We're proud to share some news that's been years in the making: Tiki Wine & Vineyards has become the first vineyard and winery in New Zealand to achieve Regenerative Certification, awarded by A Greener World (AGW), the largest global, independent regenerative certification body.
Unlike traditional agriculture, which seeks to reduce environmental impact, regenerative agriculture proposes an active approach: restoring and enhancing agricultural ecosystems rather than just conserving them.
The certification was formally confirmed in July 2026, following an independent audit of our vineyard and winery operations against AGW's regenerative standards, covering soil health, water, biodiversity and more, verified against a whole-farm plan that will continue to be audited season after season.
For us, this is a natural expression of kaitiakitanga, the Māori principle of caring for and protecting the land so it can be passed on in better condition for future generations. It's a principle that has guided our family since the first vines were planted at Waiata Vineyard in Waipara, North Canterbury, and it now shapes everything from how we manage our soils to how we care for the wider vineyard ecosystem.
Royce McKean, founder and Managing Director of Tiki Wine & Vineyards, says: "This certification is the culmination of many years of commitment from our vineyard and winery teams across numerous growing seasons. We're 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."
This certification will support us in sharing our regenerative journey through our Tiki, Maui and Waiata wine brands, in New Zealand and in markets around the world.
We believe healthier soils and more resilient vineyards can support both better fruit and wine, and a stronger future for winegrowing and the planet. This is just the start of the next chapter, and we're excited to keep sharing that journey with you.
Read more about our regenerative approach, or hear the full story from Royce on the NZ Wine Podcast.