Tectra has been delivering education and training to people in New Zealand's wool industry for more than 50 years.
- Quick call sees woman go country for long haul
- Shearer-turned-contractor still enjoying the lifestyle
Last week, fine-wool shearing and wool-handling courses were held at Ken and Jo Paterson's property at Kurow, attracting eight shearers and 11 wool-handlers.
Mr Hessell, who along with Ken Fergusson was instructing the shearers, said such courses were very rewarding, as the major improvements were noted by the end of the week.
It was good to see young people coming on courses - "once they get a taste for it, they love it" - and there was good money to be made in the industry.
There was a shortage of trained shearers and, while anyone could "knock the wool off" a sheep, farmers were getting paid for their wool and wanted the job done properly.
He was about 18 when he started shearing, having worked as a shed hand for the year prior to that.
He enjoyed the challenge of shearing, along with the travel - "you can just about work in any country in the world" - and he had shorn in Australia, the United States, the UK and Norway.
It was a great opportunity to look around some different countries, while also earning money.
However, the arrival of a new baby in November last year meant it was "time to stay at home".
Mr Hessell still competes in shearing competitions and has represented New Zealand several times, saying it was a proud moment to wear the silver fern.