Driving consumer demand through craftsmanship

We’re delighted you are able to attend Wool Reimagined: Driving consumer demand through craftsmanship.

A gathering dedicated to showcasing the competitive advantage of using wool, and an opportunity to network and connect with industry leaders, growers, supply chain and brand partners.

Full details for the event are outlined below.

Agenda

Date: 21 August, 3.30pm

Address: Level 2, 123 Victoria Street, Christchurch

3.30pm: Arrival and drinks

4.00pm: Welcome and presentations

5.30pm: Break

5.45pm: Presentations and panel discussion

7.00pm: Networking, drinks and nibbles

The journey and craftmanship of wool speakers

Cassidy Gray

Commercial Operations Specialist, NZM

After growing up on a farm and spending a bit of time as a shepherd, Cassidy went on to complete a Bachelor of Commerce at Lincoln University majoring in Supply Chain Management and Global Business and studied to become a qualified wool classer and member of the New Zealand Wool Classers Association (NZWCA). These days, Cassidy and her partner live on a high-country sheep and beef station near Hanmer Springs. She been with NZM for just over 3.5 years, working primarily across Integrity Systems and now the Commercial team. Her current focus is on deepening her understanding of wool contracts, wool quality, and the wider commercial operations of the business.

Blair Davis

Assistant Commercial Manager & Area Manager, NZM

Blair brings 48 years of experience in the wool industry, having gone straight from school to Lincoln University at a time when wool could be studied full-time, a path he embraced from the very beginning. He’s spent the last 22 years with NZM, where he is widely regarded as our resident wool expert. Blair’s depth of knowledge and hands-on experience make him an invaluable mentor to the entire team; he’s always generous in sharing his insights and supporting others in the industry. Outside of work, Blair enjoys spending time with his family, mountain biking, and playing golf. He is rarely far from a screen (or a sideline) when there’s sport to be watched.

Rosanna Iacono

CEO, The Growth Activists

Rosanna has a wealth of global leadership experience for some of the world’s mosticonic brands, such as Nike and Levi’s. She has also held C-Suite roles with fashion,luxury and lifestyle businesses, including Sheridan, Saba, Sass & Bide, Jurliqueand Freedom. Rosanna is now CEO and co-founder of The Growth Activists, basedin Sydney, a consultancy focused on advising companies around their growth,responsible business and sustainability activities.

Farm to wardrobe panel speakers

Emily Jones

Grower, Matarae Station

Emily farms alongside her husband Willie at Matarae, a 6,700-hectare property near Middlemarch in Central Otago. Together, they run 10,000 Merinos and 6,500 Romney-cross sheep, with a strong focus on superfine wool production, achieving flock averages between 15.5–17.5 microns.

Before farming full-time, Emily worked for around 10 years at AgResearch as a Field Research Associate in Sheep Genetics, bringing a strong scientific foundation to their on-farm practices. Community involvement is a core value for the Jones family, with both Emily and Willie active in various local groups. Sustainability is at the heart of their farming operation - with a focus on animal welfare, water quality, and environmental stewardship. Their efforts include protecting 14 hectares of native habitat under the QEII National Trust to safeguard the endangered Otago skink that lives on their property.

Jacinta Fitzgerald

Chief Executive, Mindful Fashion

Jacinta is the Chief Executive of Mindful Fashion. An experienced sustainabilitystrategist, Jacinta brings more than 20 years of experience in the clothing andtextiles industry to her role. Alongside her work with Mindful Fashion, Jacinta runsMakeGood, a consultancy that works with innovative apparel sector brands in NZ and globally to embrace circular and regenerative practices at their core.

Jimad Khan

International Sales and Marketing Manager, Woolyarns

Jimad brings a wealth of knowledge from nearly 20 years in the textile industry, currently serving as the International Sales and Marketing Manager at Woolyarns, a specialist yarn manufacturer based in New Zealand. With a MBA from Victoria University of Wellington, Jimad combines deep technical expertise in yarn production with a strong commercial and brand development focus. He leads Woolyarns’ international market strategy, working closely with leading knitwear brands and designers to shape product direction and position the Perino collection in global luxury markets. His passion lies in helping brands translate fibre into storytelling, creating products that are both beautiful and meaningful.