- Wool will become the preferred choice in government construction and refurbishment from 1 July
- Ministers say move supports farmers, boosts jobs, and strengthens sustainable building practices
- Agencies must explain if wool isn’t used and report decisions annually to MBIE
The New Zealand Government has confirmed that from 1 July, woollen products will be preferred in the construction and refurbishment of public buildings. The move is part of a broader push to support local industries, promote sustainable materials, and meet a coalition agreement between New Zealand First and the National Party.
Under the new rules, about 130 government agencies will be required to use wool in new buildings worth more than $9 million and refurbishments over $100,000, where practical and appropriate. Agencies that decide not to use wool must justify their choice and report their decisions each year to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE).
Federated Farmers welcomed the announcement, calling it a big step forward for the wool industry and rural communities. “This is a clear vote of confidence in the future of New Zealand wool as a natural and sustainable product,” said Federated Farmers meat & wool chair Toby Williams. He praised the government’s recognition of the work done by farmers, noting that wool’s environmental benefits—being biodegradable, non-toxic, and low-carbon—make it an ideal material for modern construction.
“For too long, synthetic alternatives have dominated the list of preferred construction materials, despite wool being a better option in so many ways,” Williams added. “Today’s announcement goes a long way in putting those part wrongs right.”
Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis said the move will help generate jobs and new business opportunities by increasing demand for woollen fibres. “We’re showing our commitment to woollen fibres by leveraging government spending, to provide more targeted opportunities for wool producers,” she said.
Associate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson noted that the wool industry contributed $549 million to the economy last year through processed and unprocessed exports. He said the new procurement rules send a strong message of support to New Zealand’s sheep farmers.
New Zealand First leader Winston Peters called the decision a “no-brainer” and said it could help drive employment and regional development. “We are putting New Zealand wool first again,” he said. “Uptake of woollen fibre products by government agencies can help drive employment and regional development and world products, production locations, as well as encouraging sustainability and innovation in the building materials industry.”
Peters said New Zealand wool is highly sought after and of the highest quality in the world.
Willis described the move as part of the Government’s “broader growth agenda” and said it would help make New Zealand more prosperous by creating opportunities for innovation, investment and sustainable practices.
Agencies will be guided by a range of factors including cost, performance, availability, sustainability, and wellbeing when deciding how to apply the new directive.