Social responsibility requires more than just lip service. Zque™ is about acting responsibly and respectfully to promote stability and sustainability throughout the value chain.

The sustainability of farming is closely linked with the social and economic welfare of farmers, farm workers and communities. The majority of New Zealand Merino fibre is produced in the South Island’s high country where farmers and their local communities have developed a distinctive culture of robustness and resilience, while continuing careful stewardship of the land.

The Zque programme encourages these attributes as well as the health and safety of those living, working and visiting Zque accredited farms through the Health and Safety Employment Act (1992) and Employment Relations Act (2000).

The Zque programme also provides an assurance that NZM acts responsibly in its relationship with its supplier base via the stable and sustainable pricing delivered through the unique forward contract system. This ensures continued supply of Merino fibre and creates an environment in which farming families, and communities, can continue to invest in their Merino business and enhance the opportunity for long-term business validity.