'Made in China' no badge of loyalty

Green MP Mike Ward is urging businesses to practice what they preach by showing their loyalty to New Zealand businesses, after it was revealed The Warehouse's promotional "Loyal" Team New Zealand flags are foreign made.

The Green 'Buy Local' spokesperson is disappointed that The Warehouse chose to stock its supply of "Loyal" fundraising flags from China, echoing the last America's Cup fundraising campaign when lucky "Red Socks" were also sourced from overseas.

The Warehouse donates $10 to Team New Zealand from each flag sold, which retail for $29.95. A buyer from The Warehouse confirmed to the Green Party the flags are sourced from China.

"It's great that everyone is getting together and showing loyalty to our yachties, but the fact these promotional flags are made overseas shows an abysmal lack of loyalty to our community," said Mr Ward.

"They can say that they need the cheaper flags so they can support Team New Zealand, but what price is loyalty? Being loyal to our local industry is worth more than $30 when that money has a chance of finding its way back into our pockets, not being shipped offshore."

Mr Ward said the argument that New Zealand manufacturers couldn't produce enough flags at a competitive cost does not wash after Green Party investigations located promotional flag makers who confirmed they could adequately supply the flags in the volume and price required.

"Even if there are no flag manufacturers capable of such volume and cost, we've got to ask why not? It's because people like The Warehouse have undermined the industry by looking offshore for products to stock its shelves.

Mr Ward said businesses should follow the example of the ASB Bank, which insisted on sourcing its "Loyal" flags through New Zealand manufacturers.

"The manufacturers we have spoken with all expressed dismay to learn The Warehouse would ignore New Zealand businesses to jump on the Team New Zealand bandwagon. I would remind Stephen Tindall that it is his own best interests to source his products locally."

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