"Buy Kiwi Made" Should Not Be Undermined

Norsewear New Zealand is warning that the value of both the 'Buy New Zealand Made and 'Buy Kiwi Made campaigns will be undermined if products not made in New Zealand are included.

"These campaigns should be guiding consumers to genuine local products. A consumer that buys a product branded 'New Zealand Made or 'Kiwi Made is going to feel rightly aggrieved if the label inside actually says 'Made in China'. Including non-New Zealand made items runs the very real risk of undermining the credibility of the two brands," says Norsewear CEO Robert Linterman.

"New Zealand Made is a big point of difference for consumers. We believe people want to buy quality goods made in New Zealand with New Zealand sourced raw materials. The Buy New Zealand Made message should not be undermined by using it on goods made off-shore," he says.

"New Zealand and New Zealand-made goods enjoy an excellent international reputation built up over many years. Many companies - including Norsewear - leverage off New Zealand's clean, green image and reputation for quality products when selling overseas. This shouldn't be put at risk lightly," says Mr Linterman.

"Just as Norsewear is proud to stay true to country, 'Buy Kiwi Made and 'Buy New Zealand Made should stay true to their brands. They should be promoting and supporting genuine local products - not helping support companies who have chosen to move to China. The 'New Zealand Made in the 'Buy New Zealand Made slogan should mean just that," he says.

ENDS

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