Alexandra’s WoolOn will return to the catwalk on 29 and 30 August 2026 following the decision to turn the much loved annual creative fashion extravaganza into a biennial affair. 

On the heels of 2024’s successful weekend of events: a sell-out gala show, well attended matinee and very popular Sunday trade expo, WoolOn’s organisers say the new year dawned with accepting the reality of what’s possible for a volunteer organisation. 

Says WoolOn's soon to be retired Chairman Nigel Wilson, “We’ve made the difficult, but correct decision to not hurtle into producing events for this year. While this may seem disappointing to our always enthusiastic and supportive audience, and of course the designers dedicated to entering their amazing creations, we encourage you to set your sights on next year with big, bold and beautiful in mind.”

Having recently drafted a new three year strategy focused on the principles of ‘Create, Promote and Celebrate’, WoolOn has identified some fabulous opportunities for the organisation and the wool community. Through this process, it has also recognised the need for additional volunteer members to help make these developments possible. 

“As an organisation, WoolOn has collected its thoughts and consolidated ideas into a firm and passionate vision. Now, we need to take some time to develop the strategy into strong and meaningful events and education for the future,” adds Wilson.

Committed to continuing the rich WoolOn legacy, the current group of volunteers acknowledges the excitement and participation the event inspires throughout Central Otago and beyond. It is the only solely wool focused creative event in New Zealand, with community and designer feedback showing that it is highly valued. 

Says WoolOn Secretary, Sue Phillip, “As a group of volunteers we are so very grateful for the support of our community and want to do right by the people, businesses, clubs, societies, funding bodies and education providers who support us. In order to do this we need time behind the scenes to realise our strategic priorities.” 

WoolOn’s AGM is scheduled for 13 March at 6.30pm at Alexandra’s Central Stories, where a call for new involvement will be made. With a newly defined strategy, there is a need for more people to be involved with positions open across governance, fundraising and production. 

Says Wilson, “If you would like to find out more about being involved then please come along to our AGM. WoolOn is an exciting and rewarding event to be involved with. I’m sorry to be leaving, but other commitments call. I’m really hoping for some fresh new talent to join our wonderful current members in taking this marvellous event to the next level.” 

WoolOn’s vision extends beyond producing the already established WoolOn events of Gala & Matinee shows and Sunday trade/workshop events.  

There’s a concerted drive to further develop the organisation’s primary, high school and tertiary education programmes. WoolOn’s School’s Programme in wool awareness is in focus, with much thought, preparation and communication underway to foster student involvement. 

Says WoolOn’s Event Coordinator, Jamie Richards, “There’s a wealth of youthful design talent out there which we want to nurture and champion, alongside our dedicated and talented entrants from all our previous years.”

“We know you’ve been waiting expectantly for news and despite WoolOn becoming bi-annual, we’ll be announcing the categories for 2026 later this year, with a plan to open for entries much earlier than usual in 2026. Believe me, we’re onto it with our goal of making a rewarding experience for everyone involved.” 

For the next few months nurturing and growing an effective and efficient team in both governance and production is the organisation’s priority.

“We take seriously our purpose of celebrating and creating awareness around using wool as a sustainable, versatile and beautiful resource for the health of people and planet.”

“Be assured, we’re not sitting back relaxing over the course of this year. It’s grist to the mill and we are so looking forward to bringing an energised and absolutely sensational calendar of wool focussed events in 2025 and 2026.” 

Meanwhile the “Wools in Schools” educational program run by Campaign for Wool is booked for Central Otago later this year. Any schools keen to experience it should get in touch. 

Enquiries and expressions of volunteer interest - please email [email protected]

AGM - 13th March, Central Stories Museum & Art Gallery - 7.00pm