Possum's [sic] are not native to New Zealand, having been imported from Australia in the mid nineteenth century, and they are widely regarded as a pest.

They have no natural predators and are blamed for decimating large swathes of the country's native flora and bird life.

As a result several firms have been set up to trap possums and market their pelts as an environmentally-friendly alternative to more traditional furs.

Fans say the pelts are as luxurious and warm as mink, but much cheaper and help protect the native New Zealand environment.

Among the producers is Gray Fur Trading, which is making use of New Zealand's annual national agricultural show this week to launch his and hers possum-fur G-strings.

Hoping to tickle the fancy of New Zealand farming folk, the furry undies are the latest in a series of possum products, including hot water bottle covers, rugs, hats and, of course, the nipple warmers -- marketed to farmers as just the thing to take the chill off a cold winter morning in the milkshed.