News | Coal Pit Wines

New Zealand’s first Bishop of Aotearoa, Frederick Bennett (Ngāti Whakaue) and Rosie’s grandfather, was a patron of The Forest & Bird Society, becoming their first Māori representative upon his appointment in 1935.

Forest & Bird believed indigenous knowledge, through kaitiakitanga (guardianship) could lead to better management and balance for the future of the country’s wildlife. In 1968, Manuhuia Bennett, Frederick’s son, took over as Bishop of Aotearoa and also served as Forest & Bird’s third Māori representative.

The label is produced by artist Chris Heaphy (Ngai Tahu and European descent) a close friend of the family and the creator of all the iconic Coal Pit labels. The use of a Huia feather and Ngirungiru (South Island Tomtit) on the front and back label, not only embodies the spirit, mana and guardianship so valued by Maori, when worn as body adornment and gifted to express friendship and respect, but also represents what we as New Zealanders have lost and what we must do to protect and enhance what we still have. This is echoed by Coal Pit’s commitment in helping to preserve the unique and outstanding indigenous wildlife and environment of Aotearoa.

Preservation and enhancement of Te Whenua, our natural environment, through sustainable and organic farming practices is at the heart of all we do. Coal Pit will be fully certified organic under the BioGro scheme by 2023. Coal Pit is currently reforesting a portion of the main vineyard site to natives and is working with local preservation and restoration trusts to protect the indigenous wildlife of Aotearoa. Rosie’s vision is for Coal Pit to be a sustainable heritage vineyard producing exceptional quality wine for many generations to come.