The brushtail possum was introduced to New Zealand in the 1850s and this particular species of possum is now causing havoc on our natural wildlife and native forests.
The need to control the number of possums in New Zealand, in order to protect the native wildlife, flora, and fauna, saw the development of a specialised fibre within the knitwear industry of New Zealand. This fibre incorporated New Zealand Merino wool, and Possum fur, a combination that proved to be very successful. A superior, high-quality yarn was created, that also worked to successfully help the ecology of New Zealand by creating a demand for possum fibre.
About MKM-Native World:
A constant drive for innovation and new ideas has seen the Manawatu Knitting Mills survive the twists and turns of over 137 years,
mirroring New Zealand’s coming of age from a colony to a nation.
While other manufactures have made the decision to move offshore, MKM has always been determined to remain a New
Zealand (family) Business in every sense, still operating in the Manawatu region of the North Island.