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TO MOST New Zealanders, wool carpet feels better than synthetic, a survey by Colmar Brunton on behalf of carpet maker Cavalier Bremworth, has found.
Shoppers aged 35 and over handled and walked barefoot across a wool and synthetic carpets that were the same colour, pile height and construction.
“More than two thirds chose the wool over the synthetic version,” says Cavalier Bremworth marketing manager Desiree Keown.
“Three quarters of them said the wool carpet was softer and 61% said it was denser, despite being the same weight as the synthetic option. Other comments favouring wool said it had ‘better bounce’, was more natural and less itchy.
“By contrast, the synthetic carpets were variously described as gritty, hard, thin, slimy and smelling of chemicals.”
Keown says the survey shows Kiwis prefer natural, sustainable materials over artificial textiles.
“Our national psyche is all about being real and genuine so the results are not a great shock. They fit in with our Pure New Zealand image and will be music to the ears of the nation’s sheep farmers, who produce the best quality wool in the world.”
Keown says wool carpets are not only soft, comfortable and natural; they’re fire resistant, easy-to-clean and very durable, looking better for longer.
While wool returns continue in the doldrums, smart sheep farmers are looking for alternatives for a product that currently cost more to get off a sheep's back than it's worth. One such initiative is run by husband and wife team Hayden and Anastasia Tristram who farm at Wanstead in the Central Hawke's Bay. Mark Daniel reports.
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South Canterbury farmer Angela Blair has delivered a petition to Parliament calling on the Government to reverse its decision to fit rural schools with synthetic carpet.
Rural schools around NZ are backing a new initiative to help them install wool carpet.
Thousands of students could benefit from a new initiative designed to simplify schools’ access to New Zealand wool carpets for their classrooms.
Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford is claiming “some real success” on the 12 policy priorities it placed before the Coalition Government.
Federated Farmers is throwing its support behind the Fast-track Approvals Bill introduced by the Coalition Government to enable a fast-track decision-making process for infrastructure and development projects.
The latest report from ANZ isn’t good news for sheep farmers: lamb returns are forecast to remain low.
Divine table grapes that herald the start of a brand-new industry in Hawke’s Bay have been coming off vines in Maraekakaho.
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One of New Zealand’s deepest breeder Jersey herds – known for its enduring connection through cattle with the UK’s longest reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II – will host its 75th anniversary celebration sale on-farm on April 22.
