Farmers are encouraged to attend a nationwide roadshow meeting to better understand the opportunity for industry transformation created by the proposed merger between Wools of New Zealand (WNZ) and Primary Wool Co-operative (PWC).
WNZ and PWC directors and staff will outline the new strategic direction, which focuses on delivering better outcomes for farmer shareholders and growers. A cornerstone of the new strategy is the manufacture and sale of affordable woollen carpets for New Zealand homes that compete with synthetic carpet on price.
The meetings are being held across the country during August, with the final one in Invercargill on August 19.
About 2100 farmers will have the opportunity in November to endorse the proposed merger between grower-owned export and marketing company WNZ and PWC to form a fully integrated supply chain business.
“This is a great opportunity for growers to hear more about a strategy that we are confident will change the fortunes of growers in an industry that continues to under-perform,” WNZ chair James Parsons said.
“Directors and staff will be on hand to explain what we are doing to increase demand for strong wool and capture more of the value consumers pay for these woollen products. “This all adds up to a better future for the sector, and most importantly, our farmers.
“In the first week of meetings, grower support has been very strong and several growers have said this is the most exciting wool proposal they have heard in 30 years.”
PWC and CP Wool chair Richard Young urged farmers to attend a meeting in their area.
“I know it is a busy time for farmers, but this is an important proposal that has the potential to re-establish wool not as an ingredient but as a consumer-focused branded product satisfying the needs of New Zealand customers. We want to ensure growers and shareholders are fully informed ahead of the vote,” Young said.
