The annual New Zealand Merino Shearing and Woolhandling Championships is being held in the town for the 64th year.
Immediate past president Lane McSkimming said preparations were going well for the event, which will be attended by some of the best shearers from New Zealand, Australia and South Africa.
"Entries are looking really good," Mr McSkimming said.
"The wool handlers are some of the best in the world, as are the shearers; we’ve got the best of the best competing."
Among those competing will be the 2023 open shearing champion Leon Samuels, the 2024 champion Chris Vickers, Southland gun Nathan Stratford, world champion New Zealand team member Pagan Rimene, and current National Circuit title holder Paerata Abraham.
The New Zealand Merino Shearing and Woolhandling Championships is the first event of five rounds that comprise the PGG Wrightson Vetmed National Shearing Circuit.
After further rounds in Waimate, Christchurch, Rangitikei, and Pahiatua, the top 12 shearers will compete for the Golden Shears in Masterton during early March.
The competition starts at 8am on Friday, with the open woolhandlers, followed by further woolhandling heats, senior shearing heats, and teams events heats in the evening.
Open shearing heats take up Saturday morning with between 60 to 70 competing, before quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals and presentations in the evening.
"The atmosphere is always great," Mr McSkimming said.
"The Molyneux Stadium is quite full all day, and packed with spectators, friends, family, supporters for the finals. It’s a great night."
He was quick to recognise the outstanding contribution of the New Zealand Merino Shearing Society who are behind the event. Some of the committee are life members who have served the organisation for decades.
"Planning pretty much starts straight after the last one, but everyone knows their jobs so that makes it easier," he said.
McSkimming also noted the behind-the-scenes contribution of local shearing contractors Peter and Elsie Lyons, and the event’s many sponsors, including PGG Wrightson.
The winners of the open woolhandling and the open shearing titles at the New Zealand Merino Shearing and Woolhandling Championships win a place in the New Zealand side who will compete against Australia.
"So there’s a lot at stake, as well as a national title," Mr McSkimming said.
The 2025 New Zealand Merino Shearing and Woolhandling Championships will be held this Friday and Saturday at Molyneux Stadium, Alexandra.
