Sir Sam Neill: the activist, the winemaker, the conservationist
Monday, 13 July 2026
Sir Sam Neill, who died in Australia aged 78, is being remembered for speaking up about issues he cared passionately about, particularly those affecting his beloved Central Otago.
The New Zealand acting icon’s family confirmed via social media the Jurassic Park star died suddenly and unexpectedly in Australia on Monday.
Neill has been remembered as an activist, a conservationist, an award-winning winemaker, and a gentle soul.
He remained steadfast in his mission to halt the fast-tracked Santana Minerals open-cast gold mine proposed near his home.
He regularly posted online about his opposition to the mine which centred on the environmental footprint of the proposed operation.
In a short documentary released earlier this year, Neill warned of “mining on an industrial scale”. He highlighted the severe dangers of a planned 2km-long tailings dam designed to store toxic by-products like cyanide and arsenic, warning that failures of such dams are an inevitability.
His message to supporters in April was resolute: “The fight goes on, and we really need to stop this filthy mine.”
In 2022, he joined forces with Central Otago artist Sir Grahame Sydney to oppose a proposal to plant 66 hectares of pine trees on Lammermoor Station.
Following 39 submissions out of 44 in opposition, the owners withdrew their resource consent application in 2023. As part of the Central Otago Wilding Conifer Control Group, Neill said the application was in fundamental conflict with the definition and purpose of the Outstanding Natural Landscape.
In 2024, he spoke out against a KiwiRail sign that was placed at the culturally important scene of Rita Angus’ famous oil painting of Cass’ historic shed. It led to an apology from KiwiRail and the sign being moved.
Neill voiced his frustration at the sign’s placement, in a characteristically passionate email, he sent to The Press.
“Which idiot did this? Come on. Put your hand up!” he wrote.
Sydney, who knew Neill for nearly 70 years, said he was “a vital and supportive influence on contemporary New Zealand cultural life”.
Sydney said away from the big screen, Neill’s heart remained grounded under the big skies of Central Otago.
“His devotion to his home province, and its distinctive character was unwavering and deeply anchored. “As a friend he was modest, witty, impeccably well-mannered, and always enjoyable company.
“Generosity and natural dignity distinguished him. A great man and a great mate.”
Neill also took part in a LGBQT march on the Sydney Harbour Bridge and posted his support of it on his social media.
When former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern resigned, he said her treatment and the pile on had been disgraceful and embarrassing.
“All the bullies, the misogynists, the aggrieved. She deserved so much better. A great leader,” he said.
Neill established his vineyard, Two Paddocks, in Central Otago’s Gibbston Valley in 1993 and was an avid supporter of New Zealand wine industry.
His pinot noir, The Fusilier 2018, was awarded best Pinot Nor in 2021 by the Wine & Spirits Magazine’s Top 100.
Jane Skilton, wine writer, judge and founder of the New Zealand School of Wine and Spirits, told RNZ Neill was a staunch supported of New Zealand’s wine industry, was generous with his time, and always gave his staff recognition for their work.
The Department of Conservation said in a statement Neill was a fierce and passionate champion for our environment.
'Whether it was advocating for our native species, supporting local conservation projects, or simply sharing his deep love for our unique landscapes, Sam walked the talk. He understood that our nature isn't just something to look at, it’s something we must cherish and protect,' it said.