PGG Wrightson (PGW) is consolidating its North and South Island auctions and establishing a single, national open-cry wool auction in Christchurch in response to industry changes.

PGW general manager Rachel Shearer said the decision follows successful trials of a single national auction late last year as part of wider moves towards a more competitive and sustainable wool industry.

“With the national sheep flock at a record low, wool volumes on offer throughout the year are now insufficient to sustain operations at both the Napier and Christchurch auction centres. 

“While growers are seeing increased pricing, the reduced volume of wool traded has at times seen auctions being cancelled, impacting their cashflow.

“By consolidating into a single, national auction, we can continue to offer growers and buyers an open-cry system with the significant benefits including transparency, confidence, ease of access for buyers and competitive and prompt returns for growers.

“No PGW staff will lose their roles and the existing team in Napier will be a vital part of developing and maintaining a truly national broking network rather than having a North and South Island focus.”

Christchurch was chosen as it has a higher value of the wool clip and can attract the greatest number of buyers, including easier access for international buyers through Christchurch International Airport, said Shearer.

PGW will start to auction wool from both islands at its Christchurch auction room from the beginning of May 2026.

“We are committed to the wool industry and believe this move will benefit our business as well as the wider New Zealand wool industry in multiple ways. This includes creating a national wool industry hub, fostering the next generation of valuers, auctioneers and buyers.

“It will also allow us to seek further logistics and freight efficiencies, free up storage space and allow us to tap into more advanced market reporting and data analytics.

“Ultimately, this is an exciting next step in the transformation of our industry, which is already showing positive signals of recovery.”