The local business accused of selling imitation Tauranga Boys' College uniforms has today hit back - and vowed to walk away from selling any more of the school's clothing.
Active Schoolwear Ltd (ASL) in central Tauranga has broken its silence, saying it stands behind its reputation of providing high-quality school uniforms in the Bay of Plenty for more than 30 years.
"Contrary to the school's insinuation that we are selling only imitation uniforms, this is not correct," ASL managing director Tineke Bouchier said.
This week a furore erupted when it was revealed Tauranga Boys' College had filed an injunction to prevent ASL selling imitation college uniforms.
School principal Robert Mangan refused to comment further on this issue but earlier said there were differences between the uniforms manufactured by the school's exclusive supplier, ISC Lenco, and the imitation uniform sold by ASL. Differences included colour variations between the grey shorts.
Active Schoolwear has been operating in Tauranga for more than 40 years, initially as a workwear shop.
Thirty years ago, the shop changed names and focus to the school uniform market.
Today, ASL provides uniforms for eight Tauranga schools and a number in Christchurch.
About eight years ago, Tauranga Boys' College registered its logo, which meant ASL could only sell approved uniform items. At this stage, the restriction was only applicable to the navy polo shirt.
For three years ASL battled with the official uniform manufacturing company, Mrs Bouchier said.
"The shirts that were supposed to be the same size varied, one lot of stock didn't even turn up. So after three years, I began to sell my own brand and still support their brand at the same time.
"I was trying to offer parents an alternative," she said.
Mrs Bouchier was shocked when the injunction was filed in January. She believed she was legally entitled to reproduce the Tauranga Boys' College logo, because she had permission to reproduce the identical Tauranga Girls' College logo.
Mrs Bouchier said she had been heavily involved in the manufacturing of her company's uniforms, including sourcing the fabrics.
In all the years ASL had provided Tauranga Boys' College uniforms, the school never mentioned it had a quality issue, Mrs Bouchier said.
She would now walk away from selling the college's uniforms.
"I can't afford to spend any more on legal costs and I have a responsibility to my business and employees and I have a responsibility to stay in business for the community."
The remaining Tauranga Boys' College uniform manufactured by ISC Lenco would be sold at cost price until all the stock had gone. The remaining ASL branded uniform would be packed up and shipped overseas to a third world country.
Mrs Bouchier said she and staff at the uniform retailer were "affronted and angry" at the school's actions.
"But I feel really sad for the parents because they're going to be disadvantaged more than we will be," she said.
"We have dared to compete by offering a choice to parents. It's a competitive market and parents should not have their right of choice taken away from them when it comes to purchasing a uniform item or stationary item as many are being forced to do."