China No Longer Just A Commodity Story - Luxon
China remains New Zealand’s biggest market, taking $23 billion of our exports, but it’s no longer a commodity story, says Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.
John Dawson, CEO of NZWSI, reports that the South Island sale this week saw a strong market with steady support.
Of the 9,250 bales on offer, 84.4% sold.
The weighted indicator for the main trading currencies was down 0.72% compared to the last sale on 17th September, helping hold up local price levels.
Dawson advises that in line with other Merino-growing markets, local prices for Merino Fleece 18 to 23.5 microns saw a slight easing. Compared to the last sale on 10th September, prices were 2 to 6% cheaper.
Mid Micron from 24 to 28.5 microns were firm to 1.5% cheaper. Compared to the sale of 17th September, Fine Crossbred Full Fleece were 2.5% firmer and shear types 2 to 4% dearer, with the very short types under the most pressure.
Coarse Fleece were up to 2% firmer with Coarse shears firm to 2% dearer.
Oddments were firm to 2% stronger.
There is still competition with China continuing to dominate, supported by Western Europe, Middle East, Australasia, and very limited activity from India and the United Kingdom.
The next sale on 1st October comprises approximately 6,000 bales from the North Island.
“We’re not normal.” That’s how Jack Walters, executive director of Pungent Pukeko, describes his gin brand, which has just won gold at the World Gin Awards.
Dr Tim Harwood, a seafood food safety research leader, has been awarded the 2026 Significant Contribution Award at the New Zealand Institute of Food Science and Technology (NZIFST) Food Industry Awards.
Today marks the first day of operations for Waikato Waters, a new council-controlled organisation established by six district councils to deliver water and wastewater services for their communities.
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has announced has opened applications for the 2026/27 funding round of the Greenhouse Gas Inventory Research (GHGIR) fund.
New Zealand’s vegetable sector will take centre stage at Parliament today, celebrating a vital industry and sharing a clear, future focused vision for how it can continue to thrive.
New Zealand red meat exports reached a second consecutive monthly record in May, rising to $1.6 billion, according to the Meat Industry Association.

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