File photo. Photo: Unsplash / Kym Ellis
A New Zealander has become the first person in the Southern Hemisphere to be elected as head of an influential international wine organisation.
John Barker was named as the next director general of the International Organisation of Vine and Wine at a meeting in Spain overnight.
Agriculture and Trade Minister Damien O'Connor said it was a very good day for New Zealand's wine industry.
"New Zealand's membership in the OIV gives us the opportunity to identify and influence strategic global debates in areas affecting one of our most successful and fastest growing export industries," he said.
"Dr Barker's election is a reflection of both his personal qualities and qualifications for the role, and of the high regard in which New Zealand's wine industry is held globally."
He said Baker understood the challenges and opportunities that faced the wine sector and had the vision to take the organisation forward.
Wine is New Zealand's fifth largest goods export item - currently worth more than $2bn to the economy.