If you want to develop your listening skills, try these tasks as you listen to the text. The answers are at the bottom of this page, after the Vocabulary. Thanks to Natasha Groves for preparing the tasks.
If you want to listen and read, just scroll down to the text.
1. Listening for main ideas
First, just listen to the text, taking notes if you wish. What information can you catch during this first listening?
2. Now listen again and answer the following questions:
- What was announced on 9 April?
- What projects does the policy apply to?
- What did the Economic Growth Minister state?
- What did the Agriculture Minister state?
- What does he hope that private businesses will do?
- What did the Deputy Prime Minister say?
- How do farming groups feel about the policy? Why?
- In what ways is wool different from synthetic products?
Text
Wool is now the preferred material for use in government buildings, according to a new government policy.
On 9 April it was announced that 130 government agencies must use wool for carpet, upholstery, and insulation when it is practical and appropriate. The policy applies to new construction projects costing more than $9 million and refurbishments over $100,000. It takes effect from 1 July. Government departments that choose not to use wool will have to report to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), explaining why wool was not used.
Three government ministers made the announcement together. The Economic Growth Minister, Nicola Willis, stated that wool has health benefits because it regulates humidity naturally and improves air quality. The Agriculture Minister, Mark Patterson, stated that the new policy shows the government’s support for the wool industry and farmers. He said that the sector contributed $549 million to the economy in the financial year ending 31 March 2024 from exporting wool products. He hopes that private businesses will follow the government’s example and use wool more often. Deputy Prime Minister, Winston Peters, said that the policy will help drive employment and regional development as well as encouraging sustainability and innovation in the building materials industry.
Farming groups are very happy about the policy because it supports wool growers in New Zealand. They also argue that wool is a natural and sustainable product which lasts a long time and then biodegrades when removed from buildings, in contrast to synthetic products which are made using fossil fuels and which may later end up in landfill.
Vocabulary
announce – to officially tell people something, especially a plan or decision
upholstery – material used to cover chairs
insulation – material used to stop heat from passing through. Insulation can be put in the ceiling, walls or under the floor
refurbishment – work such as painting, cleaning and repairing a building or office in order to improve its appearance
biodegrade – to break down naturally in a way that does not harm the environment
Answers
a. What was announced on 9 April?
130 government agencies must use woollen fibres for carpet, upholstery, and insulation when it is practical and appropriate.
b. What projects does the policy apply to?
New construction projects costing more than $9 million and refurbishments over $100,000.
c. What did the Economic Growth Minister state?
Wool has health benefits because it regulates humidity naturally and improves air quality.
d. What did the Agriculture Minister state?
The new policy shows the government’s support for the wool industry and farmers. The sector contributed $549 million to the economy in the financial year ending 31 March 2024 from exporting wool products.
e. What does he hope that private businesses will do?
He hopes that they will follow the government’s example and use wool more often.
f. What did the Deputy Prime Minister say?
The policy will help drive employment and regional development as well as encouraging sustainability and innovation in the building materials industry.
g. How do farming groups feel about the policy? Why?
Very happy because it supports wool growers in New Zealand.
h. In what ways is wool different from synthetic products?
Wool is a natural and sustainable product which lasts a long time and then biodegrades when removed from buildings; synthetic products are made using fossil fuels and may later end up in landfill.