Federated Farmers has applauded Kāinga Ora’s decision to transition to using wool carpet in its new social housing, saying it will help save the nation’s wool industry.
The agency says it will also use wool carpet in existing homes if a whole house is in need of recarpeting as part of a renovation.
Its decision to reintroduce wool carpet follows a recent Request for Proposal (RFP) inviting both wool and nylon carpet providers to tender for the supply of carpet and underlay in Kāinga Ora properties.
Chief Executive, Matt Crockett says the new supply arrangements are the result of a robust procurement process that saw competitive pricing from the sector. This followed significant feedback from wool suppliers and the general public after the agency’s initial RFP asked for bids from synthetic only suppliers.
“As the country’s largest social housing landlord, we’re committed to investing in our housing stock in a financially sustainable way. The recent RFP was an opportunity for us to re-test market pricing, while ensuring the products used in our homes are fit-for-purpose, durable and represent value for money,” said Mr Crockett.
“For many years we didn’t see competitive pricing from wool suppliers versus nylon. However, we listened to market and public feedback and decided we should give wool suppliers the opportunity to bid. We were pleasantly surprised to receive new bids that were price competitive. All credit to New Zealand wool suppliers for rising to the challenge.”
Nylon carpet will continue to be used for single room or smaller patch repairs in existing homes where nylon carpet is already installed, he said.
“In those circumstances it makes practical and economic sense to use the same product throughout the home,” Mr Crockett says.
Federated Farmers meat and wool chair, Toby Williams says that with the nation’s wool industry in “major freefall”, the announcement is “the parachute we desperately need”.
“This will slow our drop a bit but, in reality, what we really need now is an updraft to lift wool back up into being the number-one fibre globally,” Mr William said.
“It’s certainly a massive step in the right direction, though, and we’re very pleased with the announcement.”
Mr Williams says Kāinga Ora is New Zealand’s largest landlord, so its contract has the capability to soak up large volumes of wool, which in turn will help drive up prices.
“Last year Federated Farmers slammed Kāinga Ora for initially deciding to categorically rule out using woollen carpets in its social housing.”
“Our homegrown wool is an incredible product and it beggared belief that Kāinga Ora weren’t even giving wool the chance to compete against nylon products.
“That was a total slap in the face for struggling Kiwi sheep farmers and rural communities, and we made it very clear it was a ridiculous, short-sighted decision.
“It’s great they saw sense and allowed wool to have a crack – and even better that a wool provider has won the contract.
“It just goes to show that when wool is given a fair chance, it comes out on top as a natural, sustainable and renewable alternative to cheap and nasty plastic alternatives.”
Kāinga Ora will transition to using wool carpet in its new homes from 1 July 2025, when the supply arrangements come into effect.
