COMPANY OVERVIEW

Founded: Early 2000s | First vintage released 2009
Experience: Over 21 years in vineyard development and wine production
Ownership: 100% family-owned and operated
Location: Waipara Valley, North Canterbury Wine Region, Aotearoa New Zealand

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Waipara wines are widely recognised for their elegance, structure (alternative word: balance), and savoury character, favouring depth and detail, over bold, upfront fruit.

Protected from the cool coastal breezes by the sheltering hills, Tiki’s vineyard within Waipara is shaped by limestone rich soils, cool nights, longer growing seasons, and the proximity to NZ’s eastern coastline – wines from the region consistently delivering on balance and precision.

Waipara Pinot Noir shows restrained red-fruited aromatics, fine tannins and mineral tension compared to the riper, more powerful style of Central Otago, while Waipara Sauvignon Blanc is subtler and more textural than Marlborough’s highly aromatic, fruit-driven expression.

Across all varieties, Waipara wines are defined by natural acidity, textural mouthfeel, and a sense of quiet confidence rather than overt showmanship.

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VINEYARD & SCALE

Estate Vineyard: Waiata Vineyard
Size: 319 hectares (approx. 788 acres) under vine
Vines: Over 700,000–750,000 vines
Capacity: Ability to produce 300,000+ cases annually
One of the largest vineyards in North Canterbury, offering long-term security of supply.

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REGIONAL PROVENANCE – NORTH CANTERBURY

Internationally respected region shaped by New Zealand wine pioneers.
Long, warm summer days and cool nights allow slow, even ripening.
Extended hang-time enables precision picking for flavour, balance, and freshness.

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WINEMAKING CREDIBILITY

Led by renowned New Zealand winemaker and Master of Wine, Alastair Maling, overseeing the winemaking team.

Hands-on involvement across vineyard and wine decisions.

Co-founder Sue McKean holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Viticulture & Oenology and produces a small, handcrafted private label for family and friends alongside our estate wines.

International gold medals and top accolades, including early single-vineyard releases from young
vines, with Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA), International Wine Competition (IWC), International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC), San Francisco International Wine Competition, Robert Parker Wine Advocate, The Real Review, NZ International Wine Show and more.

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PORTFOLIO

Tiki – showcasing place, purity and winemaking artifact.
Maui – bold, adventurous wines inspired by the legendary Pacific explorer.
Waiata – wines celebrating harmony, connection, and shared moments.

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MĀORI OWNERSHIP & HERITAGE

Proudly indigenous Māori-owned - Royce McKean: Ngāti Ranganui; Sue McKean: Ngāi Tahu

The name Tiki honours Royce’s great-great-great grandfather, Chief Tiki Tere Mihi, a farmer and guardian of the land.

Deep family history of land stewardship spanning generations.

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SUSTAINABILITY & REGENERATIVE PRACTICES

Accredited member of Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand (SWNZ) :
o   Annual reporting and regular independent audits
o   Focus on soil, water, plant health, waste, people, and climate

Vineyard management guided by Kaitiakitanga — the care and guardianship of the land for future generations

Regenerative agriculture practices include:
o   Biodiverse cover crops and wildflower plantings
o   Grazing sheep to reduce mowing and improve soil health
o   On-site and urban compost use to enhance soil biology and moisture retention
o   Precision water management to reduce inputs
o   Reduced fuel use through fewer passes, efficient machinery, and drone technology
     
A long-term approach that protects land health while delivering high-quality fruit.

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FAMILY & FUTURE

Founders Royce and Sue McKean live locally and remain active in the business.
Next generation engaged and involved in areas across the business.
Built for long-term partnerships, not short-term volume.

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WHY TIKI?

Authentic provenance and Māori ownership.
Estate scale with consistent supply.
Proven quality and international recognition.
Sustainability embedded, not added on.
A compelling story that resonates with modern consumers and trade alike.