About New Zealand

New Zealand is in the southern hemisphere, in the South Pacific. Our closest neighbour is Australia 1,200 miles (nearly 2,000 kilometres) to the west. Being in the southern hemisphere, New Zealand’s seasons are the reverse of Europe and North America.

New Zealand has spectacularly beautiful landscapes which include sweeping coastlines, vast mountain ranges, lush rain forests, steaming volcanoes and deeply indented fiords.

We are a country comparable in size to the UK or Japan yet the population of around 4 million people makes it one of the world’s least crowded Western countries.

The overwhelming abundance and beauty of the high country’s rolling hills is ideal for sheep farming and raising sheep is something we do well. We are the world’s largest producer and exporter of crossbred wool, and second only to Australia in the export of all wool.

The first sheep were landed in New Zealand by Captain Cook in 1773 and today we have around 43 million. That’s about 10 sheep for every person in New Zealand!

 New Zealand’s Eco Friendly Farming Practices

New Zealand is a world leader when it comes to farming, and more importantly, it does this without government subsidies. We have a temperate climate, ample rainfall in most areas, and an abundance of land suitable for pastoral farming which means that New Zealand sheep are raised on their natural diet of fresh pasture.

Animal welfare is very important in New Zealand. Our research capability, animal welfare codes of practice and on-farm quality assurance schemes ensure superior animal health and the production of high quality wool.

New Zealand ’s geographical isolation and strict quarantine laws also mean our sheep are free of all major diseases.

New Zealand Organic Farming

In New Zealand there are a number of farms that specialise in certified organic farming practices.

New Zealand Wool Blankets sources its organic wool from a family-owned agribusiness situated in the beautiful rolling hills of the South Island, New Zealand. A unique ’Thermacell’ weave is used for the organic collection.