THE ELITE TEAM

Our team of Shearing and Woolhandling trainers at the recent "Standardisation and R&D Meeting"

Back row (L to R) - Russell Knight, Shannon Warnest (Australia), Joel Henare, Monica Potae, Axel Reid, Neil Waihape, Delwyn Jones, Gavin Mutch, Brya Harrison, Tony Dobbs, Alex Smith, Kelly Macdonald, Noel Handley.

Front Row (L to R) - Tom WIlson, Dion Morrell, Eve Peddie, Iain McLean, Willie McSkimming, Robyne Murray, Amber Casserley, Jess Toa, Debbie Cutter, Cherie Harrison, Catherine Mullooly, Glenn Haynes (Australia) , Bruce Walker.

THE EXECUTIVE TEAM

TOM WILSON | MANAGING DIRECTOR

Meet Tom – Our Managing Director/CEO
Tom brings a lifetime of hands-on experience in the wool industry, both here in New Zealand and overseas. He’s done the hard yards—starting out as a shearer, moving into training, managing training businesses, and even running his own recruitment and labour hire company in Western Australia.

With a deep understanding of the industry from the ground up, Tom knows what works and what doesn’t. He’s been at the heart of shaping industry qualifications, working with government bodies on qualification development and reviews.

Tom’s real strength lies in creating clear, structured pathways for people to enter the wool industry—and succeed. He’s passionate about mentoring new trainees, backing them every step of the way, and he’s just as committed to upskilling the trainers who support them.

From leading national training programs to ensuring staff are job-ready and up to standard, Tom’s focus is always on quality, consistency, and people. He’s a straight shooter who leads with purpose and brings a wealth of practical knowledge to everything he does.

GAVIN ROWLAND | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Gavin has 25 years wool industry training experience as a trainer, former Regional Manager of Wool Harvesting Training; former National Manager of Wool Harvesting Training; former Training Business Owner.

Gavin is one of New Zealand’s most experienced Wool Harvesting trainers and managers of Vocational Training Businesses. Gavin has trained in New Zealand and throughout the world and has worked with organizations in New Zealand, The UK (The British Wool Board); Australia (Australian Wool Innovation) advising and managing the establishment and implementation of national wool harvesting training programs in these countries.

He has a successful track record in the development of wool harvesting training programs – from course and programme development; training delivery (hands-on); negotiating and managing government training contracts; building high performing training teams; managing the national delivery of training programs and running training businesses in New Zealand and Australia.

DION MORRELL | DIRECTOR

Dion Morrell has over the last 14 years owned a shearing contracting business in Central Otago and has a good overview of the industry dynamics and how these impact employment.

Dion employs 45 – 50 shearers, 50+ wool handlers and 10 pressers and 6 additional staff, he understands the industry from the trainee supply side as a trainer, and from the employer perspective. He understands what works, where the challenges sit in the trainee/ employee relationships and how to address these.

Dion has worked on committees advising government on qualification development and he understands what works and what doesn’t. Dion has 14 years Shearing Training and is highly respected for his ability to tutor shearer's in both strong and fine wool breeds.

KELlY MACDONALD | ADMINISTRATION/MARKETING

With 20 years of experience in the wool industry, Kelly is a highly respected woolhandler specializing in both crossbred and fine wool. Kelly's journey has taken her across the globe, from woolhandling across Australia and New Zealand, also having shorn in Scotland and multiple regions throughout New Zealand, showcasing her adaptability and skill in the field. As a certified woolclasser, Kelly enjoys classing wool whenever the opportunity arises.

In recent years having moved away from full-time shed work, Kelly remains active in the competitive woolhandling scene, competing in the open grade. Kelly's dedication to the craft was further exemplified during her tenure as the SSNZ woolhandling representative from 2017 to 2022.

Beyond her hands-on skills, Kelly plays a vital role in our organization by managing administration, marketing, online bookings, and videography/photography. Her multifaceted expertise not only enhances our operations but also reflects her passion for the wool industry.