In 1950, when the Korean War broke out, the United States of America sought to buy large quantities of wool to complete its strategic stockpiles.

[5] However the subsequent free-market reforms of the Fourth Labour Government (in office: 1984–1990), and the associated removal of agricultural subsidies saw numbers decline even quicker than they had risen.

People were desperate to receive help from the state and government as many who had lost their jobs needed financial support to feed their families.

The significant inflow of income due to the wool boom following the Korean War also served New Zealand's economy well.

[13] The wool boom was attributed to the state's investment in pasture developments, which included funding, support, and lower taxes.

This provided stability for New Zealand's economy as well as increased chances of securing economic and political relations with other countries in the longer term.

Moreover, in 1949, New Zealand sheep farmers also started to experiment with applying fertilisers to the ground via drone and aeroplane methods。This saw a significant increase in land productivity across the country.

[18] However, following the reformation of state policies by the fourth Labour government, the economy itself fell into a relatively unstable condition.

New Zealand's economy was facing soaring unemployment rates and significant reductions in profits, especially in the export market.

[21] The most significant aspect of the Korean War was the positive economic benefits brought by the great boost in wool prices.

It was further understood that the conflict in Korea saw New Zealand realise the need to restructure its political and economic ties with Great Britain.

This area had prime natural features such as good rainfall, adequate land space and fertile soils.

Wool prices plummeted for reasons including the 1970 ‘oil shock’ and the decline in government and state support.

Sheep farmers had to adapt and respond to the changes brought by the global economy and natural variations in the climate.

This decline has been partly attributed to the rising competitiveness of plastic and synthetics which offer consumers a cheaper price compared to wool.

[39] The wool growing areas of New Zealand’s west is predicted to observe increased rainfall and rising minimum temperatures.

This will have positive impacts on the wool growing markets due to more water available for pasture production and maintaining livestock.