The Manawatu Standard 03/06/2008
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http://www.stuff.co.nz/print/4569835a20417.html
The Wairarapa Times-Age 02/06/2008
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Front Page of The Timaru Herald 29/05/2008
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Local links to clothing release
A Timaru man is an integral link in the development of a new range of New Zealand-made outdoor clothing.
The range of 100 per cent wool garments was launched this week, the brainchild of a company called welovewool. South Canterbury Textiles is playing a key role in the philosophy of the business, sourcing the wool and weaving the fabrics for the garments.
A Hakataramea farmer is receiving $10 per kg for the 24-26 micron wool, reflecting the company’s philosophy of getting value back to the farm.
Company spokesperson Joel Dickson said yesterday there had been a good response to the brand, especially in this area.
“South Canterbury is one of the strongest sales areas. They have a firm understanding of wool and the benefits of it.”
Local farmers were also interested in selling their wool to the company, and Mr Dickson said they would play a key part in achieving that.
“The more they buy, the more wool we need, and then we will buy from more farms. The more support we get, the wider we can go.”
The wool is cleaned in South Canterbury, sent to Milton to be made into yarn, and then is woven into fabric at South Canterbury Textiles. The garments are being made by a Masterton company, with the design a result of consultation with farmers.
South Canterbury Textiles chief executive officer, Andrew Millar said yesterday those involved in the venture shared the philosophies of operating with honesty, integrity, and delivering a product to market that was within market expectations with respect to price.
“You’re got to get some value back to the farm, recognise local industry and a better way of doing business, where people at all levels through the supply chain can join in the profits. It’s a collaborative effort, profitable for everybody, and no one in the process is being greedy. It’s exciting that someone else has recognised it’s possible.”
The business had made about 1500 meters of fabric to get the ball rolling, and would pick up production as required. At this stage, making the fabric for the range accounted for about 5 per cent of the business, but is growing.
Mr Dickson acknowledged the garments were targeting what had traditionally been a strong market for Swandri.
“But we’re trying to carve our own niche out. There’s a gap being made in the market by the departure of a number of New Zealand companies.”
By Claire Haren
Timaru Herald
Press Release 26/05/2008
MEDIA RELEASE FARMERS TO GET $10/KG FOR THEIR WOOL FROM NEW CLOTHING VENTURE
A new range of outdoor clothing is about to hit the marketplace and it is unashamedly all New Zealand.
Developed by a new company called welovewool, the original offering will consist of a high quality bush shirt and work wear jacket under the welovewool brand.
The wool required is 24 to 26 microns and farmers will receive $10/kg for it.
It will be processed by South Canterbury Textiles in Timaru. Manufacturing will be completed by Whitehead Productions Limited in Masterton with the marketing promoted by Joel Dickson of Warkworth and Country-Wide Publications Ltd of Feilding, publishers of Country-Wide and The New Zealand Farmers Weekly.
Joel Dickson said he was convinced the initiative would succeed for several reasons. The first was that nobody can copy a quality wool product.
“In addition wool is comfortable, naturally shower repellent, has built-in thermal control, fire safety and is easy to care for.
“It is also important to realise that if sheep wore synthetic they’d die.
“As the environment is the area of most concern for Kiwis, wool is a sustainable fibre that is natural, renewable, recyclable and biodegradable.
“Farmers will support the initiative because they will be paid $10 a kilo for their wool. We think wool is worth at least that.
“Finally we believe the average Kiwi will support welovewool because we have a quality product that is good for the economy. From start to finish it is 100% Kiwi and 100% traceable. You don’t get that with a synthetic product.
“Okay, you may buy a cheaper shirt or jacket but you won’t buy a better one,” Joel Dickson said.
welovewool’s range of bush shirts and jackets sell for between $199 and $259 depending on size.
You can order the bushshirt range at the website, www.welovewool.co.nz or visit the company’s site C5A at next month’s National Agricultural Fieldays at Mystery Creek.
Further comment, please contact Joel Dickson on the details below.
Joel Dickson
www.welovewool.co.nz
joel@welovewool.co.nz
P.O Box 510 Warkworth
Ph: 09 425 79920
Mobile: 021 441 340