By Farmers Weekly

Copyright farmersweekly

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Hawke’s Bay’s Niyah Garisau has become one of the first in New Zealand to achieve an advanced international qualification in textile colouration, strengthening a local manufacturer’s technical edge in the global carpet market.

The Bremworth dyehouse technician has been awarded the Textile Coloration Certificate (TCC) from the UK-based Society of Dyers and Colourists (SDC).

The two-year programme is regarded as one of the world’s most rigorous professional standards for colourists, training candidates in the chemistry, application, and measurement of colour across different fibres.

Garisau, who previously gained the Foundation Textile Coloration Certificate (FTCC) in 2022, took part in the TCC programme while working full-time shifts. Her journey was further complicated by weekly commutes between Napier and Christchurch and delays caused by Cyclone Gabrielle, but she persevered to complete the qualification in 2025.

“When I first stepped into the dyehouse, I was fascinated by what was happening with colour and wanted to learn more. The late-night lectures with the UK tutors, often running from 10pm to midnight before starting work the next day, were the hardest part but it’s been worth it,” Garisau said.

The qualification equips Garisau to troubleshoot colour processes, ensure consistency across large carpet runs, and apply the latest international best practice in sustainable dye techniques.

The Māori wahine, who is also of Samoan heritage, has worked at Bremworth for seven years and says the qualification has given her the confidence to step into leadership roles in the future and to help mentor new trainees coming through.

“When I left school I had one year at university but didn’t feel like it was for me. I started out at an entry-level position in the factory at Bremworth but I became fascinated with what I saw happening in the dye room. I decided that this was going to be the career direction I wanted to head in. That curiosity pushed me to take every opportunity to learn and grow, even when the path wasn’t obvious.

“As a Māori and Pasifika woman I am incredibly proud to be on this journey and hope I inspire others to take up more training opportunities. Often, we don’t see what is available to us until we start looking a little closer.”

Bremworth dyehouse manager Grant Townend said the achievement is a milestone not just for Garisau but for the wider New Zealand textile sector, where specialist training pathways have largely disappeared.

“It’s actually vital for our business to have someone with this level of qualification. There’s nothing comparable available in New Zealand anymore, and the expertise Niyah now brings in colour matching, dye application, and fibre knowledge gives us both risk mitigation and a real edge against competitors,” he said.

Garisau’s success also positions Bremworth to nurture future talent. While four Bremworth staff completed the FTCC in 2022, Garisau went on to advance to the TCC a reflection of both her technical ability and commitment.

“Colour is subjective, but the science behind achieving and keeping it consistent is critical. Getting it wrong at scale is costly. Having someone formally qualified at this level means Bremworth can deliver to the highest international standards while continuing to innovate in natural fibre carpets,” Townend said.