Ewe beauty: Government backs wool in construction
A new mandate means government agencies are expected to use New Zealand wool when building or refurbishing.
In a move being called ‘shear brilliance’ by New Zealand farmers, the government has said that from 1 July, all government agencies must use wool fibre products in the construction of new and refurbished buildings.
Announced in parliament on 9 April by Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis and Associate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson, the move is designed to encourage innovation in the building materials industry, leading to more investment and new market opportunities.
The new procurement requirements will apply to the construction of government-owned buildings that cost $9 million and more, and to refurbishments of $100,000 and more. The requirement will apply to about 130 agencies.
“Woollen fibres have a wide range of uses in buildings including carpet, upholstery, insulation, and acoustic panels,” Ms Willis says.
“There are also sustainability and health benefits to using wool. Wool’s natural qualities allow it to dampen sound and absorb pollutants, and woollen fibres contribute to healthier indoor environments by naturally regulating humidity and improving air quality.”
A GOOD YARN
In the financial year ending 2024, the wool sector contributed $549 million to the New Zealand economy from exporting processed and unprocessed wool products.
“Wool has been synonymous with New Zealand since the early settlers bought sheep here 200 years ago, and New Zealand remains the world’s third largest wool producer, after China and Australia and accounts for about nine per cent of total world wool production,” says Mr Patterson.
“Our wool industry has recently been through a tough time with competition from synthetic fibres in global markets and a decline in both sheep numbers and the volume of wool produced. The sector is turning the tide with wool prices now covering the shearing costs, but we know there is more to be done.
“There’s a real swing back to natural fibres with consumer interests moving back to renewable fibres such as wool.”
WIN FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS
Federated Farmers meat and wool chair Toby Williams says it was “fantastic to see the Government recognising so strongly the value of New Zealand-grown wool and backing the world-leading farmers who produce it”.
Williams says wool’s unique environmental credentials-being biodegradable, non-toxic, and low-carbon-make it a far more sustainable choice for building.
“This announcement isn’t just a win for Kiwi sheep farmers. It’s a win for the environment and future generations,” Williams says.
“For too long, synthetic alternatives have dominated the list of preferred construction materials, despite wool being a better option in so many ways.
“To sum it up in two words? Shear brilliance.”
