An effort by Gisborne winemakers to develop a “Gisborne Classic” brand by using the city’s official coat of arms on labels has drawn a mixed response from councillors.
While most thought it was a great idea, some were concerned it would set a precedent that could lead to the iconic local brand being diminished. Others thought there was an opportunity for the council to clip the ticket to get some return for ratepayers.
Mayor Meng Foon suggested as much as 2 cents a label.
Pat Seymour said people usually paid money to use something like this but the council was giving it away.
Nona Aston said that given her position against alcohol and drugs, she was concerned the label only be used for the best- quality products.
There needed to be a policy including criteria relating to standards.
Mr Foon agreed, saying there was a need for quality control or the brand would be ruined. But the brand was one that would help enhance sales and he believed there should be some return for that. The council should instruct chief executive Lindsay McKenzie to negotiate with the winegrowers, he said.
Graeme Thomson said the council needed to remember they were dealing with an industry that six months ago had been brought to its knees. Those who did not have the fortitude to carry on had pulled out their vines.
Others had decided to carry on and market their wines themselves.
He believed the council could discuss payment with them but if this did not work out, they should let them carry on.
Gary Hope agreed that the council should be supporting the industry but this proposition had some fish hooks that needed to be sorted.
He believed the council should consult a lawyer over the legal implications and invite the winemakers to come in to discuss their proposal.
Mr McKenzie said that at this stage the growers were only in the early stages of looking for a Gisborne brand.
They were developing a Gisborne standard to distinguish this region from Marlborough and Hawke’s Bay. He was confident there would be plenty of time to work out the details.
At this stage, they were just looking for a ‘‘steer” from the council.
The council decided to approve the proposal in principle, subject to further discussion.