Women of Hunter’s: Giving to Gain

At Hunter’s Wines, the spirit of International Women’s Day is reflected not just in words, but in the people who shape the business every day. From the winery floor to the cellar door and across the wider team, women play an integral role in the success and culture of the family-owned winery.
This year, Hunter’s is celebrating International Women’s Day by recognising several women within the business, alongside reflections from owner and Managing Director Jane Hunter — one of New Zealand’s most respected figures in the wine industry.

A Pioneer’s Perspective

For Jane Hunter, supporting and mentoring women has always been an important part of the journey.
“Mentoring plays an important part in helping women to realise their full potential,” says Hunter. “It builds confidence to navigate everyday challenges, while providing guidance, encouragement and support along the way.”
Since taking over the winery following the death of her husband Ernie Hunter in 1987, Jane Hunter has become a pioneering figure in New Zealand wine. Over the decades she has not only helped shape Marlborough’s global reputation for quality wine but has also quietly championed opportunities for women within the industry.
“International Women’s Day makes us focus on moving towards an equal world,” she says. “Here in New Zealand while women have achieved so much, they still face challenges and choices. An equal world would be one where women can actively challenge stereotypes, fight gender bias, broaden perceptions and openly celebrate women’s achievements.”

Strength in the Winery

One of the next generation of women contributing to Hunter’s is cellar hand Pippa Macfarlane, who works in the winery during the intense and exciting harvest season.
Working alongside the winemaking team, Pippa’s days involve everything from fruit processing and tank work to laboratory sampling and the countless hands-on tasks that turn freshly harvested grapes into wine.
Her role highlights how modern wineries rely on a diverse and skilled team where women are increasingly visible in traditionally male-dominated production environments.

We spoke to Pippa about her role in the Cellar, here's what she had to say.

Tell us about your role at Hunter’s, what does a day in the cellar look like?

In my role here as the Senior Cellar Hand here at Hunter's Wines, it can be very diverse, as I might be doing more than 3 jobs at the same time or in a day. These jobs can range from small cleaning jobs to big Blends and Filtration jobs. In my role when it comes time to harvest, I am in charge of supervising the new recruits and tech them how we operate in our environment.

This year’s International Women’s Day theme is ‘Embrace Equity’. What does that idea mean to you personally - in terms of opportunities, support, or representation for women in the wine industry and beyond?

Here at Hunter's Wines I think they have a great team who are all inclusive and supportive of each other. In my role as the wineries only permanent female cellar hand, I find that I am given just as many opportunities and have the same support as any of the males in my position. As for the  representation of being a women in the wine industry and beyond the winery's cellar, it is becoming far more popular for there to be more women or just as many women in other areas in the wine network.

Pippa MacFarlane

 

Familiar Face at the Cellar Door

For many visitors to Hunter’s, Helen Neame is one of the first people they meet. Having worked at the Hunter’s cellar door for more than 30 years, she has welcomed thousands of guests from around the world and helped share the story of the winery and its wines.
Over three decades she has seen Marlborough evolve into an internationally recognised wine region, while remaining a constant and trusted presence for visitors.
Her experience and warmth embody the hospitality that has long been part of the Hunter’s story.

Helen Neame

We spoke to Helen about her role, here's what she had to say.

Over the course of 30 years you've been at Hunter's, what change have you seen in the industry in terms of gender equality?

When I first started at Hunter's Wines there were very few women involved in winemaking, and certainly not many who were owners. Jane’s success has helped pave the way for many other women in the industry — from management roles right through to hands-on work in the vineyards and winery.

Watching Jane grow the business and receive the achievements and accolades she has, how has that impacted on your own life and ventures?

The name Jane Hunter is renowned around the world. I’ve often felt incredibly proud meeting people — particularly women — who have come to Hunter's Wines because of Jane’s story. In my own life, Jane and Hunter’s have been truly extraordinary. Jane’s influence and generosity have made it possible for my husband and me to live a wonderful life. Working with Jane has enriched my life in so many ways. It also led to the creation of the gallery at Hunter’s and the opportunity for my husband, Clarry Neame, to become the artist-in-residence there. Because of this, we’ve been able to enjoy a lifestyle we are incredibly grateful for.

 

Championing Wellbeing

Behind the scenes, Karen McKeown plays a vital role as Hunter’s Health and Safety Champion, helping ensure the wellbeing of everyone working across the vineyard, winery and cellar door.
Her work highlights the importance of creating safe and supportive workplaces where teams can thrive.

Karen McKeown

 

We spoke to Karen about her role, here's what she had to say.

With your responsibility for the health and wellbeing of Hunter’s staff, how do you foster a culture that prioritises connection and teamwork? 

Health & Wellbeing is a part of my role that I have been working on and developing from scratch, and I still have a lot I want to achieve for Hunter’s. My intention is to foster a culture that genuinely prioritises health, connections and teamwork. 
Creating strong connections is really important. People need to feel comfortable speaking openly about workload, stress, and challenges without feeling judged. That means regular check ins, being approachable, and creating an environment where conversations about wellbeing feel normal. When we are open and human about our own pressures, it gives others permission to do the same.
Trust is also a big part of it. Teamwork only works when people feel safe to speak up, share ideas, and admit when something hasn’t gone right. Clear expectations, respectful communication, and following through when concerns are raised all help reinforce that sense of safety and trust.
Recognition plays a role too, both formal and informal. Whether it’s a morning tea shout, BBQ, or drinks shouted after work, it’s recognition and acknowledgement that we know you are working hard and we appreciate it. 

How do you ensure team members support one another in day-to-day work? 

We have a team culture at Hunter’s where people naturally pull together and support each other. At this time of the year especially, the demands on everyone are high. Whether it’s the bottling line, winery, vineyard, office, or Cellar Door, everyone does their part and is willing to help and support where needed. 
Personally, I’ve always believed that if a job needs doing or someone needs help, you step in and assist, and I see that mindset every day at Hunter’s. I try on a regular basis to move around the winery and ask how people are, and I genuinely want to know and let it be known I am here to help. With new staff in their induction, I reinforce that I am here for support and to feel free to come to me with any questions. 
During vintage, we have interns who join us from all over the world and far from home. Everyone at Hunter’s does their best to make them feel welcome, supported and a valued part of the team. Wine and Kiwiana welcome packs are provided, a special wine tasting and a pre-vintage BBQ along with daily check-ins to ensure they are happy and well. 
That’s the way it is at Hunter’s. Maybe it stems from being a family-owned winery, but everyone feels that sense of commitment and pride. 

Giving to Gain

The theme of mentoring — giving knowledge and support so others can grow — resonates strongly across Hunter’s. From Jane Hunter’s leadership to the contributions of women across the business, International Women’s Day offers a moment to reflect on the progress that has been made and the work still to be done.
At Hunter’s, that progress is visible every day: in the cellar door conversations with visitors, the teamwork of harvest in the winery, and the shared commitment to creating an environment where people can learn, grow and succeed.