Wool training business Womolife, in partnership with Hokotehi Moriori Trust, Tāmata Hauhā and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), will deliver the programme.
Chatham Islander Tommi Gregory-Hunt is managing the programming delivery, enrolling over 30 people in online learning, followed up by a four day in-shed training course (three x 4 days courses, each stepping up a level).
The goal is to build practical shearing and wool handling skills while fostering long-term employment pathways.
"This is more than just training, it's about creating opportunity in a place where access to industry support is limited," says Carmen Smith, Womolife head trainer.
"The learners here are motivated, resilient, and ready to contribute to the sector."
Local shed owners have also stepped up to support the programme, offering space, equipment, and encouragement.
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Tāmata Hauhā feels privileged to be able to support Tommi and grass roots kaupapa like this.
"It's great for the island, and our rangitahi aspirations and also for the farming and wool industries as a whole," says Cherie Tirikatene, general manager at Tāmata Hauhā.
This wool training initiative is currently the only programme of its kind, making the Chatham Islands a national leader in hands-on wool harvesting education.
The programme will be documented across Tāmata Hauhā's social media channels, with learner profiles, trainer interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage capturing the energy and impact of the training.
