This can be quite a challenging subject.Many of us dream of supporting the local market and buying the best quality available.We also tend to believe that New Zealand provides this with our gorgeous merinos, possum and rabbit furs, but sometimes we turn a blind eye to the fact that the majority of the fabric is sourced from overseas - we are not cotton and silk growers!

I recently purchased a beautiful cotton shirt from a “proudly made in New Zealand” store.I absolutely fell in love with the fine fabric which was almost silk-like, and had beautiful detailing.I had been looking for a shirt like this for some time so when I found it, and it had been reduced from $500 to $300 it felt like fate had stepped in, and it was meant to be.I purchased it on the spot and excitedly took it home, dying to wear it asap.I duly wore it out, and of course it then needed laundering.As per the instructions, I carefully hand washed it and was gutted (*technical term!) to find the fabric had 5 little holes in it after one wash.They were bigger than pin pricks but not large.However, they were also visible and have pretty much ruined the shirt.I’m one of those people who hates to complain so didn’t take it back, but it means I also probably won’t shop there again.

I have also shopped a lot at another NZ-made store and had similar issues.I had a client who purchased a dress there and found it had a hole in the bottom when she got home - they actually argued with her over it being her fault!She has since bought a sweater that also needed repairing from brand new.New Zealand made = better?

A couple of months ago, I would have absolutely supported the idea of New Zealand made, but now I’m also about supporting the little kiwi guy (yes - I’m obviously meaning the likes of myself who now have my own line of imported clothing), but when you shop from us you are still supporting the kiwi market, and you know what?My product will rival any New Zealand made piece, and if you do have any issues I won’t blame YOU - I would ask you to let us know so together we can find an agreeable solution.

There are many other small kiwi owned businesses who would, and do, appreciate the support of our customers despite our clothing not being locally made.Please keep an open mind, and be sure you are getting the best quality when you are being charged for it because it was “made in NZ”.Happy days x