Wool win could really shift the dial

News that dozens of government agencies will be required to use woollen fibre products when building or renovating is a big deal for Kiwis and ‘a massive relief,’ says Campaign for Wool New Zealand general manager Kara Biggs.

Kara Biggs.

“We are ecstatic about this government policy. It’s this type of work that could really shift the dial for the entire NZ wool industry.”

From July 1, new procurement requirements will see construction of Government-owned buildings that cost $9 million and more, and refurbishments of $100,000 and more, using woollen fibre.

“These are big projects, big budgets, and lots of homegrown NZ wool being used instead of harmful, toxic, micro-plastic emitting synthetics,” Biggs says.

The strong wool advocacy not-for-profit has been vocal about – and instrumental in overturning – Government agency decisions that had previously excluded wool carpets from being considered for public buildings such as Kāinga Ora housing.

“For many years now, our strong wool growers have been pleading for the Government to choose quality woollen products when building and renovating state buildings.
They know as well as we do that the benefits of wool are far-reaching and long-lasting – it’s natural, durable, moisture-wicking, flame-resistant, hypoallergenic and temperature-regulating.
And these are attributes that will outlast the people living and working in these buildings today and tomorrow.

Mandating wool for use in Government buildings, where appropriate, also gives NZ strong wool growers confidence that their industry is supported at the highest level.

“Our farmers are reassured and relieved, and excited to see the beginnings of a shift taking place – one where wool is no longer a struggling by-product but positioned to take its place as a pillar of our economy.”

She’s also heartened that many NZ businesses are already installing NZ wool products in their office spaces.

“I think this high-level decision provides an important opportunity for more Kiwi organisations to pick up the baton and create their own internal policies to ensure consideration of wool products when building and renovating their own public or commercial spaces.

“This decision has the potential to positively influence other countries, and other governments, to listen, learn and follow. It’s fantastic to see we have a government willing to stand behind such a solid policy and support an important industry.”