 Possum New Zealand
 MooMoo (Calfskin)
 Babylamb (Slink)
 Alpaca Fleece
 Possum New Zealand
The Brushtail Possum fur has a hollow fibre to ensure that all products are ultra warm. Available in 19 different natural and dyed colors, there is something for everyone in Possum New Zealand’s eco-fur collection.
Description
The Brushtail Possum (Trichosurus Vulpecula) was introduced to New Zealand from Australia about 150 years ago. Nocturnal marsupial mammals, Brushtail Possums are about 50cm long, with grey or brown fur, sharp claws and a bushy tail. After gestation, the young live in the mothers pouch for around 4 months.
 The Environmental Impact
A prolific breeder, the Brushtail Possum has become the greatest threat to New Zealand’s native flora. Numbers are estimated at 70 million, and they devour 8 million tonnes of vegetation annually. That equates to 20,000 tonnes (or 4000 truckloads) every night!
In addition to competing for food, Brushtail Possum’s also eat or destroy the eggs and chicks of endangered native birds.
Action taken to Protect the Environment
The Department of Conservation in conjunction with central and local governments has spent millions of dollars trying to contain the problem, through humane trapping or baiting. However, full eradication will never be possible.
In addition, harvesters are collecting the animals for processing by tanneries, and it is from this non-farmed source that Possum New Zealand sources its A-Grade hides. All fur has been harvested from the wild.
Utilizing a National Pest
Possum New Zealand believes that a commercially driven approach is an effective way of containing this problem. We have developed an innovative Possum fur range of funky, colourful garments, hats, scarves, bags and accessories, in a myriad of finishes and hues.
Wear your possum fashion with pride: “Buy a Possum and save a forest!”
 Click here to watch a video of Possum New Zealand's work.
New Zealand Possum is not:
- It is not the same as Lapin (Rabbit). Possum does not continually shed and has a hollow fibre ensuring maximum warmth.
- It is not the same as the North American Opossum. While both are marsupials, they are different species. For more information on the North American Opossum, see the table below.
- It is not farmed or commercially bred. This is illegal in New Zealand. All our Possums are feral and collected according to humane Department of Conservation standards.
- New Zealand Possum is not expensive when compared with furs like mink or fox. Possum fur offers an environmentally acceptable alternative. By utilizing a pest, you help to control its numbers and contribute to the welfare of the planet.
| WE ARE NOT THE SAME! The differences between the Brushtail Possum and the common North American (Virginia) Opossum |
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Brushtail Possum: Trichosurus vulpecula |
North American Opossum: Didelphis virginiana |
| Up to 1.2m (4') long and 14kg (32lb) |
Up to 0.51m (20") long and 6kg (13lb) |
| Completely covered in thick fur with a warm hollow fibre |
Long hairless prehensile tail |
| Dark brown or grey fur |
Dull grey-brown fur with white face |
| Introduced to New Zealand from Australia, to start a fur industry |
Introduced to North America, from South America as a food source during the Great Depression |
| Average lifespan 6-7 years |
Average lifespan 2 years |
| Inventive and determined forager with no natural predators |
Feigns death by 'playing possum' to avoid danger |
Click to view the full Possum New Zealand Collection here, or click the images below to view some of our products.
   
Possum Fur Scarves Possum Fur Hats Possum Knitwear Possum Fur Throws
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 MooMoo (Calfskin)
All our New Zealand Cowskin (or calfskin) products are made from the best quality Friesian hides. Every product is totally unique in texture and shape – and most importantly spottiness! Ranging in texture from silky to coarse, clafskin is a hardwearing and versatile product.
All of the MooMoo products are made from top quality New Zealand Friesian hides. Always available in the classic Brown/White and Black/White, many of our products are now being specially dyed: Hot Pink and Lime Green!
Sourced in New Zealand and manufactured by Possum New Zealand, our cowskin/calfskin products are made from the biggest and best ‘bobby calves’ produced as a by-product of the Dairy Industry.
Click to view the entire MooMoo (cowskin) Collection here, or click the images below to view some of our products.
  
Calfskin Bags Calfskin Vest Calfskin Floor Rugs
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 Babylamb (Slink)
Commonly known as slink, these hides are processed and converted into sumptuously warm garments, which are lightweight and luxurious. The hides are very soft ensuring a comfortable fit no matter what size or style garment you purchase.
New Zealand Babylamb skin (slink), is a natural resource resulting from “casualties of nature” in our biannual lambing season. Due to inclement weather some lambs don’t survive, and the result is Baby Lamb.
After processing the hides create gorgeous, lightweight garments that are incredibly warm. They are available in a variety of textures and funky dyes that will delight.
Click to view the entire Babylamb Collection here, or click the images below to view some of our products.
  
Babylamb Vest Babylamb Jacket Babylamb Jacket
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 Alpaca
Sourced from South America and manufactured in New Zealand, the Alpaca industry is still in its infancy. As Alpaca’s mature they are regularly shorn for wool to be spun into yarn. The texture is similar to longhaired sheep fleece.
Alpaca live for many years, and their value increases as they mature. Possum New Zealand’s hides result from “casualties of nature", young animals with natural mortality.
The Alpaca’s are regularly shorn, and the texture is similar to longhaired sheep fleece.
The natural colours of Alpaca range from light fawn to honey beige. Short-haired Alpaca provides a slightly variegated colour effect. The consistency of long-haired Alpaca means it is used on our bigger pieces.
Click to view the entire Alpaca Fleece Collection here, or click the images below to view some of our products.
  
Alpaca Wrap Alpaca Cossack Hat Alpaca Shawl
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