Return to ‘expanded, two-day format’

Alexandra’s Pagan Rimene will be hoping to retain her NZ Woolhandling Open title once more during an expanded two-day Otago Shears event at Carterhope Estate, south of Balclutha, in February. PHOTO: RICHARD DAVISON

Shearing aficionados could find themselves experiencing double vision later this summer as a key event returns to a two-day format in anticipation of top international talent.

In 2020, Otago Shears and NZ Woolhandling Championships organisers trimmed the classic rural competition to a single day, as entries dropped and the wool industry waned.

But now, a resurgence of the industry — combined with New Zealand hosting the world championships this year — meant "the Shears" would return to its time-honoured two-day format once again in February, event secretary Clare Howat said.

"We’re very excited to return to the expanded, two-day format this summer.

"Masterton is hosting the Golden Shears world champs in March, just a fortnight after the Otago Shears, so there will be plenty of the top international contenders already present in the country and wanting to sharpen up their skills in advance.

"On top of that, we’ve found the Otago Shears have run over during the past couple of years due to growing numbers of entrants returning to the sport, so we need the extra day to run all woolhandling on the Friday, including a transtasman woolhandling event, then all shearing on the Saturday."

There would also be novice categories for both disciplines for the first time this year.

For the uninitiated, the energy and excitement of the competition could be a surprise, she said.

"This is a chance to get right up close with the very best in their profession.

"There’s nothing to compare to the atmosphere in the woolshed as the contenders count down to their last shear, with the crowd right behind them."

The event would be held once more at Carterhope Estate, just south of Balclutha.

"We’ve talked about returning to the Balclutha town hall again some day, but Carterhope have been such fantastic hosts for the past few years that we’re really delighted to return. It’s a great facility for competitors and spectators alike," Mrs Howat said.

In line with increased interest in the sport, the shears committee had established a new sponsorship group to support the event, called the South Otago Wool Growers.

"This is another great way everyone in the industry can show their support and get behind shearing and woolhandling in South Otago."