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A new autumn-winter collection made from certified merino supplied by Zentera Wool Company will be launched by Kathmandu for its outdoor apparel brand.
The merino base layer range using ZQ+ merino wool from Zentera, formerly The NZ Merino Company, is due to be released online and in stores in mid-2027.
Certification was launched by the company 20 years ago for regenerative merino, sourced from farms caring for the sheep, land and people.
The agreement is for an initial three-year term and designed as a rolling contract to support a long-term partnership.
Founded in 1987, Kathmandu has gone from a small New Zealand-based retailer to one of Australasia’s leading outdoor apparel brands.
Product innovation and sustainability head Manu Rastogi said the collection was designed for buyers valuing performance through the company’s Nuyarn technology and sustainability from ZQ+ regenerative merino.
He said the merino base layer range was not a limited collection and further collections would transition to ZQ+ over future seasons.
Kathmandu’s merino wool was already traceable through other certification.
"What’s evolving is our move towards regenerative merino, which represents the next step in sustainability."
Mr Rastogi said partnering with Zentera and ZQ+ farmers would progress beyond traceability to supporting farming systems improving land health, biodiversity and long-term environmental outcomes.
"This reflects our commitment to continuously raising the bar on how our products are made."
The merino base layer range will include a tank top, camisole, T-shirt, leggings, briefs, boxer and long john pants.
Twist-free spinning technology is used to wrap merino wool around a nylon filament for extra comfort, stretch, strength and faster drying times.
Mr Rastogi said demand for certified ethical merino was growing globally, and the supply of high-quality wool had a limit.
"Sourcing through Zentera’s forward contract model provides greater supply certainty and price stability, a meaningful advantage in a competitive market, and one that supports the long-term viability of the growers behind the fibre."
A close connection with farmers gave visibility of where the wool comes from and the link between final products and the people and places behind them, he said.
The merino is sourced from certified farms in Australasia, including Castle Hill Station in Arthur’s Pass and Cloudy Peak Station in Central Otago. Each farm is selected for its responsible land management, animal welfare and fibre quality.
Zentera chief executive Angus Street said the new partnership showed demand was growing for certified merino in the global apparel market.
Next year’s collection would showcase quality merino, the importance of provenance and high- performing certified merino regeneratively grown in New Zealand, he said.
"It was fantastic to have the Kathmandu team on farm, connecting with our growers, and learning about where their wool comes from," he said.
Kathmandu chief executive Megan Welch said the partnership would give greater confidence in where and how the range was produced.
High-performing natural fibres would have clear provenance from farm through to finished product, she said.
