Born in Waianiwa in central Southland, Richard is currently Head of Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery and the Chief Medical Officer for the Otago District Health Board. He is also on the Board of Cardiothoracic Surgery for Australasia and has just finished 9 years as an examiner for Australasia – ensuring that young surgeons are appropriately trained prior to them becoming consultants.

Richard attended Southland Boys' High School, where he was Head Prefect in his last year. He moved to Dunedin in 1971 to attend Medical School. Richard played rugby for a number of years - Senior for Green Island 1973 – 1982 and Otago 1974 – 75 – 76. He graduated in 1976 MBCHB, began training in Cardiothoracic surgery in 1978 and gained the FRACS in 1983.

Richard has done postgraduate training in Boston – working at Harvard and then onto Southampton in England working with Sir Keith Ross. Returning to New Zealand in 1986, he became a consultant in Cardiothoracic surgery.

Richard had always had an interest in wine. One of his uncles – who had travelled extensively – always had wine on the table at meal time. At University, Richard’s interest in wine expanded through flatting with fellow students who also had an interest in wine. In the mid-1990’s, he began to develop the company that is today known as Rockburn.

Richard is married to Lynley and they have three daughters – Amanda (born 1977), Emma (1979) and Victoria (1982).

Chris joined Rockburn in 1999 after being plied large amounts of Pinot by Dick Bunton. Having sold his previous business interests he was looking for an involvement in the exciting new wine industry of Central Otago. Chris has been responsible for developing Rockburn's sales and distribution network in New Zealand and off shore. Outside wine his interests are golf and fishing and absorbing the Central Otago lifestyle. Chris James is married to Judy and they have a daughter and two sons.

An Auckland native, Paul has shared living between Central Otago and Auckland since 1995. His working career began in the packaging industry (paper and plastics) and he set up on his own account in 1981. These businesses were involved in flexible packaging and plastics recycling and employed around 400 people in New Zealand and Australia. Paul sold out of these business interests in 2004.

Paul’s role in Rockburn is as a shareholder and director, tending to focus on the finance and marketing arenas in particular. Along with winemaker Malcolm Francis, Paul was responsible for managing the construction of the Cromwell winery.

Paul’s investment in Rockburn came about due to a love of the landscapes of Central Otago and a love for Pinot Noir. The latter developed whilst spending vacation time in Burgundy, France.

Paul is married with three daughters. His spare time covers such activities as skiing, helicopter flying, fishing (salt & freshwater), classic car collecting and motor racing. Paul currently campaigns two race cars – a 2003 Maserati Cambiocorsa Trofeo and a 911 Porsche RS – in both tar seal rallies and track events. Both these cars carry Rockburn banners.

Paul has worked in the wine industry for the past 12 years holding senior sales management roles with major companies such as Villa Maria and Matua Valley (Fosters). Bringing with him also an extensive background from the FMCG industry.

Paul will continue the role of telling the Central Otago story and the Rockburn story both to customers in the domestic market and on the international stage and building new distribution partnerships.

Married to Christine with twins Macy and Lachlan (5 years old). Outside of wine Paul has interests in Boating, Tennis, Running and the All Blacks of course!

Four years studying Microbiology at the University of Otago drove Malcolm into a life of wine, beginning in Marlborough in 2000, sojourning at Lincoln University for a year and culminating in Central Otago. Malcolm comes into the Rockburn fold from his four-year tenure as Felton Road Wines’ Assistant Winemaker. His time there was devoted to learning about and making fine Pinot Noir, Riesling and Chardonnay and included three vintages working in Oregon, USA. His passion for wine is now one of the driving forces behind the future direction of Rockburn’s wine portfolio.

Viki is responsible for managing the Cellar Door, export shipments, certifications, dry goods, bottling and label runs along with the accounts/administration for Rockburn.  Viki has an extensive background in administration and business management.

Viki is originally from Dunedin and has previously lived in Central Otago.  She has interests in many outdoor summer sports, along with a passion for wine!

Viki is enthused about sharing Rockburn’s long term vision and being an active part of the team.