Native Possum is an independent retailer. We stock knitwear from two New Zealand makers, producing five distinct brands. Between them they cover the full range of natural fibre knitwear — from high-possum luxury blends to vibrant pure merino.
For more than 40 years, Koru Knitwear have been making natural-fibre knitwear in a family-owned workroom in Warkworth, north of Auckland — garments still cut, made, and sewn the traditional way. Their yarn draws on three natural fibres: fine merino wool, brushtail possum fur, and mulberry silk, blended for warmth that stays light enough to wear all day. The colours come straight from Aotearoa — Pacific blues, forest moss, the deep chocolate of native bush — and because all three fibres are renewable and biodegradable, every piece is made to last and made with the land in mind.
Koru is the maker's signature line — possum merino knitwear with a lofty finish and a distinctly New Zealand character. The blend of 40% possum fur, 50% fine merino wool, and 10% mulberry silk delivers serious warmth without weight, with the softness the fibre combination is known for.
What sets Koru apart in the possum merino space is their use of genuine possum fur trims. Fur-trimmed gloves, beanies, and jackets appear throughout the range — a tactile, distinctive detail no other possum merino brand offers.
Brushtail by Koru is Koru's everyday blend — 75% fine merino wool, 20% possum fur, and 5% mulberry silk. Its signature two-tone plating creates depth and texture across the range, giving each piece visual interest you can see and feel. Lighter and more breathable than the Koru blend, Brushtail suits year-round wear — layered through winter or worn on its own on cooler mornings and evenings.
Trilogy by Koru is Koru's circular-design blend. Offcuts from making the Koru range are collected, sorted, and reprocessed into a new yarn — 65% fine merino wool, 25% possum fur, and 10% silk. Defined by bolder colour and clean styling, it delivers genuine possum merino softness and warmth from fibre that would otherwise go to waste. Made in the same Warkworth workroom, with a lighter, more sustainable story.
From an Auckland workroom backed by 150 years of family wool-growing heritage — handcrafted possum merino knitwear made by fourth-generation Marlborough farmers.
McDonald New Zealand stands out in the possum merino space for their approach to colour and pattern. Where most brands offer solids and simple textures, McDonald brings ombré gradients and intricate designs — a genuinely fashion-forward sensibility applied to natural fibre knitwear. Their blend of 35% possum fur, 55% merino wool, and 10% mulberry silk suits their design-led aesthetic well.
Royal Merino crafts knitwear with a single ambition — to make your favourite piece of clothing, and keep it that way. Working exclusively with 100% superfine merino wool at 19.5 micron, no blends and no shortcuts, every piece is made in Aotearoa New Zealand where traditional skills meet innovative modern knitting techniques.
The quality delivers: lightweight, naturally breathable, and temperature-regulating across all seasons, with a soft hand-feel that earns its place year-round. But Royal Merino's real signature is colour — bold, considered palettes that bring genuine personality to classic shapes, making these pieces as easy to build an outfit around as they are to live in every day.
Work With Us
We're always looking to expand our curated collection with New Zealand knitwear manufacturers who share our values. If you're committed to quality craftsmanship, sustainable practices, and genuine manufacturing excellence, we'd like to hear from you.
Contact us to explore partnership opportunities with Native Possum.
Native Possum is an independent stockist of the brands featured above. All brand names, logos, and trademarks remain the property of their respective owners.
