Woolgrowers still unhappy with poll

Some Central Otago fine wool growers continue to dispute the accuracy of the recent Merino NZ poll which supported the formation of a commercial joint-venture company with Wrightson Wool.

Grower Russell Emmerson, from Forest Range Station in the Lindis Pass, said that because of restricted access to the votes, the independent scrutineer was unable to complete his work, leaving the integrity of the poll a mystery.

The growers' group had appointed Michael Mellon, a former Lincoln University lecturer, scrutineer.

Mr Mellon's report said the polling procedure was muddled and concern was expressed that groups such as Wrightson Wool competitors were not invited to provide scrutineers.

It was felt the Wool Board should have been more involved. There was also obvious confusion with the 23 micron cut-off between Merino and other fine wool breeds such as Polworth and quarterbreds.

The report noted that there appeared to be satisfactory support for Merino NZ to continue as brand manager for research and promotion. But it was less clear - and below the majority likely to be required to activate the Commodity Levy Act - how many of those were in favour of the joint venture.

There was concern that those supplying fine wools to Merino NZ ventures would have no equity in the new company.

The report suggested that the vote be recounted with greater scrutiny.

Merino NZ CEO John Brakenridge said the poll would not be recounted and there had been an independent scrutineer from PricewaterhouseCoopers.

- NZPA