seeing as how they are now made in China it is as cheap to ship them here for free as to go to NZ first.
Swanndi's have been sewn together in China for quite a long time ( a bit like 90% of the worlds outdoor clothing)... The most recent change was to move the production of the material to manufacture them to China also. I believe the wool is still sourced here in NZ.
Interestingly the price for garments on the ship for free deal has reverted to the 'normal' price. They were offering the Ranger here in NZ for about NZ$116.00. Perhaps the increase covers the cost of shipping??
It's pretty much impossible for NZ companies to compete against products made in a market where labour rates are lower and manufacturing volumes are far larger. Swazi is a sort of notable exception. But I think they are finding the market very tough also. I did notice that they have pulled out of most of the independant stores here in NZ and now only distribute via PGG Wrightson ( a National Farming store chain) or via their website. Swazi did have a subcontract to produce wet weather leggings for the NZ defence force but the contract holder pulled the production and got a cheaper deal in China...
I would say the older Swanndri's from the 'John Mac' days are far better in terms of construction and materials. Clearly they didn't think about product lifespan back then and they just last and last... If you're going to buy a Swanndri then you need to get an old one IMHO.