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 its own goods – none more so than its political leaders – despite the fact that some American cars have historically had inefficient engines, and not everything associated with an American brand is necessarily made in America.

A lot of it is politically motivated. National pride is often a vote-winner. Plus, money staying in the local economy helps keep it strong, people in jobs and taxes flowing into government coffers.

Which isn’t unreasonable. You only have to look at countries like Greece and Spain, which have experienced serious economic crises, to see what happens when an economy struggles.

It isn’t pretty. A lot of lives can be ruined.

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

For this reason, we applied for and received a licence authorising us to use and display the NZ MADE logo and trademark, enabling us to stand out from the crowd.

The values behind this branding are so close to our hearts that we couldn't imagine pursuing our passion without adhering to and contributing to what it represents.

The world is waking up – albeit a little late – to the harm some big businesses are having on the world. Profit at any cost, sweatshops, child labour, pollution 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 disappear, but they've certainly faced pressure over their practices and have taken steps to improve them.

But businesses shouldn't have to be held accountable solely through pressure from their customers. Their customers should be able to have faith in what they are purchasing.

Buying a New Zealand-made product is one way to support ethical manufacturing.

If a product has been made on these fair shores, you can have greater confidence that it has been produced under New Zealand's employment laws, with protections for fair wages and working conditions.

This, of course, isn't exclusive to NZ, and we're proud to work with a number of international businesses that operate in the same way. However, for now, we're keeping it local.

There is, of course, the argument that many raw materials have to be imported, which raises questions about the environmental impact.

It's a valid point, but one of the best and worst things about living on beautiful islands in the middle of the South Pacific is that a lot of stuff has to get here by boat.

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

However, importing raw materials to be made into quality products by hardworking Kiwis, in good conditions, can be a better choice than importing finished products manufactured under poor working conditions overseas.

NZ-made means products are manufactured under New Zealand laws and regulations, providing greater confidence in the standards under which they are produced. Plus, we're a discerning bunch. If anyone tried to pass off cheap tat as quality NZ-made goods, we'd quickly notice.

Of course, where possible, NZ manufacturers will often try to source locally. It can reduce transport requirements and support other New Zealand businesses. Plus, there are just some things we do better than anywhere else in the world.

Like rugby. And our wool.

Whether it's Merino wool, possum fibre or luxurious natural-fibre blends, there really is something special about New Zealand's textile heritage.

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

New Zealand offers a mixture of cosmopolitan living, getting out into the wilderness and world travel. That means a cheap polyester T-shirt might not last long with either our lifestyle or our changing weather conditions. And the quality isn't always up to scratch.

Natural, renewable and recyclable materials can be better for the environment. Fabrics like wool are biodegradable under suitable conditions, 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 can be as easy as popping into the store or giving us a quick phone call.

Kiwi retailers of NZ-made products can often contact manufacturers directly, meaning we can give you realistic expectations about what can be delivered and when.

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

New Zealand is full of small to medium-sized businesses like ours, where those running the online stores interact with customers on a day-to-day, human basis.

When we champion New Zealand Made, we champion quality in both our products and our customer service.

Also, when you buy from New Zealand Natural Clothing, you’re helping us support our very own conservation project. Your custom helps support the Norsewood Wop Wops Wetland Park.

Click here for more information about the Wop Wops.

And while you're here, why not check out our NZ-made, natural-fibre clothing range, including Possum, Merino, Silk blends and traditional coarse wool?