The decision on who will lead the International Organisation of Vine and Wine has been delayed yet again, with New Zealand candidate Dr John Barker now having to wait until November to find out if his candidacy for the Director General of the organisation has been successful.
The OIV is an international organisation which deal with the technical aspects of winemaking and viticulture, meaning that its influence is larger than just the winemaking industry. Barker is the first New Zealander to be nominated for the role, with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern lobbying on his behalf for the position.
“While New Zealand is a smaller producer, we have worked hard to establish a position in the global vine and wine sector,” Barker said. “New Zealand is now the world’s 7th largest wine exporter by value so we are very outwardly focused.”
“We have come a long way in a comparatively short time because we have been open and willing to learn, focused on the quality and integrity of our products and willing to work together. These are the values that I bring to my candidacy.”
“Dr Barker is an ideal candidate,” said CEO of New Zealand Winegrowers, Philip Gregan. “He has deep understanding and expertise in the global vine and wine sector built on 20 years of experience. At a time when the global trade environment is rapidly changing, Dr Barker would bring a keen appreciation of the importance of international cooperation to the role.
The voting has twice ended in a stalemate this year, with the first round of voting in May.
