Melba Brajkovich Queen’s Birthday Honours

We are delighted to announce that Melba has been made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2014 Queen’s Birthday Honours for services to the wine industry and the community.

Melba has been the backbone and strength behind the Brajkovich Family at Kumeu River Wines since 1957. Originally very much in the background as Mate’s wife and partner in the business, Melba has always kept a watchful eye over the winery, especially when Mate was away on wine industry business in his various roles on the Executive Committee of the Wine Institute of New Zealand, including Chairman from 1982-1985.

Following Mate’s death in 1992, Melba assumed the position of Managing Director of Kumeu River Wines, with all her four children also in positions of responsibility in the company

She continues in that role today. Internationally she is a wonderful ambassador for New Zealand and New Zealand wine. For over 30 years Melba has travelled the world selling wine, initially with Mate, and for the last 20 years on her own. She tells the stories, not only of her own family and Kumeu River , but of the New Zealand wine business and the fantastic country which we live in.

We are all very proud of her achievements, and this very fitting recognition of them.

Marijana Brajkovich
Kumeu River Wines Ltd
550 Highway 16
PO Box 24
Kumeu 0841

www.kumeuriver.co.nz
09 412 8415

021 610 959
www.familyoftwelve.co.nz