Wool Impact CEO Andy Caughey calls for greater use of natural fibres in NZ buildings
Andy Caughey of Wool Impact says a lot of people in NZ have been saying it's crazy that we are not using natural fibres in our buildings and houses.
A new dawn for New Zealand's struggling strong wool sector or déjà vu all over again?
That's the question many woolgrowers are asking following the recent launch of the latest iteration aimed at revitalising NZ's long-ailing strong wool sector.
Wool Impact Limited came into existence following recent confirmation of the new industry body's $11.4 million funding from both government and industry.
The new entity came about after the Strong Wool Action Group (SWAG) recommended, back in February, the formation of a new strong wool sector organisation.
Wool Impact started operations on July 1, funded by MPI's Sustainable Food and Fibres Future fund ($4.5 million) - with industry groups, including WoolWorks and sheep meat processing entitites, covering the remaining $6.9 million.
Agriculture Minister Damien O'Connor says the new body's purpose is to facilitate innovation and investment, support demand growth, boost sector service, and enable a unified voice for strong wool in New Zealand.
SWAG chair Rob Hewett claims Wool Impact's funding model demonstrated how industry and Government can work together to drive growth for New Zealand's strong wool sector. The entity will have three full-time employees who will work with project partners to implement its strategic plan.
The Campaign for Wool chair Tom O'Sullivan says his organisation is just pleased this announcement has finally been made.
"My CFW board believes that the wool industry must do things differently and core to this is uniting behind a common strategy for NZ strong wool," he told Rural News.
O'Sullivan says CFW is eager to meet with the new Wool Impact team.
"We'd like to commence discussions on how we can collaborate positively behind an overarching comon strategy to position NZ strong wool as the best natural wool fibre in the world."
O'Sullivan adds that for most of the country's strong wool farmers, wool is currently a cost to their business.
"So, we must move with absolute urgency to establish our common strategy and get cracking with delivering on it and return wool to being a significant revenue stream for farmers once again."
Rosstan Mazey, chairman of the National Council of New Zealand Wool Interests, says he is confident Wool Impact will have the capability to support and accelerate growth and innovation across the strong wool sector.
Meanwhile, John McWhirter, chief executive of carpet brand Wools of NZ, claims the new organisation will help fuel innovation and generate new demand for strong wool consumer brands, products and services.
Four Out of Five
Four of the five board members that wil lead Wool Impact were also announced last week. The new board members are:
SWAG chair Rob Hewett says he was delighted with the quality and calibre of the appointees.
"All have extensive skills across multiple sectors with demonstrable experience building brands and revenue on a global scale."
Phoebe Scherer, a technical manager from the Bay of Plenty, has won the 2025 Young Grower of the Year national title.
The Fencing Contractors Association of New Zealand (FCANZ) celebrated the best of the best at the 2025 Fencing Industry Awards, providing the opportunity to honour both rising talent and industry stalwarts.
Award-winning boutique cheese company, Cranky Goat Ltd has gone into voluntary liquidation.
As an independent review of the National Pest Management Plan for TB finds the goal of complete eradication by 2055 is still valide, feedback is being sought on how to finish the job.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand has launched an AI-powered digital assistant to help farmers using the B+LNZ Knowledge Hub to create tailored answers and resources for their farming businesses.
A tiny organism from the arid mountains of mainland Greece is facilitating a new way of growing healthier animals on farms across New Zealand.
OPINION: For years, the ironically named Dr Mike Joy has used his position at Victoria University to wage an activist-style…
OPINION: A mate of yours truly has had an absolute gutsful of the activist group SAFE.