There’s an awkward kind of nationalism associated with buying products made in your own country. Because it’s made on home turf it’s instantly better. Because… well, it just is.

The US is particularly proud of their own goods - none more so than their President - despite the fact that their cars have some of the most inefficient engines in the world and the Made in America labels that go on all their textiles are made in Mexico.

A lot of it is politically motivated. National pride is always a vote winner. Plus money staying in the local economy keeps it strong, people in jobs and taxes filling government coffers.

Which isn’t unreasonable. You only have to look at countries like Greece and Spain to see what happens when your economy collapses.

It isn’t pretty. A lot of lives get ruined.

So propping up the economy is a reasonably sound argument but there’s so much more to it than that…

The world is waking up - albeit a little late - to the harm big business is having on the world. Profit at any cost, sweatshops, child labour, polluting and shady deals are all coming to light at an alarming rate and the average person is starting to vote with their wallet.

Brands like Nike are unlikely to perish but they’ve certainly felt the pinch because they’ve started to (very slowly) clean up their act.

But businesses shouldn’t have to be held hostage by their customers. Their customers should be able to have faith in what they are purchasing.

Buying a New Zealand made product is as ethical as it gets.

If a product has been made on these fair shores then you know what you’re getting has been made by someone earning a fair wage, working in good conditions.

This of course isn’t exclusive to NZ and we’re proud to work with a number of international businesses who operate in the same way fashion, but we’re keeping it local.

There is of course the argument that the vast majority of raw materials have to be imported which raises the question of the environment.

It’s a valid point but the best and worst thing about living on beautiful islands in the middle of the south Pacific is a lot of stuff has to get here by boat, so the ships were coming here anyway.

The fact remains that importing the raw materials by sea is fairly unavoidable.

However, importing the raw material being made by a hardworking Kiwi, in good conditions is far better than importing the finished product made in a sweatshop somewhere.

NZ made means it was done so fairly, ethically and legally. Plus we’re a discerning bunch. If anyone tried to pass of cheap tat as NZ we’d quickly notice.

Of course where possible NZ manufacturers will always try to source locally. It’s cheaper for the consumer for a start. Plus there’s just some things we do better than anywhere else in the world. Like Rugby. And our wool.

Whether it’s Merino, Possum or Silk, there really is nothing quite like NZ grown fleece.

New Zealand is a pretty special place with a climate to match. If a product is made in by a Kiwi for a Kiwi you know it’ll do the job - especially when it comes to clothing.

New Zealand is a mixture of cosmopolitan living, getting out into the wilderness and world travelling. That means a cheap polyester t-shirt won’t last long with either our lifestyle or the changing weather conditions. And the quality is terrible.

Natural - renewable and recyclable - materials are better for the environment. Fabrics like wool is biodegradable in 12 months assuming they make it to landfill rather than being repurposed.

Plus there’s something to be said for New Zealand customer service. New Zealand companies are supportive and happy to help. If you’re a local, when you have a problem or something doesn’t fit, it is as easy as popping in the store or giving us a quick phone call. Kiwi retailers of NZ Made can easily contact the manufacturers meaning we will only promise the world if we know it can be delivered within a couple of working days.

If you’re buying online, you might know there’s not much customer service to be had when you buy from mass producers who work on the basis of quantity not quality.

New Zealand is full of small to medium businesses like ours, where those running the online stores are interacting with customers on a day to day human basis. When we champion New Zealand Made, we champion quality in our products and in our customer service.

Also, when you buy from NZ Natural Clothing you’re aiding us in our very own conservation project.Your custom helps to support the Norsewood Wop Wops Wetland Park.

Click here for more information about the Wop Wops and check out our NZ Made, sustainable range of wool products including Possum, Merino, Silk and traditional Coarse wool today.