Distilled
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Professional development empowers members to stay current, build new skills, and grow their impact within the industry. Our exclusive members-only opportunities include webinars, conferences, and resources designed to support your ongoing learning and success. Invest in your future—because knowledge is your most valuable asset.

If you have an idea for our member education series, we are all ears! Please let us know by sending an email to info@distilledspiritsaotearoa.org.nz

Upcoming events

    • 14 Nov 2025
    • 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
    • Zoom
    Register

    Protecting your brand, your data, and your customers

    Cyber threats aren’t just a big business problem—and in today’s digital world, even small distilleries face real risks. Join us for a practical, Q&A-style webinar with cybersecurity experts Tim Adams (AllSystemsGo) and Ray Barber (Kaseya), where we’ll unpack what privacy and protection mean for New Zealand’s distilling industry.

    From POS systems to email marketing, automation to online sales—your digital touchpoints matter. We’ll explore:

    • Why cybersecurity is essential for distilleries of all sizes
    • The NZ Privacy Act 2020 and your legal obligations
    • Common security & privacy pitfalls and how to avoid them
    • Distillery-specific cyber risks and case studies
    • Practical tools and defences you can implement today

    Plus: A takeaway checklist and free resources to help you get started or strengthen what you already have.

    Bring your questions - big or small. Whether it’s operational tech, insurance, password practices or anything in between, we’ll make time to tackle what matters to you.

    • 12 Feb 2026
    • 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
    • Zoom
    Register

    Every piece of distillery equipment is an investment — and small decisions in design, commissioning, and maintenance can mean the difference between years of reliable service or costly downtime.

    In this session, we’ll skip the jargon and share simple, proven engineering practices to reduce total cost of ownership, extend asset life, and minimise unforeseen risks. From choosing the right equipment to commissioning new assets and selecting the most effective maintenance strategies, you’ll leave with practical tips you can apply straight away — no engineering degree required.

    Andrew Lewis studied Mechatronic Engineering at Canterbury University before joining Fonterra, where he spent eight years across multiple sites in roles spanning project management, commissioning, and reliability. A career highlight was leading the engineering side of commissioning a new $240 million mozzarella factory — while also discovering he could successfully work alongside his wife, Saskia, who was the technical lead. Today, Andrew and Saskia run Humdinger Gin, their distillery in Geraldine.

    • 27 Feb 2026
    • 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
    • Zoom
    Register

    Join us for a relaxed online gathering -  bring your morning tea with you! - designed to foster connection, spark ideas, and share perspectives across our community. Whether you're a long-time member or newly joined, this is your space to engage, listen, and contribute.

    You will:-

    • Meet fellow members from across the sector in a welcoming, informal setting
    • Explore topics relevant to industry trends
    • Share insights or simply listen in - participation is encouraged but not required
    • Enjoy a safe space for open dialogue, with Chatham House Rules ensuring confidentiality and respect

    Why Attend?

    • Stay connected with peers and sector developments
    • Contribute to shaping future initiatives and member priorities
    • Build relationships in a low-pressure, high-value environment

Email:

info@distilledspiritsaotearoa.org.nz



(c) 2025 - Distilled Spirits Aotearoa (NZ) Inc

Registered office:
– C/o Tandem Group, 369 Devon Street East, Strandon, New Plymouth 4310

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