NZ Made Trip

On Thursday my NZ Made group went to the Bettie Monroe Store in Whangamata. We went there to ask the manager of the store, Maree Aitkenhead, a few questions. 
Here are our questions, and a short summary of Maree's answer:

What do they have that is NZ made fabric?

Merino. We don't have cotton or other fabrics in NZ, because we do not grow them.

How does this compare to other fabric?

NZ's merino is the best in the world, generally because we have lots of sheep.

Which countries would you mostly get your fabrics from?

Maree had a bit of trouble with this question, and had to call the owners. They said that the majority of their fabric is sourced from Hong Kong. The owners go there once a year.

What is the process of making your clothing?

First of all, the staff members selling the clothing tell the designers about what sells well, and doesn't. The designers then either design a new garment, or they choose the fabric before designing. Either way. The fabric chosen is then tested to see if it shrinks, or pills. If it does, they get rid of it. The fabric chosen is then sent away to be crafted into the garment.

The fabric with prints on it, is printed in NZ.

How many staff members work for Bettie Monroe?

Around about 28, and more in the summer.

How did the business start?

The business started when two friends, Lucy and Helen realized they both shared the same interest in fashion, and so they started a business. The original shop was in Whangamata.

Where do they make their clothes?

We make our clothes in a factory in Auckland.

Maree was really nice, and she answered all of our questions well. Here are some photos from our trip.