A wool levy

Generations of New Zealand wool growers have invested in producing the best wool in the world. However, the value of New Zealand’s wool has not been fully recognised in the price paid for it, and wool has not returned enough value to the people who grow it. 

New Zealand Wool Collective, Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) and Wool Research Organisation of New Zealand (WRONZ) have been working with New Zealand’s wool sector to agree on the foundational work that helps to lift the value of wool – the activity that no one wool grower or business can fund or deliver alone. 

Much of that work that builds demand, evidence and capability and a stronger global voice for New Zealand wool is happening now through New Zealand Wool Collective and individual companies within the wool sector, but it requires continued investment.  

In February and March next year, sheep owners will be asked to vote on a proposal to establish a new compulsory levy on wool. Voting will take place as part of B+LNZ’s six-yearly Sheepmeat and Beef Levy Referendum. If the proposal is approved, existing activity would be consolidated into a wool-specific division of B+LNZ with its own dedicated budget and team, building on the work of the New Zealand Wool Collective in an administration-light and cost-effective way.

More information will be available early next year. To have your say it’s important you’re registered on the B+LNZ electoral roll. If you need to register on the roll, the best way to do that is through a B+LNZ online account – simply select ‘Farm/Livestock owner’ as your account type. If you need help or want to check if you’re on the roll, email enquiries@beeflambnz.com or call 0800 BEEFLAMB (0800 233 352).

Media announcement

10 November 2026

Growers to vote on wool levy in early 2027

Wool growers will vote next year on a proposed levy to invest in work that supports greater demand and value for New Zealand wool.

New Zealand Wool Collective – formed through the amalgamation of Campaign for Wool and Wool Impact – and Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) have jointly announced that the vote will be held as part of the B+LNZ six-yearly referendum in February–March 2027.

Under the proposal, the levy would fund collective work to build a stronger future for New Zealand wool and wool growers through investment in market insights to understand opportunities for wool, strengthening the evidence behind wool through standards and research, training and education to improve wool quality and sector capability, extension activities to inform on farm practice and provide a united voice for wool.

It brings together work currently being undertaken by New Zealand Wool Collective and new areas identified through discussions with the wider industry.

The planned programme would be carried out under the umbrella of B+LNZ, utilising the structure that farmers already invest in – but have its own dedicated wool team and budget.

Ross McIsaac, Chief Executive of New Zealand Wool Collective, says the proposal is a natural step in securing investment and focus for wool.

“It builds on the consolidation of the work being done by Wool Impact and Campaign for Wool NZ and the innovation and investment being made by individual wool businesses across the sector.

“Momentum behind wool is evident in price lifts, brand activity and consumer interest. That momentum needs to be sustained and built on.

“We’ve worked with commercial wool businesses, with input from growers and brands using wool, to refine a programme of work that addresses foundational sector needs that underpin demand, while leaving commercial activity to individual businesses. This is the work that no one business or grower can do alone.

“Being part of B+LNZ would allow us to deliver dedicated wool work in a cost-effective way without doubling up on administration and overheads.

“It’s about securing the long-term financial backing needed to realise greater value for growers, industry participants and the wider wool sector.”

Kate Acland, Chair of B+LNZ, says the levy proposal is a positive step forward to build profitability for sheep farmers.

“As a sheep farmer, keeping the wool part of our businesses profitable will be a critical part of our ongoing financial sustainability. Although values have increased recently, there are some great opportunities to do more. Collective investment in key areas will help grow and sustain stronger wool prices at the farmgate.

“With funding for New Zealand Wool Collective coming to an end in late 2027, a grower levy will be essential to continue building on the work that is underway. It would also fund wool-specific activities behind the farm gate, ensuring wool is considered as part of the whole-farm system.

“Bringing wool-focused work into B+LNZ is a positive and practical step – it provides the most cost-effective way to undertake this work.

“Farmers should not pay twice for administration and overheads. The structures and reach B+LNZ already has in place will allow for the most efficient delivery of wool activities. A dedicated wool team and budget will ensure that wool levies are only spent on wool-related work.”

The proposed grower levy is likely to be 2–3 cents per kilogram of greasy wool. The structure, rate and work programme are being finalised and full information will be available from the middle of January 2027.

Mr McIsaac says wool industry businesses are supportive of collective work being done alongside and in support of their individual work. Additional funds from industry and government will be sought for specific projects to leverage grower-funded work and boost its impact.

If approved, the wool levy would likely start to be collected in December 2027 or early 2028.

For more information:
Sam Halstead
027 474 6065
sam@latitudesc.co.nz

Download the media release (PDF) ↓