New Zealand Winegrowers is delighted to announce that Jo Cribb will be the new Chair of New Zealand Women in Wine, effective February 2024.
Dr Cribb brings a wealth of relevant experience, having worked in the gender and equality space for many years, including being Chief Executive for the Ministry of Women. Recent assignments include evaluating Sport New Zealand's gender equity in governance policy, leading sessions at APEC 2023 on gender equality in customs and border agencies, working with the New Zealand Defence Force's leadership team on the gender diversity of the forces, and completing a gender analysis of immigration policy. Dr Cribb is a Director of the New Zealand Winegrowers Board, is passionate about the wine industry, and owns a vineyard in Martinborough.
"It is a privilege to take over as Chair of the New Zealand Women in Wine programme, bringing together two of my passions - gender equality and wine," said Dr Cribb.
The wine industry has been a first and fast mover in diversity initiatives, with industry leaders' clear that business success is closely linked to attracting and retaining the most talented people and removing barriers to that happening.
"I look forward to working with the New Zealand Women in Wine Steering Group, New Zealand Winegrowers Board and management, and industry leaders to continue to ensure the wine industry is seen as a desirable career for all talented and skilled workers."
New Zealand Winegrowers would also like to take this opportunity to thank Kate Radburnd, who has been Chair of New Zealand Women in Wine for the last four years.
Kate is a highly acclaimed winemaker producing premium wines in Hawke's Bay under her label, Radburnd Cellars. She has contributed hugely to the governance of the New Zealand wine industry, including as a Director on the New Zealand Winegrowers Board, Chairing Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand, and most recently Chairing Women in Wine. Amongst other recognitions for her contribution to the wine industry, she is a Fellow of New Zealand Winegrowers and has been inducted into the Hawke's Bay Winegrowers Hall of Fame.
She has inspired many women wanting to progress their careers within the New Zealand wine industry and has been a strong advocate for equal pay and closing the gender pay gap.
"Women in Wine organisations are gaining ground internationally, with most winemaking countries having well-established programmes. Our New Zealand Women in Wine guiding principles, CONNECT, INFORM, CHANGE, are powerful, and some excellent results, particularly about the mentoring programmes and industry data collection regarding roles, gender balance and pay, have been made.
New Zealand has the opportunity to lead the way regarding 'the gender pay gap'. I would love to see this work continue with more data to an endpoint of equity, which is simply best practice."
New Zealand Women in Wine was launched in 2017. It aims to help women reach their full potential, step up into leadership roles, and encourage businesses within the wine industry to assess their diversity and inclusion culture.
