This December, wool training will reach one of New Zealand’s most remote communities, Rēkohu, Wharekauri, the Chatham Islands – bringing hands-on skills and industry connection to local learners eager to step into the wool harvesting sector. 

Agricademy wool training business, Womolife, in partnership with Hokotehi Moriori Trust, Tāmata Hauhā and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), will deliver the programme. 

Chatham Islander Tommi Gregory-Hunt is managing the programme delivery working closely with Agricademy, enrolling over 30 people in online learning, followed-up by a 4 day in-shed training course (three x 4 days courses, each course stepping up in level). The goal is to build practical shearing and wool handling skills while fostering long-term employment pathways. 

“This is more than just training, it’s about creating opportunity in a place where access to industry support is limited,” says Carmen Smith, Womolife head trainer. “The learners here are motivated, resilient, and ready to contribute to the sector.” 

Local shed owners have also stepped up to support the programme, offering space, equipment, and encouragement. Tāmata Hauhā feels privileged to be able to support Tommi and grass roots kaupapa like this. “It’s great for the island, and our rangatahi aspirations and also for the farming and wool industries as a whole.” says Cherie Tirikatene, General Manager at Tāmata Hauhā.  

This wool training initiative is currently the only programme of its kind in Aotearoa, making the Chatham Islands a national leader in hands-on wool harvesting education. It sets a precedent for other regions and Māori farming communities seeking to build local capability and employment pathways. The project is part of a wider collaboration between Agricademy, Hokotehi Moriori Trust, and Tāmata Hauhā – whose work focuses on restoring indigenous ecosystems and unlocking multiple land use opportunities including carbon farming. Together, they are laying the foundation for a transformative programme that blends rural skills development with environmental stewardship. 

The programme will be documented across WOMO’s and Tāmata Hauhā’s social media channels, with learner profiles, trainer interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage capturing the energy and impact of the training. 

“We want to show the rest of New Zealand what’s possible when you invest in people, no matter where they live,” says Alister Shennan, Agricademy Founder.  

Agricademy launched Womolife in 2020 and has trained over 600 people with its online and in-shed training programme.