Declining NZ wool quality raises concerns for exporters, says Patterson
A deterioration in the quality of New Zealand's wool clip is a problem for manufacturers and exporters, says Associate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson.
The New Zealand Merino Company has posted a net profit of $1.9 million for year ending June 2014. A dividend of $950,000 has been declared.
Company chairman Ruth Richardson attributes the positive result to NZM's innovative model.
"This is a result NZM can be proud of. It highlights that our market-focused model is setting a standard that is distinctively different to any other offering.
"Our customers and shareholders can be confident that we are delivering value through our single-minded focus to have the highest standards in production, ethical standards, servicing our markets and creating customer delight".
"Through this model we have delivered major value add to growers and market partners alike".
Richardson says the board has set ambitious goals to double the value of the company in the next three years.
Chief executive John Brakenridge says the result reflected the strong partnerships and a model that continues to deliver.
"In the last 16 years we have built several key and lasting market partnerships and this year have delivered a profit after tax return of 22% on average shareholders' funds," he says.
"The success of the Merino and Mid Micron model has given us confidence to build a presence in the adjacent strong wool market."
Brakenridge also commented on the talent of the NZM team.
"We have attracted a team of capable, passionate people who have a diverse base of skills who are recognised for their leadership from wool expertise, through to market development, sales and marketing, creative, textile science, production science and environmental science and are helping us to achieve our vision".
Education union NZEI Te Riu Roa says that while educators will support the Government’s investment in learning support, they’re likely to be disappointed that it has been paid for by defunding expert teachers.
The Government says it is sharpening its focus and support for the food and fibre industry in Budget 2025.
A European Union regulation ensuring that the products its citizens consume do not contribute to deforestation or forest degradation worldwide threatens $200m of New Zealand beef and leather exports.
A long-acting, controlled- release capsule designed to protect ewes from internal parasites during the lambing period is back on the market following a comprehensive reassessment.
Healthcare appears to be the big winner in this year's budget as agriculture and environment miss out.
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