Basically Bush

18/11/2024

Due to excess supply in the market, our agents have generally met their November quotas.

As a result of this we have decided to finish our 2024 buying season effective immediately.

We appreciate everyone who has supported us this year and we look forward to being able to recommence purchasing in 2025.

08/10/2024

What happens to your possum fur?

After possum fibre is collected by our hardworking trappers across New Zealand, Basically Bush gathers and sends it to Woolyarns in Wellington. There, it is blended with merino wool and other natural fibres to create Perino by Woolyarns. Local knitting manufacturers and weaving mills then transform this exceptional yarn into a range of products, from socks and sweaters to homewares – all made right here in New Zealand!

Possum fibre’s unique properties add warmth and softness while keeping it breathable, making it perfect for high-end garments that are sold through retail stores across New Zealand and internationally.

A big thank you to all our trappers for your continued efforts. Please stay in touch with your Basically Bush agent for updates on supply opportunities, especially as we approach December and January when we will not be buying fur at all.

12/09/2024

Following the market update from Woolyarns, we wanted to keep our possum fur suppliers informed about what it means for them.

As you know, the fur market has slowed down due to a softer-than-expected tourist market. Visitors are here but are more conservative about how they spend. This means that Basically Bush will have to reduce the amount of fur we bring in so have given our agents and suppliers a limit on how much fur they can purchase each month.

We will do our very best to support hunters that have supported us but acknowledge that this won’t be possible for everyone.

For those who currently have fur, please have a chat with your local agent about how they can fit you into their quota over the coming weeks and months.

Basically Bush will not be buying any fur in December and January, but will recommence purchasing on 1 February 2025.

12/09/2024

As you may have heard, New Zealand's tourism industry hasn't quite recovered to what it was before Covid. Due to this, the demand for fibre has softened meaning opportunities for fur harvesters are slowing down. Our industry relies on international tourists to spend and drive demand. We are monitoring these trends closely and will keep you informed of any changes in fibre demand.

29/08/2024

Market update! Unfortunately we will not be purchasing possum skins until further notice due to low demand.

We understand this may come as a shock as we usually purchase until mid-October but at this stage we are unable to continue to add to our stock until the market stabilises.

We are hoping to have more clarity about the situation over the next few months and will update you when we're in a position to purchase again.

27/08/2024

A friendly reminder not to include any tail fur when selling to us to avoid being downgraded.

16/08/2024

Possum fur is prone to attracting weevil if stored for long periods so always ensure your fur is clean and dry before storage. Short-term dry fur can be kept in an airtight rubbish bag but for long-term storage, a wool fadge or breathable sack will be best.

However, it is good practice to sell your fur on a regular basis to avoid storage issues.

Contact your closest agent to sell your fur: https://basicallybush.co.nz/agents

08/08/2024

Tips for storing green skins!

Green skins must be frozen as soon as possible after skinning to prevent them from heating and the fur slipping. Heat will also weaken the leather and result in loss during tanning. Freeze skins individually before packing into bags or sacks to ensure that they cool quickly.

Skins placed into bags then put into a freezer will continue to heat in the middle even when they are frozen on the outside. When freezing, fold skins down the spine to avoid freezer burn on the skin. How skins are presented for sale will have a direct impact on the price paid. All tails must be split, and excess meat and fat removed.

It is good practice to sell your skins on a regular basis to avoid storage issues. Phone the Tannery on 06 376 5884.

04/08/2024

Good news! We have cleared our current stock and will commence buying possum fur and skins tomorrow (Monday, 5 August). The price will remain the same.

Thank you for your patience, and we are sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused.

You can find your closest agent here: https://basicallybush.co.nz/agents

30/07/2024

Thank you to everyone who entered our Basically Bush beanie competition. We received some amazing entries.

The winners are Sean Hancock, Ken Moody, Rachel Craw, Maddie Jameson, Nick Salkeld, Michael Tapper, Roydon Sutherland, Angela Robinson, Adrian Strong, Mark Perham. If you haven't already, please let us know your address via private message.

Keep an eye out for more competitions coming soon!

30/07/2024

Due to the current market oversupply, we are putting a short-term hold on buying possum fur and skins.

We acknowledge that this is short notice but it is necessary to ensure we can continue to support our loyal suppliers.

We will be available to purchase again by 13 August at the latest.

18/07/2024

We have 10 Basically Bush beanies to give away!

Post a photo of your hunting haul below and you're in the draw.

Competition closes 9am, 30 July 2024. Prize will only be sent to addresses within New Zealand.

17/07/2024

Please be mindful of anyone offering cheap fur for cash as at 2am this morning we had four bales of machine-plucked fur stolen from our agent's premises in Katikati.

We would be very concerned if one of our suppliers inadvertently got caught up in receiving stolen goods.

Our agents are on the lookout for suspicious offerings and have advised other participants in the fur-buying community.

If anyone has any information that might help us recover this fur, it would be very much appreciated.

15/07/2024

Remember we will have a possum skin buyer at Dawson Furs (5 Te Tahi Street, Whakatane) this Thursday 18 July from 10am-2pm.

If you have skins you want to sell or want to learn more about collecting skins then come along. Everyone’s welcome!

Attention possum hunters in the Eastern Bay of Plenty region! Basically Bush will have a possum skin buyer at Dawson Furs (5 Te Tahi Street, Whakatane) next Thursday 18 July from 10am-2pm.

If you have skins you want to sell or want to learn more about collecting skins then come along. Everyone’s welcome!

08/07/2024

Attention possum hunters in the Eastern Bay of Plenty region! Basically Bush will have a possum skin buyer at Dawson Furs (5 Te Tahi Street, Whakatane) next Thursday 18 July from 10am-2pm.

If you have skins you want to sell or want to learn more about collecting skins then come along. Everyone’s welcome!

05/07/2024

Market update for possum skins!

Our buying season is well underway and prices are firm. Hunters can expect to be able to sell skins right up until the end of October. If you have skins to sell please call the Tannery on 06 376 5884. It is very important that you have all the relevant information to avoid disappointment.

03/07/2024

Market update for possum fur!

You may have heard through the media that tourist numbers are getting back to pre-Covid levels and assume this will translate into increased demand. However, New Zealand is an expensive place to visit. After hospitality, accommodation and internal travel, there is not much left in the travel budget for the nice-to-haves. All the info we have is that retail sales are consistent and steady but not breaking any records. We are in a much better place in regards to opportunities for fur harvesters in the current market and “steady as she goes” is a good way to describe where we are at present. Returns to the hunter are likely to remain at current levels and we don’t anticipate much change for the rest of the season.

17/06/2024

Great news! Opportunities for skins have improved significantly in the last 12 months and there is a steady demand for all sizes and grades.

We are now offering confirmed winter prices and specs for skins. Please see our website for details https://basicallybush.co.nz/fur-skin-prices