ABOUT US
Dedicated To Your Learning Experience
OUR MISSION
Our goal is to help our community to build meaningful and rewarding careers in the distilling, hospitality and spirits industry. We do this by providing world renowned, high-quality, WSET spirits qualifications locally in New Zealand.
We seek to help people develop their skills in the spirits industry, enhancing their ability to contribute on a day to day basis within their role or level in the industry.
Together with providing a range of study options, engaging and interactive learning. We seek to enhance ongoing learning through building a community of learning and practice.
MEET THE TEAM
Michael Darby
Michael is passionate about helping people make greater contributions in their work and lives. With a Certificate in Adult Education and twenty years of tertiary teaching experience, Michael's core responsibility is to ensure that we are on the forefront of education practice and interactive learning technologies.
As a graduate in the WSET Diploma in Wine and Spirits, he is also a WSET educator in both Wine and Spirits.
Director.
Adam Chapman
Adam is an experienced consultant and educator for Wine & Spirits Inc, based on the Central Coast, Australia, and the head distiller for Sunshine & Sons Gin and Vodka and Nil Desperandum Rum.
Adam is a trailblazer in the spirits education industry in Australasia as its first Master Rummelier, first graduate of WSET Level 3 in Spirits and first and most experienced WSET spirits certified educator. He has also completed his IBD General Certificate in Distilling (Cereal), EWA Diploma in Single Malt Whisky, and is currently completing is IBD Diploma in Distilling.
We are very fortunate to have Adam onboard as our director of Education.
Lead Spirits Educator
Kim Black
Kim looks after the day to day running of The Spirits School and make sure that our community of learners are supported.
She developed a love of the Spirits industry through travel, learning about Vodka production in Sweden, Tequila and Agave Spirits production in Mexico, and working through Eastern European orchards learning the art of creating Rakija.
Kim is a WSET Level 2 Spirits graduate, and judged in the 2023 New Zealand Spirits Awards. She is here to help guide you through your Spirits School journey.
Business Manager
Please feel free to contact us!
Interested in one of our courses? Let us know so we can keep you in the loop.
Email: office@thespiritsschool.co.nz