From July 1, government agencies would be directed to use woollen fibre products in the construction and refurbishment of government buildings, where practical and appropriate, Associate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson and Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis announced last month.
The new procurement requirements would apply to the construction of government-owned buildings that cost $9million and more, and to refurbishments of $100,000 and more, the ministers’ joint statement said.
The requirement would apply to about 130 agencies.
Mr Cameron, of Lovells Flat, has been growing strong wool for more than 50 years.
He questioned if the directive was for New Zealand wool only and if it was, how would the government trace it and ‘‘must the woollen fibre products be manufactured in New Zealand at a higher cost than overseas?’’.
Mr Patterson said feedback from New Zealand manufacturers had indicated they could scale up production as required.
As 85% of New Zealand’s strong wool was exported as a raw commodity, New Zealand was not likely to run short of supply.
Policy directives were fully compliant with New Zealand free-trade agreements, which meant overseas products could not be precluded.
The new government procurement policy for woollen fibres aligns with the government’s ‘‘Going for Growth’’ focus — ensuring the overall scope considers the wider economic and social benefits for New Zealand.
‘‘This puts New Zealand manufacturers in a strong position to compete.’’
Compliance with the woollen fibre’s procurement rules would be monitored by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment and agencies would report on woollen fibre use in relevant procurements, Mr Patterson said.
