ZQ Standard Update

Date: November 2025

The ZQ Standard, developed by The New Zealand Merino Company (NZM), is built on a commitment to continuous improvement in animal welfare, environmental care, and social responsibility across our broader business.

Since the programme began in 2007, the ZQ Standard has provided the foundation for verifying and certifying best practice on farm. Over time, standard updates and new versions have been made to mirror changing best practice, science, market expectations, farming practices and global sustainability frameworks. This ensures ZQ wool has unquestionable access to the best markets in the world.

The current version of the ZQ Standard, Version 5, has been in place since 2021. It is essential that ZQ remains at the forefront of ethical and sustainable wool production, accordingly, NZM is undertaking a review and an update of the ZQ Standard over the coming 10 months and will release ZQ Version 6 by October 2026. The revision will ensure that the ZQ Standard remains credible, science-based, and aligned with international expectations for fibre sustainability and animal welfare assurance.

Purpose of the Update

The 2025–2026 review of the ZQ Standard aims to:

• Keep the Standard aligned with the latest science and best practice in animal welfare and environmental management

• Strengthen confidence in the Standard’s assurance systems among growers, brands, and the wider market

• Reflect feedback from audits, stakeholders, and ongoing programme monitoring

• Improve clarity, usability, and consistency across all the Standard requirements

• Consider on farm regenerative practices that could be incorporated into the standard and audited effectively

The review and update will be undertaken in accordance with ISEAL Code of Good Practice for Sustainability Systems and by a working group made up of growers, brand partners and key industry stakeholders.

Intended Review Outcomes

Animal Welfare

The revised Standard will update welfare requirements to ensure full alignment with the Five Domains model for animal welfare. It will incorporate best practice principles informed by veterinary expertise and the latest animal science research. The update aims to clarify expectations around pest and predator management, enhance guidance on the use of pain relief, and strengthen standards for animal handling and behavioural management.

Environmental Stewardship

NZM will assess and enhance environmental criteria to better reflect regenerative and sustainable land management within the ZQ Standard. This includes improving guidance on chemical use, waste management, and water protection, and ensuring alignment with international sustainability frameworks.

Assurance and Traceability

The revised Standard will improve documentation and verification processes to support transparency across the supply chain, strengthen oversight where brokers or intermediaries are involved, and clarify auditor expectations to ensure consistent, high-quality assessments. The update will also reflect the integration of verified digital traceability to the ZQ programme.

Alignment and Benchmarking

The revised Standard will be benchmarked against recognised international frameworks such as Textile Exchange’ s Materials Matter Standard, ISEAL Code of Good Practice for Sustainability Systems, and other fibre assurance programmes to maintain global credibility and acceptance.

Practicality and Accessibility

The revised Standard will be easier to understand and apply, remove unnecessary duplication, and ensure all supporting tools and templates are updated and user-friendly.

Objectives

When complete, the revised ZQ Standard will provide a clear and evidence-based framework for ethical and sustainable wool production. It will strengthen the ZQ Standard's leadership in animal welfare and sustainability, increase confidence among growers, brands, and consumers, and ensure continued alignment with international expectations for responsible fibre production.

Governance Review

Alongside the review and publication of ZQ Version 6, the governance framework of the ZQ Programme will also be reviewed to ensure it continues to meet international best practice. This review will focus on strengthening transparency, accountability, and stakeholder participation in decision-making. NZM intends to make key governing documents publicly available, including the Standard Setting Procedure and other governance policies, in accordance with the ISEAL Code of Good Practice.

Who will undertake the review

The review will be led by the ZQ Standard Working Group, supported by the NZM team. The process will follow principles of transparency, inclusivity, and scientific integrity, with opportunities for consultation before final approval. If you are interested in joining the Standard Working Group, we are open to expressions of interest. Please provide your contact details and indicate the industry group you represent and explain why you would be a positive contributor to the review of the standard. Email this information to ZQauditing@nzmerino.co.nz

Timeline

• Planning and scoping: November 2025 to January 2026

• Evidence review and drafting: February to June 2026

• Public consultation: July to August 2026

• Finalisation and publication: September to October 2026

Change Log

In recognition that changes to the Standard can be enacted ahead of the final release date of ZQ version 6, in order to optimise animal welfare, environmental care, social responsibility and international standards, NZM will maintain a change log.

The change log serves as an intermediary calibration record that provides a publicly available summary of amendments, clarifications, or temporary updates to current ZQ Standard requirements. It is designed to ensure transparency and allow stakeholders to access the most up-to-date interpretations and refinements during the review period. The change log will remain active until the publication of ZQ version 6, at which point it will be retired, and all approved updates will be incorporated into the new ZQ Standard.

The change log can be accessed here.

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