Watch the event recording below:
Fibre has a rich history in New Zealand, from wool to mohair to hemp fires. However, an increased competition from synthetic fibres have resulted in decreased consumer demand for strong wool, resulting in the diversification and innovation of the traditional and natural fibre markets.
New Zealand prides itself on its safe and reliable reputation for the export of natural fibres as well as a comprehensive understanding of an evolving consumer mindset that places a high value on products that enhance family safety and health. This along with New Zealand’s drive for innovation has led to the development and innovative uses for our fibre markets.
As we continue to place value on our traditional markets, and leverage new raw materials with innovative uses, New Zealand will continue to build an exciting fibre ecosystem that not only delivers for growers but along the supply chain to consumers and end-users.
The wider fibre eco-system in New Zealand has traditionally been dominated by strong wool, but now New Zealand has moved towards alternative raw materials and innovative use to develop a thriving ecosystem. What is next for our traditional wool market? What can we do to further innovate our use of New Zealand fibre? What alternatives to wool are being leveraged? What role does hemp or mohair play in the development of the wider eco-system?
Join us to be part of the conversation and hear from our speakers from 2 different fibre markets who can uncover what the future of fibre looks like for New Zealand and what we can do to support a developing ecosystem. You will also hear from a veterinarian who is taking a widened and holistic view to nutrition and what part that plays in animal fibre outputs.
Timings:
8.30am: Arrival
8.45am: Networking
9.05am: Welcome & introduction (virtual streaming starts)
9.15am: Keynote address 1
9.30am: Keynote address 2
9.45am: Keynote address 3
10.00am: Keynote address 4
10.15am: Panel discussion/interactive Q&A session with the audience
10.40am: Live streaming ends. Speaking finishes, networking
11.00am: Event finishes
Meet our speakers:
Dr Parmjit Randhawa, Greenlab
Parmjit Randhawa holds a PhD in Soil Science from Lincoln University, New Zealand. He is a leading researcher and advocate of Medicinal Cannabis and Hemp industry in Australia and New Zealand. Parmjit is also a Team leader on Hemp Agronomic Research in iHemp Victoria, Australia. His research interest is to develop open field Hemp crop into Food, Fibre and Medicine
David Brown, Angora Farmer
In the early 1970's a few people started to breed Angora Goats for Mohair, and we were lucky enough to have some on our farm - captured from wild remnant flocks of earlier attempts to farm them nearby.I still farm around 400 Angoras (somewhat improved) in conjunction with a cattle fattening operation on my family farm at Waipu today.
In 1984,I was lucky enough to be awarded a Lincoln College travel scholarship,which enabled two months of travel in South Africa studying the Mohair industry there,and upon my return to NZ, MoPANZ (forerunner of Mohair NZ) successfully lobbied for an importation of improved South African genetics,released from quarantine in 1994- a ten year project,which I was privileged to be involved with from go to whoa. During that time I served a period as Northland MoPANZ Councillor, VP,and President("87/88")
Mohair is still a passion, and in recent years I have imported further Angoras from Australia of mainly improved South African genetics
John Woodward, Mohair NZ Inc
One of John's favourite sayings is "life is better with an Angora goat!"
John started farming Angora goats in 1978. In 1980 he set up, and ran, NZ Mohair marketing. Additionally, he has been a member of the Mohair NZ board since 1980. John is now a Mohair Warehouse owner in the North Island and is also a Mohair NZ life member. John is passionate about all things mohair.
John is also the director and owner of the Mohair and Possum store in Drury, which specializes in natural fibre products inc blankets and yarn.
Dr. Vicki McLean, BSc DVM MPVM PhD MANZCVS
Vicki graduated from the University of California Davis with a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine and a Master’s Degree in Epidemiology and Population Medicine.
She is a hands-on clinician as well as assisting and teaching other veterinarians about dairy goat and sheep medicine and management. She has talked at goat meat and fibre producers meetings.
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