Sisters Spin a Legacy of Wool and Wholesome Fare at Davaar Station

James and Fiona MacDonald and their children Ben, Kate (class of 2010) and Anna (class of 2012) are the fifth generation to farm Davaar, producing a Romney-Perendale sheep breed renowned for its soft yet durable fleece. The wool, carefully scanned for premium characteristics, is shorn on-site before heading to Timaru for cleaning. From there, it journeys to Wellington for spinning and Dunedin for knitting, creating a fully New Zealand-grown, made and manufactured product.

Alumnae of St Margaret’s College, sisters Kate and Anna have each transformed their rural upbringing into successful ventures. Kate runs Davaar & Co, a homespun jersey label inspired by their grandmother Sally’s original farmwear, garments that were not only warm and hard-wearing but also effortlessly stylish. Her hand-crafted jerseys are sold online and at the farm gate.

Also at the farm gate, Anna operates Sprig and Thistle, a café caravan and catering company drawing on both cherished family recipes and modern culinary flair. After training at the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu in Wellington, Anna returned home to build her business, offering everything from hearty farm morning teas to catered events.

Together, the sisters are weaving tradition with innovation, championing sustainable, local production and breathing new life into rural entrepreneurship. Whether it’s a homespun jersey or a home-baked scone, everything at Davaar tells a story of family, craftsmanship, and a deep love for the land.

You can watch the MacDonald’s whole story on the latest episode of Country Calendar here.