• Take Part in the Advanced Textiles Industry Benchmarking Survey

    Every few years, we invite members of the industry to participate in a benchmarking survey to gain insights into how businesses in our sector are performing. The data collected helps us identify trends, challenges, and opportunities, providing valuable information that benefits everyone in the industry. We’d greatly appreciate your input! The survey is designed to

  • Thrive in 2025: A Look at next year’s conference

    As we look ahead to 2025, there’s no better time to set our sights on what’s next. “Thrive in 2025” isn’t just a slogan—it’s a call to action for professionals in our industry. In an ever-evolving business landscape, it’s essential to take a step back and focus on growing and innovating. That’s exactly what our

  • Member Spotlight – The Mad Marine Hatter

    Nathan Van Wollingen, owner of Sunset Coast Marine Trimming, has been running his business for nearly three years. Before venturing out on his own, Nathan spent 10 years managing the marine division of another trimming business and five years at Chivers Marine, where he first fell in love with the craft. Today, Nathan operates as

  • Get Ready: Awards for Excellence 2025

    It’s hard to believe it’s been nearly a year since we were thinking about the last Awards for Excellence! Now, it’s time to prepare for the 2025 Awards, with entries opening in early February and closing on 2 May 2025. As you take a well-deserved break over the holidays, it’s the perfect opportunity to reflect

  • Introducing the Textile Fabricators NZ Facebook Group

    At this year’s conference, fabricators attending the fabricator workshop expressed a strong interest in creating a platform to share knowledge, ask questions, and seek inspiration from others in the industry. In response, we’re excited to announce the launch of the Textile Fabricators NZ Facebook Group! This group is designed specifically for everyone in the textile

  • ATA NZ Members take Home 8 IAA Awards

    For more than 75 years, the International Achievement Awards (IAA) recognize outstanding and innovative projects representing the latest accomplishments in design and manufacture incorporating specialty fabrics. The 46-category competition, sponsored by ATA (formerly known as IFAI) since 1946, is an excellent opportunity for ATA members and non-members to display work, gain professional recognition and become

  • Working together to reduce waste

    Working together to reduce waste

    Thanks to Plastics NZ’s ‘CircularConnect’ programme, The Environment Innovation Centre (EIC) got to work with two great teams at Flo & Frankie and Advanced Textiles Association New Zealand. Some of the composite plastic waste streams from advanced textiles companies are difficult (or even impossible) to recycle – so the EIC provided, Duncan’s Canvas, with a

  • Industrial Textiles Qualification Support

    As many of you may be aware, the Advanced Textiles Association New Zealand (formerly OFPANZ) have been working over the last two years with MAST Academy and Hang Aro Rau to develop programmes for the new Level 3 and Level 4 NZ Certificates for Industrial Textiles. This follows an extensive review. There are two new

  • Shade Plus Has New Owners

    Dion Radburnd has purchased Shade Plus from Barry Wybrow. Dion expressed interest in taking over the business when Barry retired. Barry stayed on throughout the month of September to achieve a smooth handover. On Barry’s last day, the team presented him with a model of the sail and sign out the front of the factory

  • Sustainable Waste Management Study

    Sustainable Waste Management Study

    Over Autumn, ATA NZ worked with Environmental Innovation Centre (EIC) to design and trial sustainable waste management strategies for the outdoor and industrial textile industry. The EIC team worked with volunteer ATA NZ member, Duncan’s Canvas, to create, communicate and produce better environmental outcomes. The first stage of this project targeted plastic waste materials, particularly