Kāinga Ora has copped some backlash for scrapping wool carpets in favour of nylon synthetics in state houses.

The agency has released a request for proposal for companies to provide carpet and underlay for its state homes - but claimed nylon was 34 percent cheaper than wool alternatives.

Associate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson has voiced 'disappointment' with this choice.

"We're trying to revitalise the sheep industry, the wool industry - we're starting to make some progress on that, but this is a kick in the guts."

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