PGG Wrightson centralises North and South Island wool auctions in Christchurch

PGG Wrightson's GM for wool says the move to a single auction will create a national wool industry hub in Christchurch. Photo / Michael Craig

PGG Wrightson is consolidating its North and South Island wool auctions and establishing a single, national open-cry wool auction in Christchurch.

PGG Wrightson general manager for wool, Rachel Shearer, said the move is in response to industry changes, following successful trials of a single national auction late last year.

“With the national sheep flock at a record low, wool volumes on offer throughout the year are now insufficient to sustain operations at both the Napier and Christchurch auction centres.”

Shearer said that while growers saw increased pricing, the reduced volume of wool traded had at times led to auctions being cancelled, impacting their cash flow.

“By consolidating into a single, national auction, we can continue to offer growers and buyers an open-cry system with the significant benefits including transparency, confidence, ease of access for buyers and competitive and prompt returns for growers.”

Shearer said no PGG Wrightson staff would lose their jobs.

“The existing team in Napier will be a vital part of developing and maintaining a truly national broking network, rather than having a North and South Island focus.”

Shearer said Christchurch was chosen because it had a higher value of the wool clip and could attract the greatest number of buyers, including offering easier access for international buyers through Christchurch International Airport.

PGG Wrightson will start to auction wool from both islands at its Christchurch auction room from the beginning of May 2026.

“We are committed to the wool industry and believe this move will benefit our business as well as the wider New Zealand wool industry in multiple ways,” Shearer said.

“This includes creating a national wool industry hub, fostering the next generation of valuers, auctioneers and buyers.”

Shearer said it would also allow PGG Wrightson to seek further logistics and freight efficiencies, free up storage space and tap into more advanced market reporting and data analytics.

“Ultimately, this is an exciting next step in the transformation of our industry, which is already showing positive signals of recovery.”

- Supplied by PGG Wrightson