Creating a strong united voice on wool

A new cross-sector body aims to deliver better long-term outcomes for the New Zealand strong wool industry, generating greater demand, lifting value and avoiding costly duplication.

The Wool Alliance, a formal agreement between Campaign for Wool NZ, Wool Impact, the Wool Research Organisation of NZ and Beef and Lamb NZ, is a first-of-its-kind industry model to enable wool’s economic stability and growth, and safeguard lasting capability for the sector.

Former Fonterra chair, John Monaghan, has been appointed the independent chair of the Wool Alliance, and charged with leading the roll-out. He’s realistic about what is required to lead the wool sector at such a critical time.

“I see real opportunity for strong wool to lift its value and visibility globally. But it’s not a straightforward pathway,” he says. “Currently, we have multiple bodies competing for funding. Consolidation is the obvious solution, and it’s what growers want. The Wool Alliance needs to show up differently, cooperate and collaborate to create a lean and sustainable structure.”

The establishment phase will focus on market enablement, pre-competitive support, and delivering a strong, united voice for NZ wool. “Wool is a cornerstone of our NZ identity, and it’s important it remains so.”

Implementation of an enduring model for New Zealand strong wool is expected in 2026, following extensive consultation with industry partners, testing and refinement.

The Wool Alliance says beneficiaries of this work will be broader than wool growers, with advantages felt far beyond the farm gate.

Early-stage funding will come from existing resources, although other funding sources will need to be considered as the model evolves.

“There’s a big job ahead of us to build the industry up again and establish an enduring model for wool that really works. It’s a great challenge and one I’m pleased to bring my experience and enthusiasm to,” Monaghan says.