Early Bird I Thursday April 10th 2025

Government backs wool industry with new procurement rules, new study shows volcano threat could cut off 5000 farms, and golden jubilee conference set for Queenstown next month.

Welcome to Proud Country's Early Bird - The top things you need to know that impact rural New Zealand delivered to you by 5am, because who doesn’t need better chat beyond the weather!

 

Government backs wool industry with new procurement rules

Government agencies will be required to use woollen fibre products in the construction and refurbishment of government buildings from July, in a move aimed at backing New Zealand sheep farmers and revitalising the wool industry. 

The new requirement delivers on a coalition agreement between New Zealand First and National to give preference to woollen fibres in government buildings.Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis says the government is leveraging its spending power to provide targeted opportunities for wool producers, which will help increase jobs and drive economic growth.

The policy will apply to construction of government-owned buildings costing $9 million or more and refurbishments of $100,000 or more, affecting about 130 agencies. Willis notes the change will encourage innovation in building materials, potentially leading to more investment and new markets. Woollen fibres have multiple applications in buildings including carpet, upholstery, insulation, and acoustic panels.

Associate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson says the government is walking the talk in supporting farmers and the wool industry, which contributed $549 million to the New Zealand economy in the financial year ending 2024. New Zealand remains the world's third-largest wool producer after China and Australia, accounting for about 9 percent of global wool production.

 

Industry bodies applaud wool mandate as turning point

The Government's move has drawn support from key industry organisations, with both Wools of New Zealand and Federated Farmers hailing the move as a significant boost for struggling wool producers.

Wools of New Zealand chief executive John McWhirter described the policy as an excellent decision and a strong vote of confidence in the country's wool growers. McWhirter emphasised that government leadership in this area would create meaningful demand while reinforcing New Zealand's global reputation as a leader in natural, sustainable fibre production.

Federated Farmers has also welcomed the announcement, with meat and wool chair Toby Williams calling it shear brilliance and a clear vote of confidence in the future of New Zealand wool. Williams said the policy recognises the value of New Zealand-grown wool and backs the world-leading farmers who produce it.

Both organisations expressed hope that the government's leadership would inspire wider uptake across the private sector, stimulating demand and innovation throughout the wool industry supply chain.

 

Dairy sector seeks worker feedback in nationwide survey

DairyNZ has launched its annual Dairy Farm Employee survey, seeking insights from farm staff across the country to help improve workplace conditions and retention in the sector. The survey, which runs until the end of April, gathers critical information to support farmers and managers in creating better work environments.

Jane Muir, DairyNZ Senior People Specialist, emphasised the vital role dairy employees play in caring for land, animals and the environment daily. With employees making up two-thirds of the on-farm workforce, understanding their experiences and motivations for joining or leaving the industry is crucial for sector development.

The initiative forms part of DairyNZ's Increasing Workplace Productivity programme, which researches practices and technologies that boost productivit