Author: Nicole Oliver

Media

Wool Research and Wool Industry Working Group Discussion on Rural Exchange with Sarah Perriam and Richard Loe  – November 2018

Wool Industry Working Group discussion on The Country Show with Jamie McKay – November 2018

Mention in The Best of the Country Show with Jamie McKay  – October 2018

Wool Research discussion on the Country Show with Jamie McKay – October 2018

Mentions:

Included in AgWomen Global Story

-Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme Report:
“Blackroom: A Concept Incubator for the Future of Coarse Wool”

 The University of Waikato Master of Professional Management (MPM) Thesis:
“The New Zealand Coarse Wool Industry – Does it have a Future?”

New Zealand Romney Association Report completed during MPM degree
“The New Zealand Romney Association – What is the Future of the Fibre?”

My love for wool starts with my family. I grew up in the Waikato and spent much of it on the family farm in the King Country.  As a result, I’ve developed an afinity for the land and more importantly wool.

My inspiration for my study and involvement in the wool industry started from my Grandfather, who always believed in doing things differently.  His views on the world always challenged traditional thinking and from an appreciation of an industry he was involved in, I would like to help ensure it has a long-term, sustainable and positve future.

One of my favourite memories as a child was at Christmas time on the family farm during shearing time, knowing the shorn wool would ‘magically’  transform in clothing, carpeting and furnishing used all around the world. 

Today,  wool makes up less than one percent of the global fibre market, due to the impact of synthetic fibre and consumers lack of awareness of the values of wool.  I believe for a positive long-term future for wool and the wool industry to be achieved, a new future vision is required. Currently, I am a PhD at Lincoln University, considering “The Future of Wool 2070.

I have a Masters in Agribusiness from The University of Waikato and completed my thesis on “The Future of the Coarse Wool Industry”. In addition, I have completed the Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme and have an undergraduate degree in Business, Majoring in Management.