The New Zealand Merino Company introduces enhancements to ZQ animal welfare standards

17 June 2025 

The New Zealand Merino Company (NZM) has introduced new enhancements to its ZQ programme informed by the newly released Welfare in Wool – Advancing Animal Care report. 

This report was developed through an independently managed industry collaboration facilitated by Primary Purpose, a strategic management consultancy based in New Zealand. NZM commissioned the work and participated in the working group, with representatives from across the sheep and wool industry including ZQ growers, brand partners, shearing contractors, veterinarians and animal welfare advocates. 

The final report will now be shared with local and international industry organisations, including the Oversight Group for Sheep Shearing Practices in New Zealand.  

Enhancements to ZQ 

Informed by the findings of the report, alongside broader research and consultation, NZM is implementing a series of enhancements to ZQ designed to strengthen confidence in the programme, support growers, and ensure the highest standards of animal welfare are upheld. 

Immediate changes – effective 1 July 2025 

• Unannounced spot inspections will be introduced during key animal handling periods. These short, observational visits will be conducted by third-party auditors alongside NZM staff. 

• Shearing and wool handling training NZM’s brand partner-funded programme for contractors will be expanded to 30 participants and include a new animal welfare module. 

• Plunge dipping though this hasn't been a common practice on ZQ farms, plunge dipping is now strictly prohibited under the ZQ programme. 

  
  

To be trialled and phased in over 12–24 months 

Growers will have two options for enhanced monitoring at shearing time with trials to be performed this season to test the application and confirm practical, legal and commercial parameters before finalising the requirements. 

• Animal Welfare Officers a nominated senior person in shed who has undertaken mandatory training and be responsible for documenting any injuries, ensuring treatment and reporting any instances of poor handling or behaviour.  

• Cameras will be trialled in sheds with footage available to growers and third-party auditors. 

  
  

The phased trials were identified through a rapid response assessment of ZQ properties and wider consultation with growers and brand partners.  

Additional grower support 

We are also rolling out additional resources to support the animal welfare efforts of NZM growers, including: 

• ZQ Fundamentals Training – ongoing workshops for growers, staff and contractors covering the core principles of ZQ certification. 

• Contract induction video – a practical tool to onboard new shed staff, outlining ZQ expectations from animal welfare to clip preparation. 

• Updated shearing pack – refreshed documents and resources to support high animal welfare standards during shearing. 

• Low-stress stock handling workshops – pilot sessions with an external provider to improve animal handling and on-farm efficiency.  

  
  

Continuous improvement in animal welfare has always been a cornerstone of our ZQ programme.  

Further consultation will continue throughout the trial period. NZM will also reconvene its ZQ Governance Group ahead of the next iteration of the programme and publish compliance performance data annually. 

For more information, please contact: 

NZM Communications Manager Debs Sim: debs.sim@nzmerino.co.nz