Staff Reporter
New Zealand’s Defence Force (NZDF) has selected Norsewear to supply socks for all new recruits, marking a major win for local wool and manufacturing. The decision follows a rigorous trial where Norsewear’s merino and mid-micron wool socks outperformed several other brands, proving their durability, comfort, and performance in tough military conditions.
Crafted in southern Hawke’s Bay using traceable, Wool Integrity NZ-certified wool, the socks are engineered for temperature control, odour resistance, and foot protection.
Norsewear owner Tim Deane says the partnership is a boost for New Zealand’s wool industry and regional jobs, enabling investment in new Italian knitting machines and new hires in the small town of Norsewood.
Company owner Tim Deane says it’s a win for both New Zealand wool and local manufacturing, and a huge boost to the team at the heritage Kiwi business. The contract was secured through ADA (Australian Defence Apparel) New Zealand, replacing imported stock with homegrown quality. Tim says securing the NZDF contract through ADA New Zealand, who had previously brought in socks from the United States, has enabled the purchase of two new state-of-the-art Italian knitting machines that are now installed and busy producing thousands of pairs of woollen socks, using Wool Integrity New Zealand certified traceable fibre from Norsewear’s South Island farm partners.
“We’ve refined our design to meet the specific needs of the New Zealand Army, Navy and Air Force, delivered at a competitive price” Tim explains.
“That means the Kiwi military gets great socks, NZDF gets more flexibility on supply along with clarity of the whole supply chain, and we buy more wool from New Zealand farmers to fulfil the contract.”
