WoolWorks signs up to secure its exports

Between our two plants in Napier and Timaru, we are the largest early stage wool processor in the world. Chief operating officer Tony Cunningham

WoolWorks New Zealand hosted the Minister of Customs Meka Whaitiri to its Napier plant as the company signed an agreement with the Authorised Economic Operator/ Secure Exports Scheme (AEO/ SES), which is designed to make exporting easier.

Certified companies must satisfy Te Mana A¯rai o Aotearoa New Zealand Customs Service that they have the required rigorous procedures and protocols in place to ensure goods are packed, stored and transported in a way that meets global customs standards. They must also ensure Customs has confidence in the security of its supply chain.

Chief executive Nigel Hales said WoolWorks handles 80 per cent of New Zealand’s wool.

“Having a partnership like this is a significant boost and a vote of confidence in everything we do.

“It makes us a preferred supplier of certified produce from our plants and our customers’ produce will travel through a ‘green lane’ to ensure it is not held up at the border.

“That is particularly important in the light of supply chain difficulties with COVID-19 and the war in Ukraine. It means our containers of wool can travel unimpeded because New Zealand has an agreement with receiving countries.”

Chief operating officer Tony Cunningham said Whaitiri was familiar with the wool industry and was interested to hear more about its supply chain.

“The Minister is originally from the East Coast, where her family was involved in shearing. She shared memories of time spent in the shearing shed and had a very good knowledge. She sees wool as an excellent alternative to many man-made fibres and appreciates the resurgence in demand for wool and our hope that will filter through to some increased revenue for farmers.”

Whaitiri toured the plant to learn more about the company’s processing operations.

“Between our two plants in Napier and Timaru, we are the largest early stage wool processor in the world. Consolidation of wool scouring companies has enabled us to develop a business of scale that is modern, internationally competitive and a strategic asset to New Zealand.”