Interview with John Buck

John Buck was born in Auckland in 1942. Describes how his father served on warships in World War II and the family lived in naval housing including on Motuihe Island. Recalls their move to Wellington in 1947 when his father was demobbed. Discusses family relationships. Describes going to Auckland in 1962 to work for Arthur Hughes, a firm which imported supplies for beverage bottlers. Notes that he helped at a vineyard belonging to the firm and became interested in wine growing. Recalls meeting Eric Roberts of Grant's Whisky who helped him get into a course on wines and spirits in London. Talks about the trip over by ship and marrying his girlfriend Wendy in London. Recalls London in the 1960s, influences including Mary Quant and the Beatles and meeting the Rolling Stones. Describes working at Stowells of Chelsea while he did the two year course. Discusses a campervan tour of Europe, different alcohols, hospitality and the European respect for wine. Contrasts this with New Zealand's `boozy' culture.

Describes returning to New Zealand, meeting Graham Kerr, the `Galloping Gourmet' and the offer of a partnership in the National Food and Wine Centre. Recalls his involvement in the Campaign for Civilised Drinking with Tony and Phil Ashenden in 1967. Mentions the number of wine and food societies, being cellarmaster for the Wellington Wine and Food Society and encouraging the consumption of New Zealand wines. Discusses Wellington restaurants in the 1960s including Le Normandie. Mentions Des Britten, Tony Astle and the White House. Recalls his own media output about wine including radio programmes, a book and columns in the Listener and Sunday Star Times. Describes being a consultant and wine judge. Comments on changes in New Zealand in his absence. Mentions the end of six o'clock closing and the beginning of a restaurant culture. Discusses some New Zealand wine labels at the time, including McWilliams and Corbans, and young winemakers. Comments on the change from fortified wine to table wine and the role of wine awards in improving quality. Describes his involvement in commercial wine trading at Johnsonville and Hataitai.

Recalls the purchase of a Te Mata property, the Coleraine Vineyard, its replanting and the first wine in 1980. Describes moving to Auckland to work for New Zealand Wines and Spirits. Mentions Douglas and Sir Kenneth Myers, political lobbying and the role of the Wine Institute. Talks about being chair of the Institute. Comments on the growth of the wine industry and the arrival of big companies in Hawkes Bay. Discusses the breakthrough of wines sales in supermarkets and important liquor licensing changes. Discusses the 1986 vine pull. Mentions Treasury and Roger Douglas. Discusses wine exports, the `miracle' growth of the New Zealand wine indsutry, its image overseas and the involvement of his wife and sons in the industry.

Interviewer(s) - Janice Aplin

Accompanying material - Newspaper cuttings

Quantity: 4 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 4 Hours Duration.

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-3114.