Media Release
Meat & Wool New Zealand Chairman urges farmers to consider the WIN strategy
19 December 2007
Meat & Wool New Zealand Chairman and Wool Industry Network Director, Mike Petersen, has welcomed the Wool Industry Network
document, titled Model for Change – Realising the Potential of New Zealand Strong Wool, and urged all those involved in
the strong wool sector to read and consider the document carefully.
Mr Petersen said when Meat & Wool New Zealand with New Zealand Trade and Enterprise established the Wool Industry Network early in 2006, it was
acknowledged that those involved in the strong wool sector needed to work together to develop a strategy to take wool
forward.
“Views were sought from wool growers and other participants in the wool industry, and this highlighted a need to draw
the many participants together to develop an integrated strategy. With the release of the Model for Change document it’s
essential that people with an interest in the future of the wool industry take an active interest in the proposal set
out.
“Wool contributes about $1 billion to the New Zealand economy and while farmer incomes from wool have declined from
historic levels, strong wool remains an important contributor to the economy,” Mr Petersen said.
“Improving the returns for New Zealand wool continues to be a priority for Meat & Wool New Zealand and the Wool Industry Network proposal is worthy of consideration.
“Now is the time for farmers to look at the model and consider whether they wish to participate further in the process
as it evolves over the next few months.”
ENDS