NZ Owned & Operated Workroom & Retail Outlet
Peter starting out as a youngster trapping and skinning possums for some pocket money. After marrying Carol they both moved to Hari Hari, a small town on the West Coast as Peter wanted to continue to hunt possums for a living.
After two years of hunting possums Peter and Carol moved into manufacturing skins for themselves. Over the first three years they visited many furriers round NZ and learnt the tricks of the trade. Carol took on a hands on apprenticeship, and within only a few months she learnt how to work with fur products. Peter spent time in NZ’s largest wholesale factory learning how to cut damage out of skins and repair them to reach the highest grade for production. Carol also spent time in Napier’s largest workroom manufacturing bedspreads and throws. She also spent time with the top Mink furrier in Christchurch, they were very impresses with her abilities and offered her a full time position running the business. However Carol and Peter had better idea, setting up business for themselves.
Peter and Carol made high quality items for the international market. They supplied stores such as Harrods, the French Riviera just to name a few. Countries they exported to included, Australia, USA, England, France, Switzerland, Italy and Germany. (We continue to do so today)
When the fur trade changed, in the late 1990’s Peter and Carol moved into the product of Possum Merino knitwear.
Peter and Carol continue to develop The Possum People store with their wealth of industry knowledge, buying and exporting Possum Fur and Possum Fiber for the knitwear market.
Handcrafted Product
Possum fur handcrafted products are highly valued for their exquisite quality and luxurious feel. The fur of the Australian brushtail possum is known for its warmth, softness, and durability, making it ideal for crafting items such as gloves, scarves, hats, and jackets. Skilled artisans handcraft each product with care, using traditional techniques that have been passed down through generations to ensure the highest quality and attention to detail.
In New Zealand, the possum population is considered a pest, and their fur is often used as a renewable resource to create handcrafted products. By choosing possum fur, consumers can support sustainable practices that help control the possum population and protect the environment. Additionally, possum fur products are long-lasting, making them a great investment that can be enjoyed for many years to come.
The natural colors of the fur lend themselves well to a variety of designs, from classic and elegant to trendy and modern. Whether it's a cozy scarf or a fashionable jacket, possum fur handcrafted products are sure to make a statement and add a touch of luxury to any outfit.
Australian Brushtail Possum
The Brushtail Possum originated from Australia and was brought to
New Zealand in the early 1800’s to establish a wild fur trade.
This is due to their unique fur, structure and colour. Their fur is a hollow fibre, making it extremely warm and light, therefore perfect to be used for clothing in cold climates.
The hollow fibre on the possum fur os much like a polar bear, this special structure will trap the air inside the fur particles incasing the warmth. By adding Possum fibre too material such as Merino you gain a 30% increase in the garments warmth and durability. Being a natural product from the environment, this fibre wont hold bad orders as it is breathable. Making Possum Merino a sort after material for many lightweight garment, and is extremely popular among hikers and travellers alike.
For people suffering Arthritis, Possum Merino offers some relief as the warmth helps with blood circulation.
Unlike many other natural fur and materials, Possum Merino is extremely soft and comfortable among bear skin.
The Possum have no natural predators in New Zealand and have adapted to life in New Zealand better than expected, they cause many issues with the local flora and Forna and wildlife.
Possums sleep during the day and are active at night. They live under the trees, burrowing in the group, much like our native birds. Causing a housing issue for our local birds. Like all wild animals the Possums will search for food to survive. They mainly eat a vegetarian diet, they will eat the shoots of young trees, fruit and other vegetation. Our native birds also have to compete with them for food.
With the decline of the international fur trade, the number of hunters collecting Possum skins and fibre have declined, giving the Possums more opportunity to expand.
In the pass the Government have offered a bounty for possums caught, this ended in the 80’s and has not commenced. Most hunters will hunt out of enjoyment of hunting along with conservation in mind. Fewer are doing this as a living, you will only find a handful of people living off the land hunting Possums full time.
The Department of Conservation have been trusted into protecting our native land. Pest irradiation is on of their main issues.
They use up to 11 poisons as well as paid staff and volunteers who work trap lines to keep pest numbers down.
Educating the world that wild fur is a product that the whole world can benefit from in many ways is something that we can all look at together.
By purchasing Possum fur and Possum Merino products you are not just helping the economy, you are helping New Zealand wild life.
