Top wool advocate bales out
The conversion of productive farmland into trees has pretty much annihilated the wool industry.
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.
The Meat Industry Association (MIA) is once again looking for game-changing ideas for New Zealand's red meat processing and exporting sector.
Environment Southland is inviting feedback on two bylaws that play a critical role in safeguarding the region's waterways and ensuring the safety of the local community.
While the North Island is inundated with rain, Southland is facing receding water levels as warm weather and lack of rainfall continues.
Entries have opened for the 2026 Fieldays Innovation Awards.
Organisers are expecting another full field of 40 of the country’s top shearers for the popular Speed Shearing event at this year’s Southern Field Days at Waimumu.
The Southern Field Days Innovation Awards have a great record in picking winners and the winner of the 2024 event will be putting up a display to support the event at this year’s show.

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