Introduction to Textiles New Zealand

After extensive consultation, Textiles New Zealand was founded in 2003. 

Textiles NZ is the industry body representing manufacturers of four contributing sectors: textiles, carpet, footwear and apparel.  The industry is generically referred to as the "textiles sector".

The textiles sector in New Zealand contains many smart and innovative companies with a bright future. Despite the impact of tariff reductions and aggressive global competition the sector exports about $500 million of product a year. The sector comprises about 2,000 businesses which employ over 15,000 workers, and supports an indirect industry and workforce of many more thousands of people. Most of the businesses are small to medium enterprises (SMEs).

Textiles NZ’s founding document, The Way Ahead, put it simply:

"Greater collective action is required to transform the industry's global competitiveness"

Textiles NZ is committed to ensuring NZ businesses receive a fair go and we welcome input from members.

A Woven Career Pathway

Everything starts with an idea. A shape, a colour or a texture becomes a shoe, a garment or a carpet. How are these things made? Where are these things made? What are the skills and qualifications needed to be a part of the process of turning ideas into a reality?

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