The most recent data relating to the New Zealand leather industry is very mixed, with ovine leather production suffering the most.

Data from the New Zealand Tanners’ Association and Statistics New Zealand show that sheep and lamb slaughter has fallen sharply between 1989 and 2008, while cattle slaughter has increased. Sheep slaughter has fallen from 9.5 million head in 1989 to 6.2 million head in 2008, while lamb slaughter has fallen from 30.6 million head to 26.9 million. Cattle slaughter has risen from 2.4 million head to 3.6 million head. 

Share this story: