Mike Ponder

Mike Ponder is well known for his art and has exhibited widely throughout New Zealand and internationally. He has produced two books of his works. Forestry, wine and olive oil have also played an important role in Mike's career. For almost 30 years he has had forestry interests in the Marlborough Sounds and for many years, as a member of the NZ Forestry Council, he championed the cause of the small scale forest owner. In 1987 Mike and his wife Di purchased land on the outskirts of Blenheim and planted their first olives and grapes the following year. When Ponder Estate was sold in 2002, Mike and Di Ponder had a national and international reputation for their wines, and were known as pioneers in the development of the olive oil industry in New Zealand. As well as publishing the books on his art, he has also published one on growing olives. For a time Mike and Di lived in Queensland, however they have now returned to Marlborough and are making wine once more.