Alexandra’s WoolOn will return in August 2026 after a decision was made to turn the fashion extravaganza into a biennial event.

WoolOn’s organisers say the new year dawned with accepting the reality of what’s possible for a volunteer organisation. 

WoolOn’s outgoing chairman Nigel Wilson said they’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 [2026] with big, bold and beautiful in mind.”

The organisation recently drafted a three year strategy focused on the principles; ‘create, promote and celebrate’. The strategy has identified opportunities for the organisation, the wool community along with a need for more volunteer members.  

“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,” he said.

WoolOn was an "exciting and rewarding" event to be involved with, Nigel said.

“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.” 

Secretary Sue Phillip said the group of volunteers were grateful for the support of the community and want to do right by the people, businesses, clubs, societies, funding bodies and education providers who support them. 

Alongside producing the established WoolOn gala, matinee shows and workshop events there was a plan to further develop the organisation’s primary, high school and tertiary education programmes. 

WoolOn’s event coordinator, Jamie Richards said there was a wealth of youthful design talent out there which they wanted to nurture and champion, alongside the dedicated and talented entrants from 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,” Jamie said. 

“Be assured, we’re not sitting back relaxing over the course of this year… 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. 

The organisation's annual general meeting (AGM) is on March 13, 7pm at Alexandra’s Central Stories Museum and Art Gallery, where a call for new involvement will be made, with positions open across governance, fundraising and production. 

WoolOn is the only solely wool focused creative event in New Zealand, with community and designer feedback showing it is highly valued. 

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