responsible attitudes are celebrated?
Thank you again Anonymous.
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