AUT grad selected for wool internship
AUT Graduate Ella Cook is the 2026 New Zealand participant in the Reda “From Sheep to Shop” internship, a global programme designed to connect young people passionate about the wool industry with one of Italy’s leading textile manufacturers.
A partnership between Zentera (formerly The New Zealand Merino Company) and Italian textile group Reda, the four-month internship provides an end-to-end understanding of the wool journey; from on-farm production in Aotearoa New Zealand through to spinning, weaving and finishing in Italy.
Ella holds a Master of Design with First Class Honours and was awarded AUT’s Eileen Keir Memorial Award for Top Graduating Fashion Student.
Her academic focus on craftsmanship and heritage fashion, combined with hands-on experience working with merino wool in both retail and creative contexts, set her application apart.
“I’ve always been drawn to craftsmanship and the story behind each garment,” Ella says.
“For me, wool represents both tradition and innovation. This internship is an opportunity to understand the fibre at its source and follow its transformation into world-class textiles. I’m particularly excited to experience both ends of that journey from New Zealand farms to Italian production and bring that insight back home.”
During the New Zealand component of the programme, Ella will undertake the first module, gaining exposure to sheep farming practices, wool classing, testing, brokering and supply chain standards. She will then travel to Italy to complete four months of hands-on learning across Reda’s production departments, sustainability initiatives and brand divisions.
Zentera Chief Executive Angus Street says Ella’s application stood out for its depth, clarity and genuine connection to the fibre.
“Ella demonstrated an impressive record of academic achievement, but what really stood out was her commitment to craftsmanship and sustainability, and her desire to understand the full journey from sheep to shop,” he says.
“This internship is about investing in the next generation of ambassadors for our industry. By giving young professionals international exposure and insight into the entire supply chain, we strengthen the future capability of wool and reinforce the connection between New Zealand growers and global partners like Reda.”
The Sheep to Shop Internship is offered annually to outstanding university graduates from New Zealand, Australia and South Africa. The programme aims to develop future ambassadors for the wool sector while reinforcing the longstanding partnership between Zentera and Reda.
Ella will begin the internship in mid-April 2026.