The Government and industry are backing new training initiatives to improve animal health and welfare outcomes in New Zealand’s shearing sector, Associate Agriculture Minister Andrew Hoggard says.

“We’ve worked with industry to establish a $75,000 fund to support targeted training initiatives that build knowledge, skills, and best practice in animal care and welfare compliance in the wool harvesting sector,” Mr Hoggard says.

“It will deliver in-person workshops, online learning modules, practical assessments, and training resources and materials for shearers, wool handlers, and others across the entire sector.

“The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) will contribute $25,000 to the one-year pilot, with PGG Wrightson and New Zealand Merino each contributing $15,000. Wool Impact will provide $15,000 and the New Zealand Shearing Contractors Association is investing $5,000. The New Zealand Veterinary Association is providing in-kind support.

“There is the potential for training to be extended for up to two years, based on outcomes.

“The fund is being administered by Wool Impact, with oversight from a steering committee that will include the New Zealand Shearing Contractors Association.”

Mr Hoggard says MPI has been working closely with wool sector groups to support good animal welfare practice after allegations of mistreatment of sheep connected to shearing practices in December 2024. The investigation is continuing.

“New Zealand has a reputation for high animal welfare standards. Maintaining and improving those standards is important for our sheep and to continue growing international market access for our wool exports,” Mr Hoggard says.

“The training is being rolled out by Elite Wool Training, which has a track record of delivering animal welfare-specific training in the wool harvesting sector.”     

Mr Hoggard says it follows investment of $75,000 by MPI in June in the NZ Merino Cadetship Programme, which enabled cadet numbers to be expanded.

“The three-month cadetship provides emerging leaders, among shearers and wool handlers, with opportunities to upskill,” Mr Hoggard says.

“MPI’s funding enabled extra cadets to be trained through the programme. It also included a dedicated animal welfare module, which was reviewed by MPI’s Animal Welfare Compliance team.”