Maori-owned Tiki Wine & Vineyards becomes New Zealand’s first Certified Regenerative by AGW vineyard & winery – North Canterbury family wine producer independently certified by A Greener World for its regenerative practices.
North Canterbury, New Zealand – Tiki Wine & Vineyards has become the first vineyard and winery business in New Zealand to achieve regenerative certification status by A Greener World (AGW). The global, independent certification marks a significant milestone for Tiki and the continued development of regenerative viticulture in New Zealand.
Regenerative agriculture works with natural systems to improve soil health, increase biodiversity, strengthen water cycles and build greater resilience across the vineyard ecosystem. Certification requires an independently audited regenerative plan, with progress measured and verified over time.
For Tiki, this approach is a natural expression of kaitiakitanga – the Maori principle of caring for and protecting the land so it can be passed on in better condition to future generations. It is a principle that has guided the family-owned producer since its first vines were planted at Waiata Vineyard in North Canterbury.
Royce McKean, founder and Managing Director of Tiki Wine & Vineyards, said: “This certification is the culmination of many years of commitment from our vineyard and winery teams across numerous growing seasons. We are grateful to the growers, researchers and organisations around the world who openly share their experience and expertise, and help others make the transition to regenerative farming.”
The certification will support Tiki Wine & Vineyards in sharing its regenerative journey through its Tiki, Maui and Waiata wine brands in markets around the world.
Wayne Copp, Regional Executive Director at A Greener World, said: “Tiki Wine & Vineyards has demonstrated a clear commitment to measurable and continuing improvement across its vineyard operation. We are proud to recognise Tiki as the first vineyard and winery business in New Zealand to achieve Certified Regenerative by AGW status and look forward to supporting the team as its regenerative journey continues.”
McKean also said: “We encourage more vineyards to begin their own regenerative journey. Initiatives such as the Regenerative Viticulture Foundation’s One Block Challenge give growers a practical way to trial regenerative practices in a single vineyard block, learn from the results and build from there.
“We believe healthier soils and more resilient vineyards can support both better fruit and wine and a stronger future for winegrowing and the planet.”
Global interest in regenerative agriculture continues to grow, with documentaries like Kiss the Ground and Groundswell, narrated by Woody Harrelson and Demi Moore, helping bring the story of regenerative farming and the One Billion Acres movement to a mainstream audience.
Jeremy Gardiner, Head of Maori Export Customers at New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE), said: “We’re seeing increasing global demand for products that reflect consumers’ values, including sustainability. NZTE helps kiwi businesses understand what matters most to international customers, giving them the insights they need to succeed in competitive export markets. Tiki Wine & Vineyards is a great example of an exporter that has responded to this demand, building a brand that stands out in markets where values-led production is increasingly sought after.”
This certification marks the start of the next chapter. Already one of New Zealand’s largest single vineyard wine producers, Tiki is targeting growth both in existing and new markets over the next two years, continuing to prove that caring for the land and building a lasting global wine business go hand in hand.
About Tiki Wine & Vineyards
Tiki Wine & Vineyards is a Maori-owned, family-operated wine producer based in Waipara, North Canterbury, New Zealand. Founded by Royce and Sue McKean, Tiki is guided by kaitiakitanga – a commitment to care for the land, protect it and leave it in better condition for future generations.
The name Tiki honours Royce McKean’s great-great-great-grandfather, Ngati Uenuku chief Tiki Tere Mihi. A hand-carved tiki is a Maori taonga that, when gifted, carries connection, protection and good fortune. Tiki crafts its wines in that same spirit.
https://www.tikiwine.com
About A Greener World
A Greener World (AGW) identifies, audits, certifies and promotes practical, sustainable farming systems by supporting farmers and informing consumers. AGW’s growing family of trusted certifications includes Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW, Certified Grassfed by AGW and Certified Non-GMO by AGW. Each programme is designed to have positive and measurable impacts on the environment, society and animals, and to encourage truly sustainable farming practices. AGW’s standards and procedures are robust, transparent, and achievable. For more information, visit https://agreenerworld.org/
About the Regenerative Viticulture Foundation
The Regenerative Viticulture Foundation is a global nonprofit organisation that supports winegrowers in adopting practices intended to restore soil health, increase biodiversity, improve water retention and build vineyard resilience.
https://regenerativeviticulture.org/
About One Billion Acres
One Billion Acres is a global movement calling on brands, farmers and individuals to help shift one billion acres of farmland, around 10% of the world’s productive land, into certified regenerative agriculture by 2030. https://onebillionacres.org/