When Annabel Busby first joined PGW Wool on a fixed-term maternity cover contract, she had no idea that six years later she’d have carried out almost every role in the company's Napier wool team - nor that she would find her calling in an industry she never expected to enter.

Today, as Appraisal and Procurement Coordinator, Annabel’s job involves appraising wool samples, assigning value, and facilitating sales - either through auction or private buying. 

"It’s a very hands-on role," she says. "I couldn’t sit behind a desk 40 hours a week so I love that I’m up and moving, physically handling the product every day.”

Annabel didn’t follow a traditional path into agriculture. Raised on a sheep and beef farm near Gisborne, she initially pursued a career as a dental assistant, a far cry from the wool sheds of her childhood. 

“When I was really little, I found the shearing contractors scary - just because we were told to keep out of their way and let them do their job. I still wanted to watch though, so we would hang from the rafters, checking out what they were doing.”

So, when the time came for a career change, something about wool felt familiar. 

“Although I knew I was ready to move on from being a dental assistant, I also didn’t really know what I wanted to do,” she admits. “Then I saw a job advertised with PGW Wool, thought it sounded interesting, and decided to give it a crack.” 

Although she didn’t get that first role, a few weeks later she was offered a maternity cover position, and has never looked back.

“I’ve probably done just about everyone’s job in the office at some point,” she laughs. “Jack of all trades, master of none.” 

That versatility, matched with a keen work ethic, led to her current role, where she quickly had to get up to speed. 

“I only had a short period of time to learn what I needed for the new job - it was a case of sink or swim - and I’ve managed to keep afloat ever since.” 

What sets Annabel apart is not just her ‘mucking in’ attitude, but her enthusiasm for wool as a fibre - and a future. She’s been a vocal advocate within PGW Wool and also through grassroots efforts, like breathing new life into the Campaign for Wool’s dormant Instagram page. 

“After the global pandemic there was a real push for buying New Zealand-made, so I put my hand up to grow the social media side of things. This ended up being quite successful, so eventually I had to hand it off to a larger team who could devote more time to it, as I had been juggling it on top of my full time role here in the Napier office.” 

“I’m really passionate about showing off the beauty and versatility of wool,” she says. “It’s such an amazing fibre. Sometimes you have to wonder why it’s not more widely used, especially when the environmental and functional benefits are huge.

“I feel like once you’re in the world of wool, you become extremely passionate about it, it’s almost like a life sentence. The people are great and the potential of the industry is also really exciting.” 

And when it comes time to deal directly with her clients, Annabel’s perspective remains deeply rooted in her farming background. 

“I often look at things through the lens of what’s best for the grower,” she explains. 

“Every time I’m working alongside a farmer, I imagine it’s my dad or brother on the other end. That helps me make decisions with integrity.”

Annabels’ mum, a former wool classer, also once worked in the same building where she is now. 

“Mum has visited a few times and will be like ‘that was my old tea room’. There’s a real sense of connection for me here.”

So, what’s next for Annabel? 

“I’m not out hunting for promotions. But if something interesting comes up, I’ll always give it a go.”

In her spare time, she leads the Napier Dog Training Club as its president - a volunteer role that has taught her plenty about leadership and people management skills. And she’s even allowed to bring her furry friends into the PGW office, which is a definite bonus of her role. 

She may not have planned this path, but Annabel feels like she is exactly where she belongs - working in wool and heart fully invested in the future of a fibre - and an industry - she believes in.

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