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 this 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."
She said, for the uninitiated, the energy and excitement of the competition could be a surprise.
"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."
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.
• The 63rd annual Otago Shears and NZ Woolhandling Championships, February 13 and 14, Carterhope Rd, Te Houka, Balclutha.
