New industry body aims to unite and rebuild strong wool industry
A new levying body, currently with the working title of NZWool, has been proposed to secure the future of New Zealand's strong wool sector.
Wool is on the cusp of a renaissance that will kick off Monday in the presence of the Prince of Wales, says Federated Farmers.
Feds' meat and fibre chairperson Jeanette Maxwell and president Bruce Wills will attend the Shear Brilliance, which the Prince is opening.
Maxwell says the Federated Farmers Meat & Fibre Council has resolved to publically support the Campaign for Wool, of which, the Prince of Wales is patron.
"Natural fibres, like wool, are the most sustainable things we can put into our homes and businesses, or on ourselves for that matter. The global wool industry has been on the back foot and as farmers, we realise the need for us to get on the front foot," says Maxwell.
"That is why president Bruce Wills and I are attending the Shear Brilliance event because wool is brilliant.
"To prove we are putting words into action, Federated Farmers Meat & Fibre Council further resolved to encourage members and indeed, all farmers, to get involved in the Wools of New Zealand discussions now taking place.
"We are publicising meetings and will provide forums for discussion because the status quo has failed us farmers. That means it is incumbent on farmers to grab the comb and get stuck in," Maxwell says.
Legal controls on the movement of fruits and vegetables are now in place in Auckland’s Mt Roskill suburb, says Biosecurity New Zealand Commissioner North Mike Inglis.
Arable growers worried that some weeds in their crops may have developed herbicide resistance can now get the suspected plants tested for free.
Fruit growers and exporters are worried following the discovery of a male Queensland fruit fly in Auckland this week.
Dairy prices have jumped in the overnight Global Dairy Trade (GDT) auction, breaking a five-month negative streak.
Alliance Group chief executive Willie Wiese is leaving the company after three years in the role.
A booklet produced in 2025 by the Rotoiti 15 trust, Department of Conservation and Scion – now part of the Bioeconomy Science Institute – aims to help people identify insect pests and diseases.

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