New initiative for furniture industry launched
Media release 15 August 2011
The New Zealand furniture industry is set for a major refurbishment with the launch of a new seal of quality which
promotes trained staff who produce well made furniture and gives locally made products a much needed advantage over
cheaper imported rivals.
The launch of "Master Seal" aims to counter the effect of a phenomenal growth in low cost imported furniture, mainly
from Asia, over the past few years, some of which doesn't meet acceptable quality standards.
Chairman of the Furniture & Cabinet Making Association of New Zealand Blair McKolskey, says that New Zealand has a long tradition of producing
quality furniture, often using local wood products, and nurturing the talent of young craftspeople, but the industry has
struggled to survive in recent years.
The Master Seal is the brainchild of FITEC, the national forest and wood industry training organisation, and is
supported by The Furniture & Cabinet Making Association of New Zealand. Both organisations have a commitment to providing formal training locally so
that New Zealand continues to produce well made, world class furniture.
"The industry has had its back against the wall as we battle against imported furniture combined with the effect of a
world recession which has affected sales across the board," McKolskey says, "The industry body wants to demonstrate its
commitment to New Zealand craftspeople who are producing quality furniture, and by introducing this seal we are
educating and encouraging consumers to buy local."
Use of the seal is conditional on at least 50% of a company's staff having a recognised trade qualification, or who are
currently in training. Company employees are measured against NZQA standards and holders of this Seal guarantee that
their employees are trained to these standards.
There are four Master Seals that companies can apply for - Master Furniture Maker, Master Cabinet Maker, Master Bedding
Maker and Master FurnitureFinisher (polisher). Consumers can see them clearly marked on the furniture by swing tags or
stickers when they make their purchases.
Furniture is big business in New Zealand. It is worth $1.3 billion with domestic manufacturing sales currently at $960
million. The industry currently employs around 6,000 people.
The Master Seal designs will be unveiled at a function for the industry at Sealy NZ Ltd, New Zealand's number two bed
manufacturer, and globally the biggest selling bed brand in the world on Monday August 15 at noon at their factory on
Auckland's North Shore. Members of FITEC and the Furniture & Cabinetmaking Association of New Zealand will be hosting the event and key supporters will be attending including major
furniture retainer Harvey Norman (a strong supporter of Master Seal) representatives along with other key furniture
manufacturers.
"This is an opportunity to celebrate our local craftspeople, to highlight what consumers should look for when purchasing
a piece of furniture, and to support our industry to ensure its survival and growth," Blair says.
Ends