Ben McLauchlan
Grower Director and Chairperson
Ben grew up on a farm in Marlborough, witnessing first-hand the growth and development of the wine industry in the region. This led to a strong interest in the growing and making of wine which was pursued while at Canterbury and Lincoln Universities, initially gaining a Management Science Degree and subsequently a Post Graduate Diploma in Viticulture and Oenology. His passion for business and wine led to a career in sales and marketing, working with major alcohol companies both in New Zealand and the United Kingdom.
In 2013 Ben and his wife Helen moved back to Blenheim, with Ben working as a Commercial Partner for BNZ; at this time Ben and Helen also bought a vineyard in Wratts Road, Raupara. In 2017 they purchased the family business and now farm 112 hectares of established vineyard and 30 hectares on which they partner with First Light Foods and graze Wagyu cattle.
Ben took up a role as Director of MGGC in 2015; in 2017 became Deputy Chair and in 2022 the Chair.
ROD BRAILSFORD
Grower Director
Rod brings with him a rich background in Horticultural Science to the role of Director. Originally from Christchurch and holding an Honours degree from Lincoln University, he started his career in the apple industry and later transitioned to grapes. Starting out with with Brancott Estate/Montana Wines in 2000. Rod has managed large vineyards for
both corporate and private growers, the largest
being 400 hectares. Currently self-employed, he runs his own vineyards.
Rod has been a witness to the industry's growth, evolving from its modest beginnings to the substantial plantings seen today. He is a systems-based individual realising the importance of timing to achieve the best possible outcomes.
In May 2023, Rod took on an Emerging Directors role, expressing a keen interest in the strategic aspects of governance and contributing to shaping the co-operative's direction in the years to come. Following his six-month placement, he was voted onto the board as a Director at the November 2023 Annual General Meeting, indicating the recognition and trust the organisation has in his capabilities and insights.
patrice feary
Independent Director
Following a successful international corporate career in sales, marketing and commercial strategy, Patrice now has her own business, working in governance and in advisory with a breadth of New Zealand domestic and export businesses. Patrice has been an Independent Director with Marlborough Grape Growers Cooperative (MGGC) since 2019.
Growing up in Christchurch, the daughter of entrepreneurial parents, family business is what she knows and loves. This coupled with the experience gained through her career, she feels a strong sense of connection and alignment to the values and opportunity the cooperative model brings MGGC.
Drawing on her experience in sales and marketing across food and beverage, consumer brands and export sectors, Patrice brings cross sector governance experience to the Cooperative, as she is also Independent Chair of Board for Nevada Sport Ltd, Independent Chair of Board of Fonterra Wastewater Community and was an Associate Director at Christchurch International Airport.
Based in Christchurch Patrice lives with her husband and two boys, 14 and 12 years old. She’s an active relaxer and her happy place is anytime with family, supporting their endeavours, skiing, or summers in Kaiteri.
matt kerr
Grower Director
Matt, a qualified Chartered Accountant and Partner of WK Advisors and Accountants, was elected to the Board in 2019. His governance experience includes being the current Chairman of MDC Holdings Ltd, Trustee and the deputy chair of Marlborough Stadium Trust, Trustee of the Marlborough Hospice Foundation and being a director of several private companies. Matt also served two terms as a director of Port Marlborough chairing the Audit and Risk committee.
Matt has been involved with the wine industry for over 20 years in a professional and operational capacity. He and his wife, Samantha, live on their vineyard in Rapaura.
Matt has a strong belief in the cooperative model and believes it provides a unique and tangible advantage from a grower, client, and consumer perspective. “It is a proven model in the wine industry internationally and enables us to tell a story no one else can.”
Matt is active in the Marlborough outdoors being a keen sailor, diver, hunter, and somewhat hopeful fisherman.
Bryn COTCHING
Grower Director
Bryn Cotching grew up on an apple, nashi and apricot orchard in Hawkes Bay, helping his parents run and sell the produce. With the land in his veins, Bryn attended Lincoln University, where he completed a Bachelor of Soil Science and later worked for Ravensdown Fertiliser. Today, Bryn is fully involved in the day-to-day running of the family livestock and grape/wine-producing business, along with his wife Rachel and their two boys. Bryn believes strongly in the local co-op model and is excited to help build on the truly unique point of difference MGGC has in the marketplace.