The value of nearly all wool lifted at last week's combined North and South Island sale, by up to 5% for cross-bred fleece and 7% for lambs' wool, regardless of the negative impact of a stronger New Zealand dollar on export returns.

Limited supplies of New Zealand wool is helping to keep auction prices on the boil at the first sales of the New Year.

The shortage led to the first South Island sale of the year being cancelled.

This week's sale will be another light one, with a bit over 14,000 bales of North and South Island wool rostered for auction.

Exporter New Zealand Wool Services International says that's due to a combination of renewed interest from buyers and the restricted supplies still coming through for auction.