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Committee
Anika Willner
Committee Chair
Anika Willner, a Lincoln and Ohio State University graduate, has gained experience working in Oregon, California, Burgundy, Australia, Germany, South Africa, and New Zealand. She joined Coal Pit Winery as Winemaker in 2018 and has been a driving force in their transition to organic and regenerative viticulture. When she’s not in the vineyard or the winery, Anika spends her time trail running in the backcountry foothills that surround her home in the warmer months and skiing in the winter.
Anika Willner, a Lincoln and Ohio State University graduate, has gained experience working in Oregon, California, Burgundy, Australia, Germany, South Africa, and New Zealand. She joined Coal Pit Winery as Winemaker in 2018 and has been a driving force in their transition to organic and regenerative viticulture. When she’s not in the vineyard or the winery, Anika spends her time trail running in the backcountry foothills that surround her home in the warmer months and skiing in the winter.
BART ARNST
Conference committee
Bart Arnst began his vineyard journey in Canterbury before relocating to Marlborough to manage vineyards for Montana Wines. Around 1996 he began experimenting with organic techniques, and after significant successful outcomes he joined the Seresin Estate team to lead their vineyards through organic conversion. In 2005 Bart ventured out on his own, providing viticultural consultancy, which he continues to do for growers and wineries throughout New Zealand. In 2007 he teamed up with Chris Darling to produce a range of certified organic wines under the label The Darling. Bart is a founding member of OWNZ and remains an active member of the organisation’s executive board. Bart has been the driving force of the Organic & Biodynamic Winegrowing Conference's speaker programmes since the inception in 2015.
Bart Arnst began his vineyard journey in Canterbury before relocating to Marlborough to manage vineyards for Montana Wines. Around 1996 he began experimenting with organic techniques, and after significant successful outcomes he joined the Seresin Estate team to lead their vineyards through organic conversion. In 2005 Bart ventured out on his own, providing viticultural consultancy, which he continues to do for growers and wineries throughout New Zealand. In 2007 he teamed up with Chris Darling to produce a range of certified organic wines under the label The Darling. Bart is a founding member of OWNZ and remains an active member of the organisation’s executive board. Bart has been the driving force of the Organic & Biodynamic Winegrowing Conference's speaker programmes since the inception in 2015.
NICK PETT
Conference committee
Nick’s interest in organic winegrowing grew as he worked for several companies around the world who were converting or practicing organic grape growing and winemaking. His passion was further ignited as winemaker at Seresin Estate and continues in his current role as Technical Viticulturist at Seaview Estate. Nick has been part of the OWNZ executive team since 2021 and has served on the committee for the Organic & Biodynamic Winegrowing Conference in 2023 and 2025.
Nick’s interest in organic winegrowing grew as he worked for several companies around the world who were converting or practicing organic grape growing and winemaking. His passion was further ignited as winemaker at Seresin Estate and continues in his current role as Technical Viticulturist at Seaview Estate. Nick has been part of the OWNZ executive team since 2021 and has served on the committee for the Organic & Biodynamic Winegrowing Conference in 2023 and 2025.
NAOMI GALVIN
Marketing & Events Coordinator
Naomi joined OWNZ in late 2020 to assist with marketing, events, and administration. Her role has since expanded in response to the strong growth the organic sector is experiencing. Naomi completed a Diploma in Viticulture and Wine Production at NMIT and went on to work vintages in Marlborough, the Hunter Valley, and Puligny-Montrachet before settling into various marketing roles at several local wineries including Clos Henri, Black Cottage and Two Rivers. Naomi has challenged the status quo and advocated for organics and biodiversity at all the wineries she has worked at. She has coordinated the Organic & Biodynamic Winegrowing Conferences in 2023 and 2025.
Naomi joined OWNZ in late 2020 to assist with marketing, events, and administration. Her role has since expanded in response to the strong growth the organic sector is experiencing. Naomi completed a Diploma in Viticulture and Wine Production at NMIT and went on to work vintages in Marlborough, the Hunter Valley, and Puligny-Montrachet before settling into various marketing roles at several local wineries including Clos Henri, Black Cottage and Two Rivers. Naomi has challenged the status quo and advocated for organics and biodiversity at all the wineries she has worked at. She has coordinated the Organic & Biodynamic Winegrowing Conferences in 2023 and 2025.
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