By Andy Young
Peter Yealands, the founder of the Yealands Wine Group, has been recognised with a 2016 Kea World Class New Zealand Award. The awards are presented annually by Kea and are New Zealand’s top individual achievement awards.
Since founding Yealands Estate Wines, Peter has become world-renowned for his sustainable wine production, but the awards also recognised his “entrepreneurial vision, successes and contributions to New Zealand”, which reach beyond his winemaking.
On receiving the award, Peter said: “This award captures and demonstrates the free spirit of every New Zealander. I have been very fortunate, but it takes more than good fortune to reach a goal, it takes determination and perseverance.
“It takes time and a lot of hard work but most of all it takes a team effort. It is team work that has put me where I am today and it will be team work that will put me where I am going.”
Ngapera Riley, global director at Kea, added: "Kea are delighted that Peter Yealands was selected to win the 2016 World Class New Zealand Award this year. The Awards celebrate New Zealanders who have achieved outstanding international success and who have made significant contributions to New Zealand’s social, economic, and cultural growth.
“We strongly feel that Peter exemplifies every element of a World Class New Zealander. His story inspires and motivates New Zealanders to work hard and think big. His life work is world-leading and world changing. Some of the many examples of this includes, founding the first carbon zero winery in the world, his use of world first GPS technology in vineyards, and his influence on the changing face of aquaculture and deer farming in New Zealand.
“Also he is leading the way for sustainable New Zealand businesses and being recognised and awarded internationally for this. In addition, Peter's commitment to the land and sustainability, his strong family values and the fact that he has turned his passion into a global business are just a few of the many reasons why he is a truly deserving recipient of the 2016 Word Class New Zealand Award. Kea are proud to honour his achievements, he truly is a World Class New Zealander."