Saibosi partners with Wools of New Zealand to showcase farm-to-floor wool rugs in China
Chinese textile company Saibosi has partnered with Wools of New Zealand to put the 'farm to floor' story of New Zealand wool rugs on screen for its customers.
A group set up to boost education and promotion of wool says it has made positive strides during the first year of its three-year strategy.
Campaign for Wool New Zealand says, although it's been demanding, it has seen remarkable growth and got solid traction.
In its 2023 report, released last week, president Ryan Cosgrove says their strategic focus over the last financial year has been unwaveringly centred on their key priorities: education, promotion and advocacy.
"Not only are we confident in the strength and momentum of our strategy, we're on target and extremely excited about taking our work to the next level in 2024. Our results speak for themselves.
"Thousands of children taught about the wonders of wool with refurbished facilities and resources.
"Over two million people reached with a new multimedia consumer campaign about choosing wool over synthetics.
"We've increased our alignment and support with over 230 supporters and partners and we've advocated regionally and globally for amplified use of New Zealand wool."
But Cosgrove says their work is more than a strategy.
"It's a movement and it's gathering speed: our actions, and our work alongside our partners is now beginning to create the change the industry needs. And the year ahead will see us do even more."
According to the annual report, over two million NZ consumers were reached with multi-channel advertising campaigns across TV, print, radio, digital and social media. The "Wool in Schools" programme reached 6700 students and it posted 320 "engaging" social media posts across Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.
Cosgrove says educating New Zealand's youth about the advantages of choosing wool products over synthetic alternatives is vital for instilling early awareness and fostering sustainable habits.
"Primary school years form a crucial foundation for lifelong values, making it an opportune time to introduce concepts of wool performance and environmental responsibility. While integrating wool education into secondary schools empowers the next generation to prioritise wool use over synthetics, it also develops conscious consumerism and the importance of supporting our nation's wool industry.
"By teaching young children about the benefits of New Zealand wool, educators can impart essential knowledge about the material's renewable and biodegradable nature. This early understanding encourages children to develop a sense of responsibility towards the environment, as they grasp the positive impact of choosing wool over synthetic materials over ecosystems and sustainability."
He says plans for this year include expanding into tertiary with a tailored modular pilot programme across architecture, and creating a new 'Wool in Schools' pilot programme for remote schools.
There are also plans to develop further consumer campaigns to promote wool's benefits and champion strong wool for specification in public and government buildings.
Initiated in 2010 by King Charles III, the Campaign for Wool (CFW) is a global endeavour raising awareness among consumers about the natural, renewable and biodegradable benefits offered by the fibre.
A technical lab manager for Apata, Phoebe Scherer, has won the Bay of Plenty 2025 Young Grower regional title.
Following heavy rain which caused flooding in parts of Nelson-Tasman and sewerage overflows in Marlborough, the Insurance & Financial Services Ombudsman Scheme (IFSO Scheme) is urging homeowners and tenants to be cautious when cleaning up and to take the right steps to support claims.
Newly elected Federated Farmers meat and wool group chair Richard Dawkins says he will continue the great work done his predecessor Toby Williams.
Hosted by ginger dynamo Te Radar, the Fieldays Innovation Award Winners Event put the spotlight on the agricultural industry's most promising ideas.
According to DairyNZ's latest Econ Tracker update, there has been a rise in the forecast breakeven milk price for the 2025/26 season.
Despite the rain and a liberal coating of mud, engines roared, and the 50th Fieldays Tractor Pull Competition drew crowds of spectators across the four days of the annual event.