Native World

Native World is as unique as the country it is inspired by, and the natural beauty that is New Zealand.

Our colours are sourced from the beauty of our ancient forests, vast coastlines, flourishing wildlife, tranquil lakes, wandering rivers and breathtaking mountains. The greens of the punga tree, the kea, and the landscape, the blues of the lakes, seas and harbours, the browns of the kiwi and the flax flower, and the naturals of the toi toi and the sand. Nowhere in the world are nature’s colours more exquisite than New Zealand.

More importantly, the unique blend of possum fur and merino lambswool creates a luxuriously soft and exclusive fibre. Each Native World garment can be worn throughout the years and still look as new as the day it was purchased.

And true quality should always stand the test of time…

Manawatu Knitting Mills was established in 1884 by John Stubbs, an immigrant to New Zealand. From humble beginnings producing hosiery in a converted farmhouse, Manawatu Knitting Mills has grown to become one of Australasia’s largest knitwear manufacturers.

Manawatu Knitting Mills manufacture garments in pure wool, lambswool, and merino, but we lead the industry in our production of possum and merino products. Manawatu Knitting Mills were one of the first knitwear manufacturers to incorporate possum fibre into the production of knitwear. This initiative, combined with our cutting edge technology and practical and appealing designs has enabled us to produce a superior knitwear product – high quality, unique, and made exclusively in New Zealand.

Manawatu Knitting Mills lead the industry with state of the art technology. The use of ‘Whole Garment Technology’, plus a highly skilled workforce with years of industry experience means our products are produced to the highest quality standards, and our customers can expect the best.

Environment

All Manawatu Knitting Mills’ products are 100% proudly New Zealand made, and because of this we are heavily involved in the preservation of the environment of such a unique country.

Manawatu Knitting Mills proudly uses 100% recycled paper for the printing of all major garment and accessory packaging. Evolve is an environmentally responsible paper, made from FSC certified 100% post consumer recycled pulp. It is manufactured in a process chlorine free (PCF) method under the strict ISO14001 Environmental Management System.

Kiwi Recovery Programme

Manawatu Knitting Mills is involved in the ‘Kiwi Recovery Programme’- a programme based in Rotorua that is dedicated to the preservation of New Zealand’s unique icon – the Kiwi. Manawatu Knitting Mills adopt a kiwi and significantly contribute to the rearing process undertaken by the staff at the kiwi recovery centre. The kiwi chick is named by Manawatu Knitting Mills, and we take great pride in its progress. This makes it an important part of our company.
By participating in the Kiwi Recovery Programme, Manawatu Knitting Mills is making an important contribution to the future of the kiwi through out New Zealand. www.kiwirecovery.org.nz

Possum Merino

The brushtail possum was introduced to New Zealand in the 1850s and this particular species of possum is now causing havoc on our natural wild life 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 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.

Facts about possum fibre:

The Possum fibre has no scales and is hollow, which gives both lightness and warmth, compared to other natural fibres of a similar micron.

Possum fur has a very silky handle to give instant feel appeal unlike any other. The texture of knitted possum fur is luxuriously soft, easy to wear and exceptionally comfortable.

Possum fur will not freeze, even when exposed to periods of prolonged cold. The only other fibre on the planet known to have the same characteristic is polar bear fur.

The unique blend of possum fur and merino lambs wool creates a pilling retardant fibre. Possum fur is a low-pill and anti static which means that each garment can be worn throughout the years and still look as new as the day it was purchased