Nick and hiswife Robyn bought the property back in 1992 when it was a bare lifestyle block. They've turned it into a Waiheke institution, producing quality chardonnay, pinot gris, cabernet sauvignon and syrah – as well as lesser known varieties like petit verdot and tempranillo.
"It's all about trying to create a product that people want to come and enjoy," says Nick.
With all the requirements of a rural vinicultural business, but set on the western end of the second-largest island in Auckland's Hauraki Gulf, Mudbrick mixes life on the land with modern systems to oversee production and distribution of its wine, through to managing restaurant bookings, weddings and the cellar door.
Mudbrick now spans two distinct vineyards and the award-winning restaurant. The increasing complexity of the business required new ways of running the operation, something the owners were aware of, given their backgrounds as accountants.
"Cloud-based accounting has been an amazing innovation and change for us.
"Our winery is located at a different point from where our restaurant and vineyards are. Everything is getting done in the background. The information we need is getting collated and having ready access to that information is just so helpful."
Mudbrick is an example of a business that is becoming increasingly automated. Whereas in the past wine movements had to be manually tracked, now technology is making the production process a whole lot easier.
The business operates on MYOB's cloud-based accounting software, allowing Nick to monitor cashflow requirement in real time.
MYOB's New Zealand General Manager says Mudbrick is a great example of a business that is successfully using technology to build its profitability and enhance its products and services.
MYOB NZ General Manager Carolyn Luey. Photo / Supplied
"We've been working alongside successful New Zealand businesses for more than two decades and are focused on providing the latest cloud-based accounting software tools to help them succeed. It's about doing less bookwork and more real work.
"It's always wonderful to see customers like Mudbrick achieving amazing results. We look forward to toasting many more vintage years from them," says Carolyn.
- The above article is supplied by MYOB as part of a collaborative partnership alongside NZME on the Agri-Business and primary industries sector.
