ATA NZ was established in 1988 under the name Outdoor Fabric Products Association of New Zealand with fewer than 20 members. Today, the association has more than 80 members committed to excellence and awarded in New Zealand and abroad for their innovation and ingenuity. The association represents enterprises engaged in canvas fabrication, sailmaking, vehicle trimming and upholstery, marine trimming and upholstery, as well as suppliers of materials and associated components.

ATA NZ, its Executive and its members are dedicated to promoting, developing and protecting the interests of the manufacture, trading and marketing of all outdoor fabric products with exceptional quality and to recognised standards, both nationally and internationally.

The association seeks to provide fabricators and suppliers of outdoor products and materials with a forum for increasing their industry knowledge, developing new skills, legislation and technology, sharing experiences and the association helps provide a platform to network with other like-minded companies worldwide.

ATA NZis affiliated to the Specialised Textiles Association (STA) of Australia and became a country chapter of the Advanced Textiles Association (ATA) (formerly Industrial Fabrics Association International), based in the United States, in 2008.