Merino's arrival to be re-enacted

There will be a re-enactment of the first arrival of merino sheep to New Zealand.

Lake Wanaka will play host to a re-enactment of the arrival of the first merino sheep in New Zealand, as part of a week-long celebration of wool.

To celebrate the start of Wool Week, a re-enactment of Captain James Cook's 1773 landing at Ship Cove from HMS Resolution will be held on the lakefront in front of the town centre at 10am today.  A longboat will land on the beach at 10am carrying a merino and a crew of sailors including "Captain Cook".

They will be met by the Mt Aspiring College cultural group, which will perform a waiata and haka.

After the greeting there will be a procession to the Lake Wanaka Centre for the official  opening of  Wool Week.

Organiser John Perriam said the arrival of the first merino was an important historical moment in the country's history which needed to be celebrated.

"Merino were the backbone of our economy for a very long time and it's fitting that we celebrate the moment they landed in New Zealand."

The landing is one of the highlights of the National Golden Fleece exhibition which is being  held at the Lake Wanaka Centre  today and tomorrow.

The fleeces will be on display  from 10am to 5pm on both days, as well other wool-related demonstrations including  a showcase of garments from the recent Wool-On awards.

An awards dinner will be held  tonight at which entrepreneur and business owner Peri Drysdale will be the  guest speaker.