Allow us to introduce the masters of our wild endeavour, Keryn & Simon Matthews. The dynamic duo oversee Wild Estate Vineyard, Wild On Waiheke Activities, and the Waiheke Island Brewery with grace and gusto. They've brewed love and laughter into their venture for over a decade. They believe in working hard and playing harder, juggling the rigours of the day-to-day with a wicked sense of fun. Wild, for them, is all about tapping into that untamed joy of life, offering a refreshing retreat from the humdrum. The Wild family is their pride and joy, a tight-knit crew they cherish and nurture. Their secret recipe? A dash of respect, a sprinkle of opportunities, and a whole heap of care. And it's a recipe that works - just look at their trophy cabinet, gleaming with year-after-year industry accolades.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab a bottle of our elusive Wild Estate wine, and join us for a good time in the heart of Waiheke. We can't wait to welcome you to the Wild family!
Meet our finance & marketing guru, Keryn Matthews, MD! With a knack for managing numbers and captivating the masses through marketing, she's a force to be reckoned with. Mastering seasonal cashflow budgets is her specialty, and she even adds a touch of colour coordination to the mix. Her passion for taking on exciting projects shines through, evident in her exceptional management of the wine brand redesign as well as the fitout of our new restaurant. Handy to have around with 30 years of experience in the wine industry, she's the go-to expert for spotting a top-notch chardonnay!
Introducing Simon Matthews, A.K.A MacGyver, and also our Managing Director! In the early days, Simon single-handedly managed both the restaurant and operations. However as the business expanded, so did his beard, and now he's supported by our talented crew. With his practicality and resourcefulness, Simon can repair almost anything (except computers, he's not a fan). If something breaks at the venue, he's on it in a heartbeat. Affectionately known as MacGyver (for those old enough to remember), he's the go-to guy for fixing things.
Meet David Jackson, our General Manager extraordinaire. With his extensive experience in the hospitality industry and running large vineyard restaurants, he's the perfect fit for all the exciting endeavours we have at Wild. David knows how to get things done while keeping it classy. He's a bit competitive (seriously, don't challenge him to a game of Jandle), but his infectious laughter and one-of-a-kind nurturing style make him an invaluable leader for our team.
Meet our culinary maestro, Brendon Harris! Dancing with the pans since the neon-soaked '90s, Brendon has been the heart and soul of many high-profile kitchens. From a decade-long food affair in the swirling mists of London, to a three-year culinary expedition at the Heritage Hotel in Scotland, and then bringing his magic to the buzzing eateries of Auckland, he's seen it all! Now, he's kicking back, revelling in the laid-back 'Island Hours of Chefing' on Waiheke - where the oven's off by 5, and his toes are in the sand by a minute past. Ah, the good life!
Meet our Operations Mastermind, the one and only, Josh! For years this gentleman has been tending to the needs of Waiheke's finest, with a juggle and a laugh that rivals our beloved ringmasters. If there's a roster to manage, a table plan to devise, or a venue to finesse, Josh is your man. But his talents don't end there! With a knack for fine-tuning the nitty-gritty of the venue, the grounds, or your conference needs, he's the wizard behind the curtain, making the magic happen. And did we mention he's also been crowned the Master of The Jandle? Just don't spill the beans to David! So, here's to Josh, the backbone of our wild endeavour, and the keeper of our fun-loving spirit. Cheers to you, Josh!
Say hello to our Booking Boss Lady, Sheryl Watt! If you've got a squad ready for an island adventure, Sheryl's your go-to gal. Just like a seasoned maestro conducting an orchestra, she takes care of everything - even those little nitty-gritties you didn't realise were essential (think ferry tickets and bus rides). So, sit back, let Sheryl take the wheel, and get ready for an island escapade you won't forget.
Introducing our frolicsome furball, Marmite The Spoodle! Ever wondered why he's named Marmite? Well, our four-legged buddy has a quirky palate - he's wild about our Kiwi Marmite spread (who isn't, right?). But his obsession doesn't stop there. He's a certified ball-aholic, chasing, finding, fetching - you get the picture. He also has a soft spot for doggy treats, friendly faces, and gallivanting around our iconic vineyard. Word of caution, ladies! Marmite is quite the charmer (and a bit of a flirt!) - he might just steal your heart, especially if you come bearing gifts of Marmite or, you guessed it, balls! So who's ready to meet our playful vineyard mascot, Marmite?
