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.

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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 productivity while improving on-farm working conditions. Muir noted that employee responses consistently highlight the importance of good leadership and communication in the workplace.

The anonymous survey finishes on April 30, a link can be found in this episodes description: https://scarlatti.typeform.com/employee-2025

 

New study shows volcano threat could cut off 5000 farms

New research from the University of Canterbury warns that more than 5000 farms could be left isolated for months if Taranaki Maunga were to erupt. The study found up to 40 percent of rural roads and 45 percent of bridges around the mountain could be affected by volcanic activity.

Study co-author Dr Heather Craig explained the findings are part of a comprehensive five-year project called He Mounga Puia, which examines the potential impacts of a future eruption across different sectors in the Taranaki region. The research team modelled how the rural region's farms, marae, towns and local airport are connected to assess how disruptive an eruption would be to community connectivity.

Dr Craig says that bridges are particularly vulnerable to lahars, which could lead to farms and rural communities becoming cut off for extended periods.

Volcanologists contributing to the research estimate there is a 30 to 50 percent chance of Taranaki Maunga erupting within the next 50 years.

 

Golden jubilee conference set for Queenstown next month

Deer industry leaders are gearing up for a milestone celebration as the annual conference returns to Queenstown in May to mark 50 years of the NZ Deer Farmers Association. The two-day event running May 14-15 will feature industry updates, workshops, and culminate in a prestigious awards dinner recognising excellence across the sector.

The NZDFA AGM takes place on the first day before moving into the main conference featuring the state of the industry presentation, DINZ Board Q&A session, and an address from the Minister of Agriculture Todd McClay. Afternoon sessions include perspectives on Asian markets from Millie Morgan and Brad Olsen, plus concurrent workshops covering markets, research, and animal health.

Environmental, Deer Industry, and Matuschka awards will be presented at the Industry Awards Dinner alongside winners of the Deer Industry Photo Competition. 

The conference concludes May 15 with a field day at Fairlight Station, though transport options are already at capacity with organisers working to accommodate a growing waitlist. 

For more information and to register for the conference follow the link in this episodes description: https://deernz.org/home/events/deer-industry-conference-2025/ 

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