Strong wool makes up approximately 80 – 90% of Aotearoa’s total wool production. Characterised by coarse, thick fibres, it has traditionally been used for carpets, insulation, and bedding. However, the rise of numerous synthetic alternatives through the mid-1900s also brought about a decline in the demand for strong wool. As a result, until recently it has cost farmers more to shear their sheep than they are getting for the sale of their wool. 

Now in its fifth year, Shear Wool Power showcases the work of Year 2 Industrial Design Students exploring the potential of strong wool across a range of applications, from agriculture to acoustics to sports and beyond. The exhibition builds on a recent resurgence in the demand for natural and regenerative materials, and invites students to test their ideas in direct contact with industry partners and supporters.