New Wool Alliance Formed To Strengthen Future Of Strong Wool Sector

A new cross-sector body aims to deliver better long-term outcomes for the New Zealand strong wool industry, generating greater demand, lifting value and avoiding costly duplication.

The Wool Alliance, a formal agreement between Campaign for Wool NZ, Wool Impact, the Wool Research Organisation of New Zealand (WRONZ) and Beef and Lamb NZ, is a first-of-its-kind industry model to enable wool’s economic stability and growth, and safeguard lasting capability for the sector.

Former Fonterra chair, John Monaghan, has been appointed as the independent chair of the Wool Alliance, charged with leading the Wool Alliance roll-out. With a proven track record in facilitating sector transformation, John’s tenure began in July, following an externally-led search and selection process.

John says he’s realistic about what is required to lead the wool sector at such a critical time. “I see real opportunity for strong wool to lift its value and visibility globally. But it’s not a straightforward pathway,” he says. “Currently, we have a number of individual bodies competing for funding. Consolidation is the obvious solution, and it’s what growers want. The Wool Alliance needs to show up differently, cooperate and collaborate to create a lean and sustainable structure.”

The four organisations who sit under the Wool Alliance umbrella have formalised their commitment to working together by signing an agreement. Now, says John, the Wool Alliance enters an establishment phase, focusing on market enablement, pre-competitive support, and delivering a strong, united voice for New Zealand wool. “Wool is a cornerstone of our New Zealand identity, and it’s important it remains so.”

Members of Parliament including Ministers Nicola Willis, Todd McClay and Mark Patterson, along with representatives from the Ministry for Primary Industries, Federated Farmers and New Zealand Farm Assurance Incorporated (NZFAI), have already had a chance to meet with the Wool Alliance team. Now the focus turns to further sector and public engagement, with the establishment of a Wool Alliance website, and grower meetings scheduled to take place both online, and throughout the country, from early November.

“We are now in a position to share more information about how members of the Wool Alliance plan to work together, championing wool-based products and applications and supporting innovation, education and research, while reducing duplication. Our Steering Group comprises stakeholders from each Alliance member, and we’ll be firmly focused on collaboration and transparency, working together towards outcomes that benefit the entire value chain.”

Implementation of an enduring model for New Zealand strong wool is expected in 2026, following extensive consultation with industry partners, testing and refinement. The Wool Alliance says beneficiaries of this work will be broader than wool growers, with advantages felt far beyond the farm gate. Early-stage funding will come from existing resources, although other funding sources will need to be considered as the model evolves.

“There’s a big job ahead of us to build the industry up again and establish an enduring model for wool that really works. It’s a great challenge and one I’m pleased to bring my experience and enthusiasm to,” John says.

About the Wool Alliance

The Wool Alliance is a formal agreement between Campaign for Wool NZ (CFWNZ), Wool Impact, Wool Research Organisation of New Zealand (WRONZ) and Beef and Lamb NZ (BLNZ).

Members of the Wool Alliance are focused on the collective work required to develop and deliver an enduring model for strong wool - work that has been underway since early 2024.

The Wool Alliance agreement was signed by all four parties in September 2025. The alliance Steering Group comprises nine members: the chair and one executive from each organisation, alongside the newly appointed independent chair.

Campaign for Wool NZ (CFWNZ) is a charitable trust advancing education, promotion and advocacy of New Zealand strong wool.

Wool Impact Ltd is working to increase demand and value for strong wool through a market-led approach.

Wool Research Organisation of New Zealand (WRONZ) is an incorporated society supporting post-harvest wool research and development in New Zealand.

Beef and Lamb NZ (BLNZ) is the farmer-owned, industry organisation representing New Zealand's sheep and beef farmers.

Further information about the alliance, the model, and upcoming grower meetings can be found at www.woolalliance.co.nz

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