As your boss to stock more Kiwi made products. Althought there are some products that are no longer made in New Zealand, there are more Kiwi made products available than most retailers are aware of.
Ask your boss to better promote the Kiwi made products that they do stock (this could include better visual placement on Kiwi made products in the store or a Buy NZ Made promotion week.)
Give customers the option of a Kiwi made product if one is available in the store. Be a champion for Kiwi made in your store.
TANIA CLARKE IS A WORKER at Bunnings Whangarei. She is an Executive Member of the National Distribution Union representing the northern retail sector. Tania (pictured right) is one of the most enthusiastic members of the NDU in promoting “kiwi made”.
Tania has worked at Bunnings Whangarei for about 3 years, and has been in retail for 23 years. Other shops she has worked in during this time include Rendells, Farmers and Arthur Barnetts.
“I support the Buy Kiwi Made campaign for one simple reason,” says Tania. “It keeps kiwis at work.”
Tania says she has seen what happens to unemployed families over the years.
“It is devastating. Fathers lose their self respect because they cannot provide for their families. Children go to school with no lunches. There is more domestic violence because of the pressure that families are under.”
As a retail worker at Bunnings, Tania promotes NZ products at every opportunity.
“I work in the hardware department. Around 20% of our product lines, including wood, are NZ made. Whenever I get a customer I always direct them to the NZ made products,” Tania says.
And what sort of reaction does she get?
“Most people ask about cost. Mostly the NZ products are more expensive. When the customers ask why, I tell them it is because wages in NZ are much better that the countries that the cheaper products come from. I also ask the customers to compare the products and see which are of the better quality.
“Some customers say ‘sorry Tania, I can afford the NZ one today, but I know I’ll be back in six months after this one breaks’.
“A few customers are negative, but most thank me for pointing out the NZ option and a good number buy the NZ product for its better quality and to keep kiwis in work.”
Tania says that Bunnings itself does not promote kiwi made because so many of its products are imported. However her local boss is supportive of her crusade, “as long as I do my job”.
And what support does Tania get from fellow workmates?
“I put the Buy Kiwi Made kiwi posters and pamphlets on the union notice board. Some of my workmates don’t care about the issue, but more of the union members at work do.”
Tania has advice for other retail workers. “Be aware of the NZ products that you sell in your store and be prepared to promote them. It will give you huge satisfaction. I have always supported NZ made and the radio and TV adverts have reminded customers to look for the NZ product.
And what about NDU members as consumers?
“My message to our members is to look for the NZ made triangle. Also look for the quality of the product, the stitching. Compare the kiwi made product to the cheaper one and think which will last longer.”
“I think NZ manufacturers need to make it more obvious that their products are kiwi made. They should use even bigger kiwi in a triangle stickers on their products.
“And everyone should remember that the more you buy or push NZ made products the more you are helping keep another kiwi in work!” Tania says.
"I support the Buy Kiwi Made campaign for one simple reason, it keeps Kiwis at work."
Around 20% of our product lines, including wood, are NZ made. Whenever I get a customer I always direct them to the NZ made products,
Compare the Kiwi made product to the cheaper one and think which will last longer.