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 Director 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 AGM, indicating the recognition and trust the organisation has in his capabilities and insights.

patrice feary

Independent Director

Following a successful international executive career in sales, marketing and commercial strategy, Patrice is owner and founder of Totem Group, an experienced practitioner and facilitator, spanning commercial advisory and team leadership development.

An experienced Director, with cross sector governance experience including dairy, aviation, and infrastructure sectors, Patrice has been an Independent Director with Marlborough Grape Growers Cooperative (MGGC) since 2019, bringing the customer and consumer to governance and strategy development.

Aligned with the Cooperative’s values and aspiration, Patrice is excited for the future of the Cooperative as it leverages its unique proposition across the globe.

Based in Christchurch Patrice lives with her husband and two teenage boys.  She’s an active relaxer and her happy place is anytime with family, supporting them and their many sporting pursuits.

matt kerr

Grower Director 

Matt was elected to the Board in 2019. He is a professional director and a qualified Chartered Accountant, having served as a partner at WK Advisors and Accountants for over twenty years before retiring in 2023.

His governance experience includes being the current Chairman of several organisations, such as MDC Holdings Ltd, Marlborough Airport Ltd, Marlborough Stadium Trust, and the Marlborough Hospice Foundation, as well as being a director of multiple private companies.

Additionally, Matt completed two terms as a director of Port Marlborough and chaired its Audit and Risk Committee. He is also a member of the Institute of Directors, where he attained a Certificate of Company Direction in 2021.

With over 25 years of experience in the wine industry, both professionally and operationally, Matt and his wife, Samantha, live on their vineyard in Rapaura. He strongly believes in the cooperative model, viewing it as a unique and tangible advantage from the perspectives of growers, clients, and consumers. “It is a proven model in the wine industry internationally and enables us to tell a story no one else can,” he states.

In addition to his professional endeavors, Matt is an active in the Marlborough outdoors, enjoying sailing, diving, hunting, and, as he puts it, being a 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.

Bryn joined the board at the 2022 AGM.