Leading the NZ Merino flock

Angus Street made an exciting decision when he accepted the top job at The New Zealand Merino Company (NZM). Not only was he signing on to succeed the company’s inaugural chief executive officer (CEO) in the midst of one of the worst wool markets seen in decades, he and his wife Elly were committing to uprooting their family for a move across the ditch.

Angus, Elly, Sullivan and Sibella, along with Potts the Dalmatian, left Sydney – and their easy access Green Creek, the livestock property Angus grew up on near Murrurundi – to take up residence in Christchurch.

“Anytime you can enforce change, uncomfortable as it may feel in the moment, it is a way of slowing down time and adding chapters to your life. Elly and I had both lived overseas and talked about giving the kids that experience while they’re young.”

Angus says that joining NZM just felt right, here was this company with a deep legacy, strong values and so much potential in a world where consumers are rapidly turning towards natural fibre. But it was also somewhere where he knew he could make a difference.

“From the start I was set a clear challenge to examine every facet of this business. Yes, the wool market has been going through tough times but I don’t think there is a single soul working at The New Zealand Merino Company who would be happy to simply wait for recovery.” – Angus Street, NZ Merino chief executive

The NZM board of directors clearly had their sights set on growth when they selected Angus as the company’s second ever leader. Prior to accepting the role he was CEO of AuctionsPlus, one of Australia’s oldest Agtech businesses, and in his four-year tenure he transformed the platform into the country’s largest agriculture marketplace.

Since Angus took the reins, he has guided NZM through a wide-ranging strategic review, fronted up to report a year-end loss and announced the company’s EpicFibre strategy which he believes will provide the roadmap for long-term stability and growth.

“From the start I was set a clear challenge to examine every facet of this business. Yes, the wool market has been going through tough times but I don’t think there is a single soul working at NZM who would be happy to simply wait for recovery.

“This company was founded to protect growers from commodity fluctuations. For many, the consistent wool cheque has been crucial over the last few years – how can we make that a reality for all?” says Angus.

NZM’s EpicFibre strategy includes forming a dedicated Integrity Services team tasked with shoring up its data and systems, increased investment in its marketing and sales functions and a profitability improvement plan to take care of the bottom line. However, Angus says it’s much simpler than it sounds.

“The main goal of our strategy is simple, to be the world’s number one preferred supplier of ethical and sustainable wool. We know our growers’ wool is the best – it’s our job to make sure everyone else knows it too,” says Angus.