NEW ZELAND (tvnz).- A new seal of quality for the New Zealand furniture industry aims to counter the effect of low cost imported furniture. The Master Seal is expected to

give locally made products a much needed advantage over cheaper imported rivals, mainly from Asia, some of which don't meet acceptable quality standards. The chairman of the Furniture & Cabinet Making Association says New Zealand has a long tradition of producing quality furniture, often using local wood products, and nurturing the talent of young craftspeople. But Blair McKolskey says the industry has struggled to survive in recent years. "The industry has had its back against the wall as we battle against imported furniture combined with the effect of a world recession which has affected sales across the board," McKolskey says.