Many may not be aware that New Zealand is suffering from an onslaught of destruction, from a pest that was originally from Australia.


The Bushtail Possum was introduced to New Zealand around 1840 to supply the demand of animals for the fur trade. This practice ceased around 1900 when the industry declined and the Possum was, subsequently, left to fend for themselves.

As New Zealand doesn't have any predatory land animals the Possum was able to flourish. The Possum usually mates once a year but owing to New Zealand's climate and good food supply, some Possums mate twice a year which only exacerbates the problem in terms of numbers.

It is estimated that 60 million Possums inhabit New Zealand and consume 30,000 tonnes of vegetation every night. This affects the native wildlife as the forests are being stripped of trees and the natural habitat of small birds and creatures are being decimated. They eat the eggs and rob the nests of chicks of New Zealand's national bird - the Kiwi - which has seen a considerable decline in numbers. They are also a carrier of bovine Tuburculosis, which is undoubtably a great risk to the cattle.

The New Zealand government have a culling programme which has caused much controversy amongst the New Zealanders and many people around the world. They perform an aerial plan of attack by baiting food, with a naturally occurring toxin that is found in plants, and releasing it over a wide area of forest and vegetation. The poison known as 1080 is used to try and keep the numbers of Possums under control.

The Possum skins used in the booties that we supply, are harvested by hunters who shoot or use traps in a humane manner. No animal is used from the New Zealand government's culling programme.

Sheep and calf skins used, are all by products of the large meat industry and all animals are despatched humanely.

So by buying a product made from Possums, you will be helping to protect; the New Zealand wildlife, its natural habitat and economy by reducing the number of Possums in a humane way. 

If you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.