Showing the way with wool
New Zealand actor Sir Sam Neill has joined the Campaign for Wool NZ (CFWNZ) as an ambassador, lending his name and profile to educate and advocate for New Zealand strong wool.
Sam, a fourth generation New Zealander, is one of our country’s most highly regarded actors, having worked across the globe in film and television.
Behind the scenes, he is also an enthusiastic wool advocate, sharing his Central Otago farm with sheep, cattle, pigs, ducks, chickens and, of course, grapevines.
Sam says he has long felt connected to strong wool and its benefits. “I spent a lot of time working in woolsheds as a young fellow, and they were some of the best days of my life. There are very few experiences you can have that are more New Zealand by nature.
“Today, I am a sheep owner and my Suffolk sheep produce strong wool. Every time we shear I am reminded about what a great product that is – durable, warm, sustainable and biodegradable, but somehow undervalued. And it comes from happy sheep. There is nothing like it.”
In his role with CFWNZ, a registered charity funded by wool growers through a voluntary per-kilo contribution, as well as via a number of commercial partners, Sam will assist in creating visual content that New Zealand-grown strong wool is natural, comfortable, moisture-wicking, and eco-friendly.
CFWNZ’s general manager, Kara Biggs, says the alliance is “perfect” and that the charity can’t wait to work more directly with the Jurassic Park star.
“Speaking with Sam, his passion and vision for New Zealand strong wool couldn’t be more clear. Sam understands wool, he’s already a huge advocate for wool, and he’s genuine in his quest to share its myriad beneficial qualities with his audience. We are so grateful to Sam for making time for Campaign for Wool and helping us share the message that New Zealand strong wool is magic.”
Sam joins three other ambassadors, fashion and textile designer Liz Mitchell MNZM, architect Stephen McDougall, and commercial interiors specialist Robert Macfarlane, at CFWNZ.
