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Agriculture Minister Damien O'Connor.
Agriculture Minister Damien O'Connor has weighed in on the bizarre decision by the Ministry of Education (MOE) to carpet small and remote rural schools in synthetic carpet.
O'Connor told Rural News that he's deeply disappointed that the MOE couldn't see its way through to incorporate more sustainable products into the education system. He says the MOE has been advocating for sustainability through the curriculum and it is essential that they incorporate that into their procurement practices.
O'Connor says while he's not familiar with that department's procurement process it is important that departments make their decisions free from any political interference.
"But I will be asking for details of that. There are often issues around the cost when it comes to wool carpet verses the alternatives," he says. "But the quantum of the contract would surely have allowed for some economic cost efficiencies for wool as happens with the synthetic alternatives."
O'Connor adds that while obviously the goal must be seen to get the best value for taxpayers' dollars, the country is on a journey to sustainabilit and believes that means investing more money for a better long term outcome and wool carpets come into this equation.
Wool carpet and rug manufacturer Bremworth says it’s emerging from a period of significant transformation, rebuilding from damage caused by Cyclone Gabrielle and moving away from synthetics to the production of wool carpets and rugs.
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