Minister to open first South Island conference

Press, 23 June 1978, Page 7

Minister to open first South Island conference

(By MAURICE HUNTER) The fourteenth annual conference of the New Zealand Wine Resellers’ Association will be opened at 12.40 p.m. tomorrow at the White Heron Trave'odge by the Minister of Social Welfare (Mr Walker) before 70 delegates representing 400 wine resellers.

This is a significant event for local wine shop proprietors, for it is the first time since the association’s incorporation in--1963 for a South Island venue to be chosen.

The first president was Mr George Mazuran, well known among wine lovers

for his ■ gold and silver award’ winning ports and sherries. Although he made way for the currene president’ Mr Ivan Peace of Hamilton, in 1964, his influence in the industry is still strong.

The association has always maintained good liaison with other sector.of the liquor industry. The first paragraph of its constitution pledges if “to

promote the goodwill and mutual understanding between those engaged in

the manufacture, sale, dis t.ribution and constimptior of New Zealand wines.”

To this end, delegates will hear addresses bv Mr

J. J. Williams, of the Hotel Association; Mr N. J. McKenzie, of the Wholesale Wine and Spirit Merchants Federation; Mr R. Walls. M.P., on “Legislation and the Wine Reseller:” and Mr M. J. Mellon, department of Agriculture, on _ “Marketing. Planning

and Strategy.” This year; could, however, mark the last, meeting of wine resellers. There is a proposal to change the title to The Association of New Zealand Wine Merchants. The change, it is felt, will more correctly convey the impression that a

licensee does not simply buy wine for resale, but carries out. a much more comprehensive function to the public in having a thorough knowledge of his products and is thus able to advise and inform on the subject of New Zealand wines.

Th# principal restriction attached to tlie .licence, that only -wines produced from New Zealand grownand processed grapes or fruits may be sold, provides an inducement for the licensee to seek out brands which are not normally seen in conventional liquor outlets.