Lanaco and Blueair Launch World-First NZ Wool Air Filter
New Zealand wool is reaching new heights as air filtration companies move away from synthetic products to biodegradable alternatives.
THE WOOL Research Organisation of New Zealand (WRONZ) is exploring whether it can pick up some industry-good activities proposed under the defeated wool levy.
The levy was rejected in a nationwide referendum of wool growers in October, but several industry players at that time supported the need for expanded leadership and education for wool.
Chairman Derrick Millton says WRONZ members have been advised of a meeting on December 11 and will look at some of the organisation’s rules, and whether its role can be expanded.
“It is a possibility that WRONZ can be involved in the education to a greater degree, or alter the funding of education, and also alter some of the advocacy and collaborative stuff we do for the wool industry because we are already a pan-sector group.
“We are keen to at least have a discussion over this. It is a collaborative process and the outcome of the meeting [of members] will be taken on by the board.
The possibility of WRONZ taking an expanded role was suggested by an industry player just as the levy, which would have raised $4.6m a year, went to the vote in October and was rejected.
Wool sales and marketing company Wools of NZ opposed the levy at the time as creating “another structure in an already cluttered industry”.
At that time, Wools of NZ chair Mark Shadbolt said there was a need for some industry leadership activities and additional training and tech transfer. He suggested WRONZ could broaden its mandate to take on some of those activities.
Farmers have until the end of this week to help shape DairyNZ’s future focus.
Wayne McNee, chief executive of AgriZeroNZ, has resigned and will leave the organisation on 15 January 2027.
The New Zealand dairy sector set a record in the 2025/26 season, producing more than two billion kilograms of milksolids for the first time.
Milk powder prices are continuing their merry run, firming up a potential $10/kgMS farmgate price this season.
Teachers are welcoming the outgoing Government’s U-turn allowing agriculture and horticultural science to remain a standalone Year 11 subject.
Outgoing ACT MP and dairy farmer Mark Cameron says Saturday’s election result reflects voters deeply impacted by the cost of living.

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