Cuts to Wool Research a Crying Shame

Cuts to Wool Research a Crying Shame

“It’s a crying shame”, is the response from Textiles NZ CEO Elizabeth Tennet to the axing of 36 scientific and technical jobs from AgResearch in the areas of wool biology and new textiles.

“It’s not good enough to say because the farmers voted down their wool levy, this justifies destroying the innovation and R&D in the wool industry in which New Zealand has been a world leader.

“Where is the leadership from Government?” asks Ms Tennet. “Any one can cut and burn, it takes leadership to build”.

“The primary sector is and will continue to be a powerful generator of New Zealand’s export wealth. Currently however, the wealth is generated mainly from exporting raw materials from the food and fibre industries. The greatest wealth comes from adding value to these raw materials through innovation and creativity.

“With its natural fibres (wool, merino, possum/merino) and the world’s demand for sustainable products New Zealand is in a strong position to build a successful export-oriented sector targeting the export of luxury natural fibre products. The textiles sector is a critical part of the natural fibre value chain and New Zealand’s Economic Growth Agenda.

“New Zealand already has a comparative advantage through its history of wool innovation, its world-class design and creativity, environmental and social sustainability, and the globally recognised “Brand New Zealand”.

“New Zealand has the advantage (capability and reputation) of positioning itself as a country producing luxury natural fibre, sustainably produced from the natural environment and marketed under the “Brand New Zealand” story.

“The future of New Zealand’s natural fibre primary sector, relies upon the textiles sector spearheading innovation, design, branding and marketing to sell to the world natural, authentic, home-grown, environmentally-friendly, sustainable, beautiful quality textiles, clothing, carpets and life-style products sourced from New Zealand’s natural fibres and the natural environment”.

“Textiles NZ has a strategy to work with wool companies to double their exports over the next five years.

“The export market future for sustainable wool is very bright”, says Ms Tennet, “but that means wool research needs to be supported, not slashed and destroyed”.

ENDS

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