Functional, Beautiful, Sustainable – Mt Nicholas Merino
Mt Nicholas Merino are on a mission to share their ethos for an environmentally responsible way of life well beyond their remote farm gate with the launch of their product range. A collection designed to complement their already highly sought-after yarn.
One of the most historic and largest stations in Aotearoa, Mt Nicholas spans 36,000 hectares from the shores of Lake Wakatipu to deep into Southland and is home to 29,000 merino sheep and 2,300 Hereford cattle. Kate Cocks and Latisha McMurray are the creators, designers and entrepreneurs behind the station’s own merino brand, supported by their husbands Jack and Phil. ‘The idea came about while we were cleaning the shearers’ quarters,’ laughs Kate. ‘We produce 120,000 kilos of merino wool, which is sent to Italy for manufacture into luxury suits, and used in other fashion and active outdoor wear, and we thought – what if we pinched a small amount for us?’ A small amount that has paved the way into a timeless collection of heritage merino goods.
‘After years of growing beautiful merino wool, it is exciting to continue the journey with our fibre, and use it to create products that are uniquely New Zealand, and able to be traced back to a single origin on the station,’ explains Latisha. ‘It was really important to us that we partner with local processing and manufacturing operations; which wasn’t easy as there aren’t many options for this in New Zealand.’
The station’s merino sheep are shorn annually by a highly skilled shearing gang. ‘After the wool handlers’ initial preparation we hand- sort the wool, removing any vegetable matter and parts of the fleece that are less than perfect, and then the wool is transported to Christchurch for scouring before being sent to Wellington to be dyed and spun, ready for our knitters.’
The design of each piece is carefully overseen by Kate and Latisha with some key considerations in mind. ‘We often ask ourselves what would we like in our homes, or what would we like to wear?’ continues Kate. ‘At every point we are striving to achieve timeless, classic pieces that will appeal to men and women. And especially to those who are seeking a traceable sustainable product.’
Having gained the world’s leading ethical wool certification, The New Zealand Merino Company’s ZQRX standard, Mt Nicholas are ensuring that everything produced on the property is done so with not only fibre quality in mind, but with environmental and social responsibilities as well. ‘The ZQRX standard dives into unique aspects of the property as a whole,’ explains Kate, ‘and looks at not only how we care for our stock but what we are doing to improve the land such as restoring waterways, protecting native species and offsetting carbon. Not only do we ensure our products are produced to the highest quality, but that they are produced with an environmental conscience at every turn. Right down to the packaging – which is all biodegradable.’
Living remotely, the two entrepreneurs laugh as they share an insight into the models they have on hand for trying on their new collection of jerseys – launching at the Wanaka A&P Show in March 2024. ‘Everyone living on the farm gets called upon
to try out our new collections,’ laughs Kate. ‘It is very much a family affair. We have even convinced some of the guys who come and shear our sheep annually to be models for our advertising.’
Designed to be worn with a silk skirt or jeans, out and about or just at home, the merino jerseys, like everything in the range, have been crafted with versatility and classic lines in mind. ‘We have men and women’s designs,’ enthuses Latisha, ‘and while there will be beautiful natural shades we also have a brighter option for those looking to add a pop of colour to their wardrobe.’ Beanies, scarves, hats and gloves will also be part of the Autumn 2024 collection.
Growing a business within a business is no small feat, but this dynamic duo has more than proved they are a formidable pair – they have four children between them, live in ‘the middle of nowhere’, Latisha also manages the farm’s events business, while Kate manages the business and compliance responsibilities of the farm. ‘We want to tell our story through our products,’ concludes Kate, ‘connecting Mt Nicholas with people all across New Zealand and further afield.’ A connection and story that has plenty more to come.
