5 Jul 2023

Farmers fuming after govt contract to install carpet goes overseas

From Checkpoint, 5:48 pm on 5 July 2023

It's a carpet burn that's left Federated Farmers fuming.

The Ministry of Education has contracted a global manufacturer Milliken to supply and install carpet tiles in nearly 800 small and remote schools.

But here's the rub for kiwi wool farmers, the tile carpet is dyed nylon.

The ministry says the nylon is fully recyclable, exceeded its carbon footprint goals and meets heath safety and fire standards.

It says the synthetic carpet out-performed wool carpet tiles providers across its three main procurement measures.

Federated Farmers Southland meat and wool chairman Dean Rabbidge is not impressed.