Simon Kirkpatrick is the owner and general manager of Kirkpatrick Estate Winery. Simon, son of John & Bev Kirkpatrick and nephew to All Black legend Ian Kirkpatrick, has previously worked on offshore oil exploration rigs all over the world for 20 years. He grew up on the family farm just across the road from the winery and always thought the site had great potential. His agricultural university training and experience is well applied in the vineyard, and his versatility finds him running the… Show more Simon Kirkpatrick is the owner and general manager of Kirkpatrick Estate Winery. Simon, son of John & Bev Kirkpatrick and nephew to All Black legend Ian Kirkpatrick, has previously worked on offshore oil exploration rigs all over the world for 20 years. He grew up on the family farm just across the road from the winery and always thought the site had great potential. His agricultural university training and experience is well applied in the vineyard, and his versatility finds him running the cellar door, organizing festivals and functions, assisting during vintage as well as developing national and international sales. Show less

Simon Kirkpatrick, or Kirky to his friends, is Gisborne born and bred and has a wealth of local knowledge. He has strong ties to the agricultural, horticultural and viticulture industries ensure he is a valuable member of the Bayleys Rural Team. In his first year with the Gisborne Country Team, Simon sold on his own and has been part of the team who have sold over 20 properties, ranging from Lifestyle blocks, Forestry blocks and Large Farms.The Kirkpatrick family has worked the land for… Show more Simon Kirkpatrick, or Kirky to his friends, is Gisborne born and bred and has a wealth of local knowledge. He has strong ties to the agricultural, horticultural and viticulture industries ensure he is a valuable member of the Bayleys Rural Team. In his first year with the Gisborne Country Team, Simon sold on his own and has been part of the team who have sold over 20 properties, ranging from Lifestyle blocks, Forestry blocks and Large Farms.The Kirkpatrick family has worked the land for over 150 years and instilled in Simon strong morals, work ethic and a wealth of experience ranging from the successful breeding of stud sheep and cattle to award winning cropping of the Poverty Bay flats, leaving him with invaluable knowledge.Prior to joining Bayleys, Simon owned Kirkpatrick Estate Winery. Previously Shalimar Vineyard and Winery, Simon redeveloped the winery with new equipment, new plantings, and new branding; he was very successful in growing and making boutique wines, which won more than 50 medals and accolades over a 14-year period from 2003. In his earlier years, Simon earned a Diploma in Farm Management at Lincoln University before setting off on an OE which saw him travel the world playing rugby and embarking on a career in the offshore oil industry in the North Sea off Scotland.He eventually returned home to Gisborne to continue working in the offshore oil industry and to take advantage of the world-class surf breaks. Simon also played for Ngatapa Rugby Club at a premier level. He captained the side and is still actively involved with the club. He is a current member of the Patutahi Reserve Board (of which his father John was president and served for over 30 years). Family members are still involved in the rural sector, one a stock agent for Silver Fern farms as well as running the family farm and one farming in Tiniroto. He is a strong believer in supporting the local communities and is keen to get out to meet you. Show less

Started with Smedvig working on Semi Tender Rigs, then Seadrill and finally with SapuraKencana Drilling, working in operations and shipyard construction of drilling packages.Highly experienced in the Offshore Oil industry and the running of Offshore Rigs Worldwide.

Started in the North Sea working for Sedco Forex as Maintenance Roustabout, working my way up to Toolpusher on Semi-Submersible, Jack-ups, and Drill Ships with Transocean. Extremely skilled, professional Toolpusher with over 20 years experience in the offshore Oil Industry.