Wool groups unite to form Wool Alliance
Four leading wool sector organisations have aligned forces to safeguard New Zealand’s strong wool sector.
The Wool Alliance, a formal agreement between Campaign for Wool NZ (CFWNZ), Wool Impact, the Wool Research Organisation of NZ (WRONZ) and Beef + Lamb NZ, is designed to enable wool’s economic stability and growth while safeguarding lasting capability for the sector.
The future-focused industry model aims to deliver better long-term outcomes for NZ strong wool, generating greater demand, lifting value and avoiding costly duplication.
The four organisations who sit under the Wool Alliance umbrella formalised their commitment to working together with the signing of an agreement late last month.
Former Fonterra chair John Monaghan has been appointed as the independent chair, charged with leading the Wool Alliance roll-out as it enters establishment phase, focusing on market enablement, pre-competitive support, and delivering a strong, united voice for NZ wool.
Realistic about what is required to lead the wool sector at such a critical time, Monaghan sees “real opportunity” for strong wool to lift its value and visibility globally.
“But it’s not a straightforward pathway.
“Currently, we have a number of individual bodies competing for funding. Consolidation is the obvious solution, and it’s what growers want.
“The Wool Alliance needs to show up differently, co-operate and collaborate to create a lean and sustainable structure.”
Members of Parliament including Ministers Nicola Willis, Todd McClay and Mark Patterson, along with representatives from the Ministry for Primary Industries, Federated Farmers and NZ Farm Assurance Incorporated (NZFAI), have met with the Wool Alliance team.
Now the focus turns to further sector and public engagement, with the establishment of a Wool Alliance website, and grower meetings scheduled to take place both online, and throughout the country, from early November.
“We are now in a position to share more information about how members of the Wool Alliance plan to work together, championing wool-based products and applications and supporting innovation, education and research, while reducing duplication.”
The nine-member steering group comprises stakeholders from each alliance member, being: Stuart Heal, chair Wool Impact; Ryan Cosgrove, chair CFWNZ; Andrew Morrison, chair WRONZ; Kate Acland, chair BLNZ; Ross McIsaac, sector manager Wool Impact; Kara Biggs, general manager CFWNZ; Tim Lonsdale general manager WRONZ; Alan Thompson, chief executive BLNZ; and independent chair Monaghan.
“We’ll be firmly focused on collaboration and transparency, working together towards outcomes that benefit the entire value chain.”
Implementation of an enduring model for NZ strong wool is expected in 2026, following extensive consultation with industry partners, testing and refinement.
Beneficiaries of the Wool Alliance work will be broader than wool growers, with advantages set to be felt “far beyond the farm gate”.
Early-stage funding will come from existing resources, although additional funding sources will need to be considered as the model evolves.
“There’s a big job ahead of us to build the industry up again and establish an enduring model for wool that really works.
“It’s a great challenge and one I’m pleased to bring my experience and enthusiasm to,” Monaghan said.