Shearing is a tough occupation and, for Nathan Stratford, it’s getting increasingly harder: ‘‘Come home from work after being beaten up for eight hours . . . it’s like being in a ring with Joseph Parker for 10 minutes.’’ Photos: Stephen Jaquiery. : Let the fleeces fall fast

Let the fleeces fall fast : Let the fleeces fall fast

Let the fleeces fall fast : Let the fleeces fall fast

Mary-Anne Baty and Joel Henare, both of Gisborne, in full flight. Photo: supplied. : Let the fleeces fall fast

Let the fleeces fall fast : Let the fleeces fall fast

New Zealand blade shearers Phil Oldfield (left), of Geraldine, and Tony Dobbs, of Fairlie. : Let the fleeces fall fast