Wool carpet to be used in new Kāinga Ora homes

It will also use wool carpet in existing homes if the whole house needs recarpeting, for example when renovating older properties.

The agency’s decision to reintroduce wool carpet follows a recent Request for Proposal (RFP) inviting both wool and nylon carpet providers to tender for the supply of carpet and underlay in Kāinga Ora properties.

Chief Executive Matt Crockett says the new supply arrangements are the result of a robust procurement process that saw competitive pricing from the sector. This followed significant feedback from wool suppliers and the general public after the agency’s initial RFP asked for bids from synthetic only suppliers.

“As the country’s largest social housing landlord, we’re committed to investing in our housing stock in a financially sustainable way. The recent RFP was an opportunity for us to re-test market pricing, while ensuring the products used in our homes are fit-for-purpose, durable and represent value for money.

“For many years we didn't see competitive pricing from wool suppliers versus nylon. However, we listened to market and public feedback and decided we should give wool suppliers the opportunity to bid. We were pleasantly surprised to receive new bids that were price competitive. All credit to New Zealand wool suppliers for rising to the challenge.”

Nylon carpet will continue to be used for single room or smaller patch repairs in existing homes where nylon carpet is already installed.

“In those circumstances it makes practical and economic sense to use the same product throughout the home,” Mr Crockett says.

Kāinga Ora will transition to using wool carpet in its new homes from 1 July 2025, when the supply arrangements come into effect.