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Story: Meat and wool

Using New Zealand wool – carpets

Using New Zealand wool – carpets

About 50% of New Zealand wool is classed as strong crossbred (35.4 micron and stronger), which is ideal for making carpet. New Zealand wool is white, so it can be dyed a multitude of colours – illustrated by the coloured sheep in this advertisement. Wool from poorly bred sheep or harsh conditions is often yellow rather than white, and can only be dyed dark colours.

About this item

Private collection
Reference: Bill Carter and John MacGibbon. Wool: a history of New Zealand’s wool industry. Wellington: Ngaio Press, 2003.

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How to cite this page:

Alistair Nicol and Caroline Saunders. 'Meat and wool', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, updated 27-Sep-11
URL: http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/meat-and-wool/7/2