Associate Minister of Agriculture Mark Patterson said that Te Kūiti’s Great New Zealand Muster was a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the sheep and farmers and their invaluable role in communities and regional economies.
Patterson, known as the ‘Minister for Wool,’ joined the front of the Great NZ Muster running of the Sheep down the main street of Te Kūiti. He said it was a great honour to be part of this iconic event, which demonstrated the rural communities' vibrant spirit.
The event was combined with NZ Shears, one of New Zealand’s premiere shearing events. At this event, visitors can see world-class shearers in action who have been big contributors to the rural community.
“For me, it’s also a chance to reflect on the state of the wool sector and the positive steps the government and industry are taking to turn it around – supporting the New Zealand wool industry is a key part in doubling the value of New Zealand exports,” said Patterson.
“The recent bar that we have crossed is that wool prices now cover the shearing costs, which is something that we have been working hard at to change, but we know there is much more to be done. I am more confident than ever that we can turn around the fortunes of wool.”
He mentioned that there was a swing back to natural fibres. Wool exports were worth NZD 549 million in the year to the 30th of June 2024, up from NZD 513 million in the previous year.
“We’re seeing good gains, with strong wool price steadily increasing over the last 18 months to be now sitting around NZD four per kg (clean), which is an eight-year high.”
New Zealand is the largest exporter of strong wool, accounting for 20 percent of the 500 million kilograms of strong wool produced globally. Patterson said he wanted the country to remain on top and deliver higher and more sustainable pricing for farmers.
“Together with key players in the sector, we’re investing time, energy, and money into innovation and new uses to lift the demand for strong wool.”
To date, 20 strong wool projects from across the value-chain have been approved for funding, with NZD 17.8 million of government investment via the Ministry for Primary Industries and co-funding of NZD 22.9 million from industry partners, for a total of NZD 40.7 million.
These projects have focused on finding high-value opportunities for the nation’s strong wool, facilitating collaboration, and improving sector and supply chain capability.
Funded projects include Bremworth’s 100 percent, fully compostable wool carpets and rugs and T&R Interior Systems’ Floc wool acoustic panel - both of which have the potential to significantly boost returns for New Zealand’s wool farmers.
Patterson hoped that the Great New Zealand Muster would act as a springboard for thinking about the benefits of strong wool.
“New Zealand wool was once the backbone of New Zealand’s economy, and I remain excited about the future of the wool industry as we tap into new high-value opportunities,” he added.
“I will continue to work with farmers to rebuild the industry into a strong sector that recognises its exporting and sustainability potential.”
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