Wool carpet u-turn ‘could help growers’

That’s according to Bremworth chief executive Greg Smith who told Rural News that were the contract to go to a New Zealand wool carpet supplier as opposed to a synthetic carpet supplier, it would mean the Government would essentially be importing less plastic and instead supporting New Zealand wool growers, their suppliers and communities.

“If government select a New Zealand-made wool carpet, the benefits get even better for New Zealand because we then have the local wool buyers, through to wool scour, dyehouse, wool spinners and carpet tufters.

“In addition to those benefits, we also believe it will be a much nicer product for Kainga Ora’s clients to live their lives on because wool is easy to clean and maintain, it continues to look fabulous over time, it’s nice to touch and it’s naturally fire retardant.”

Smith’s comments come after late last year when it was discovered that state housing provider Kainga Ora had opted to rule out the use of wool carpets in social housing at the proposal stage.

This was despite the National-NZ First coalition agreement, signed in 2023, requiring that government agencies be directed to use woollen fibres where practical and appropriate in government buildings.

That followed a similar furore in July 2023 when the Ministry of Education opted to use synthetic carpets manufactured by a US company in small and remote schools.

Subsequently, at the end of last month it was announced that Kainga Ora would reopen its decision to tender for carpets in state housing, thus allowing wool carpet suppliers to bid, a decision welcomed by and Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson.

Subsequently, at the end of last month it was announced that Kainga Ora would reopen its decision to tender for carpets in state housing, thus allowing wool carpet suppliers to bid, a decision welcomed by and Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson.

“I welcome Kainga Ora’s decision to change its tender approach,” Patterson says.

“This is a great step toward ensuring wool, a sustainable and high-quality product, is given the fair consideration it deserves.

“It creates a level playing field, supports the wool industry and honours the coalition agreement,” he adds.

Kainga Ora chief executive Matt Crockett says that traditionally the state housing provider used solution dyed nylon carpet due to its durability and price.

“Kainga Ora owns and maintains more than 75,000 homes throughout New Zealand. Over the two years to 30 June 2026, we are adding a further 2,650 new homes to our portfolio and will be significantly renovating or replacing another 3,000 existing homes,” Crockett says.

He says the Request for Proposal is an opportunity to retest market pricing for both wool and nylon carpet offerings as part of its procurement process.

“This approach gives all suppliers the fair chance to put their best proposals forward, and we look forward to seeing what they can offer.”

Meanwhile Federated Farmers meat and wool chair Toby Williams says the decision is a “cause for celebration” for strong-wool farmers.

“Kainga Ora’s previous tender process pulled the rug out from under the nation’s farmers and didn’t even give the sector a chance to put its best foot forward,” Williams says.

“Now it’s up to wool carpet providers to make sure their proposals are competitive, and highlight all the factors that make the natural product superior to synthetics.”