James Millton, Gisborne, MNZM, for services to the wine industry
Mr James Millton has been involved with the growing of grapes and wine in the Gisborne Region for over 30 years. In 1984 he and his wife Anne established Millton Vineyards and Winery, and in 1989 became one of the first commercial certified organic wine producers in the country. At this time they were the foremost producer to export certified organic produce to the European Economic Community, and in 2009 became one of the first biodynamic Demeter certified winegrowers in New Zealand. Mr Millton is actively involved with the promotion of wine internationally, as a member of the wine collective The Family of Twelve, as well as the international group Renaissances des Appellations. He has served as a judge for wine competitions, including the Air New Zealand Wine Awards. He is the current Chair of Organic Winegrowers New Zealand.