Autumn Can Be Wyld | A Story of NZ Wool
After a damp summer, autumn wasted no time arriving in New Zealand. The moment March began, the temperature dropped and many of us reached for socks for the first time in months.
Although summer will probably yet play several brief warm encores, many of us are already thinking about how we’ll keep warm during the coming autumn and winter.
For me, when the mercury heads south and the wind blows, I turn to woollen socks, gloves and hats to keep warm, especially those produced by Wyld from New Zealand’s most interesting rare breeds, the Pihepe Sheep.
This little-known breed originates from Saxony Merinos that were left to fend for themselves on Pitt Island in the Chatham Islands. That was until Roger Beattie, enviropreneur and founder of Wyld, who lived on the Chatham for 17 years, became enamoured by the resilience of this wild and free breed.
From Pitt Island to Banks Peninsula
When Roger returned to New Zealand, he brought eight ewes and two rams with him. Soon after, he realised that a sheep capable of surviving for decades in the extreme conditions of Pitt Island must be one of the most robust breeds in New Zealand. And, as it doesn't require tail-docking, injections or drenching to stay healthy, it’s also efficient to raise and yields a chemical-free fleece.
Roger continued to purchase more Pihepe sheep from Pitt Island whenever he could and, over several years, Roger and his wife Nicki grew their flock on Banks Peninsula to 2,500.
Like the sheep themselves, the wool is strong and durable, and when mixed with Merino wool and Possum fur, produces a lightweight blend of fibres that gently entangle to trap warm air in cold conditions while allowing airflow in milder weather.
Why are merino possum socks so warm?
Possum merino socks are unusually warm because possum fur contains hollow fibres that trap heat without the bulk of wool. When blended with merino wool – which wicks moisture away from the skin and naturally resists odour – the result is a sock that keeps feet warm, dry and comfortable even in harsh conditions. Even after a few days tramping, your socks won’t smell like an over-ripe cheese.
Under the brand name Wyld, the Beattie family have created a range sustainable wool clothing using Pihepe, Merino and possum-blend wool. This unique blend is spun to make socks, hats and gloves to keep us warm in even the coldest of conditions (they’ve even been worn in Antarctica). And they're are favoured by Kiwis who love the cosy indoors after a spell in the wild outdoors.
At Artevo, we love products with a story behind them, and the tale of Wyld’s Pihepe sheep is hard to beat. From a remote island flock to beautifully crafted New Zealand winter accessories, it’s a reminder that the best things often begin in unexpected places.
