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 Josh Stalker, General Manager of Wild Estate. With extensive experience leading large vineyard restaurants, Josh oversees the people, performance and day-to-day direction of the Estate. A confident, hands-on leader, he combines sharp commercial thinking with a genuine talent for bringing out the best in his team. Whether he’s shaping the guest experience, steering a major event or refining the finer details behind the scenes, Josh makes sure everything runs with precision—without ever taking himself too seriously. Just don’t challenge him to a game of Jandle.
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 Mel Smith, our Booking Boss Lady and the expert behind every seamless Wild Estate adventure. Having previously owned her own tour company, Mel knows exactly how to turn a day out into a brilliantly planned island itinerary. From ferry tickets and transport to activities, dining and all the finer details, she’ll take care of everything your group didn’t even know it needed. A lover of dogs, Chardonnay and a plan that runs perfectly, Mel makes getting to the wild side wonderfully easy—and when the planning is done, you’ll find her reigning as queen of the dance floor.
Meet Fonzie and Boris, our four-legged Directors of Guest Relations. Fonzie, our fun-loving Labradoodle, brings boundless enthusiasm to the role, while Boris, our confident Lagotto keeps a watchful eye on the Estate—and Fonzie. Best mates, occasional troublemakers and firm believers that every vineyard needs more playtime, they take their responsibilities very seriously: greeting guests, patrolling the grounds and reminding us all not to take life too seriously.
