Eric Asimov of The New York Times traveled to Christchurch to take part in Pinot Noir New Zealand 2025, a gathering examining the central topic from all angles. Topics discussed included soils and environmentalism, tariffs and trade, and the care that is taken to weave the culture of the Māori into the local wines and vineyard practices.
Asimov spoke with the members of the Tuku Collective, a group of Māori-owned wine companies intended to promote unity and shared values. Amongst this collective, is Tarras Vineyards’ winemaker Hayden Johnston, whose KURU KURU label was inspired by his Māori 4th great grandmother, Kuru Kuru, of the Ngai Tahu tribe. His ancestry is represented on each bottle, which proudly displays a portrayal of her moko kauae, the mark carved on her chin, signaling her respected position in the Māori society.
Check out all of Hayden’s wines here.
