Photo supplied by NZWCA

On the fourth attempt, after the previous three were thwarted by a series of Covid lockdowns, the New Zealand Wool Classers Association (NZWCA) recently held a successful North Island Industry Day for the first time since 2019.

Hosted at the PGG Wrightson Napier wool store in early October, the programme gave classers and others a chance to further their professional development, upskill, and network with others in the wool industry.

Co-organiser NZWCA Registrar Marg Forde said it was inspiring to have so many people passionate about wool in the same place at the same time.

“We are grateful to those who supported the day. As well as classers, we had woolhandlers, contractors, farmers, buyers, personnel from companies like Bremworth, Woolworks, Wools of New Zealand and Merino New Zealand, wool industry tutors and students in attendance. We ran a series of wool exercises to test professional skills and knowledge, heard six interesting and informative speakers and enjoyed tours of both the New Zealand Wool Testing Authority lab, and the PGG Wrightson wool store,” she says.

Approximately 40 people attended. NZWCA is scheduling a South Island Industry Professional Development Day in May, in conjunction with the association’s AGM. For more information, head to www.woolclassers.org.nz