The goat boom of the eighties sowed the seeds for cashmere in New Zealand. David Shaw like many farmers from this era were attracted to the allure of cashmere. Soon most were to abandon and simply forget about goats. David stubbornly persevered, captivated crafting this regal fibre and animal. Each new generation bought rapid genetic improvement.

There was something unique the goats brought to our farm and the other livestock. Alongside David, Robyn’s appreciation and love of cashmere fibre in handcraft grew. Fibre so soft that you melt into it, just so different to wool.

Our farm is our home and where we live, including all family members as they grow. Daughter Kelsey has always been closely involved and continues today with her partner Mitch.

Kelsey has a love of animals and farming; she remains closely connected with a keen eye on the ever-changing seasons. As soon as she could hold a bottle, she reared pet kids or hovered over the new puppies. Today she runs our animal recording and has an eye for the next stud sire, a blend of science, measurement, and instinct. Mitch brings his expertise in forage and crop management while balancing environmental outcomes.

Together they bring “Hēpara” – their chosen farming name, meaning “to shepherd or feed”. It combines the Shaw’s pioneering farming heritage and Mitch’s heritage that focuses on kaitiaki, specifically being the guardian of the land so that future generations can thrive with a sustainable future. Supporting not only the land, but stock, flora and fauna that makes up the whole farm system.

Family is a massive part that drives what we do at Hēpara Cashmere. Looking into the future, while remembering our history and Whakapapa, has guided us to where we are today. An appropriate fit for our family philosophy, and now adopted to identify our special Cashmere flock. Nurturing and guiding our animals, our people, and our future.

The industry’s false start exposed a number of issues, principally early-stage genetics and distant processing. By 2017 our goats had changed and developed dramatically. However, nobody had committed the time and energy to reconnect the necessary commercial parts left missing by the crash.

David undertook a 2-year research project and founded “New Zealand Cashmere” to provide a solution. Its goal was to connect to farmers through supply and develop new processing infrastructure and expertise. It has today passed into Woolyarn’s ownership. David continues to champion the industry through Hēpara Cashmere, focusing on genetics and livestock supply and consulting to farmers on how to integrate cashmere goats into their farm systems.

Our unique provenance and climate have shaped our goats. Home is based on the north side of the rugged Catlin Ranges which lie on Otago’s southern coast facing the wild Southern Ocean. Hēpara Cashmere can trace its selections back to the very first of the Australasian Industry and is New Zealand’s oldest and largest continually recorded cashmere flock.

We have unmatched experience and knowledge of farming cashmere goats in New Zealand. A lifelong passion that has crafted a genetic transformation, the unique Hēpara strain of cashmere goats producing exquisite world class super fine and super soft luxurious cashmere.