The clippers are being sharpened and the gloves will be off as the 2025–26 National Shearing Circuit begins.
Beginning with the New Zealand Merino Shearing Championships at the Alexandra A&P Show (October 3–4), the circuit will involve some of the best shearers in the business.
“I will be at the Alex’ show for the start of our national circuit,” Te Kūiti shearer Jack Fagan told The News.
“Points are taken from the heats for the national circuit, so qualifying for the top 12 at the Golden Shears in March is the goal.
Last year Fagan finished second at the New Zealand Merino Shears, progressing to qualify second overall for the circuit final at the Golden Shears in Masterton.
“The national circuit is the competition I want to win, to be the best multi-breed shearer is a massive title.”
Although it’s too early to tell who will make the grade, Golden Shears’ 2025 Open winner Toa Henderson (Northland), circuit winner Paerata Abraham (Masterton), Open Speed Shear champ Chris Dickson (Masterton) and woolhandler Joel Henare (Gisborne) could all make their presence felt.
The King Country should be well represented in Masterton if the likes of woolhandlers, Keryn Herbert (Te Kūiti) and Kelly Barrett (Kāwhia) and such shearers as Jack Fagan again rise to the occasion.
While the field is wide open, at least one rising star from King Country should shine on the circuit.
“I don’t think there are any clear favourites at the moment – anyone in the top 12 who puts in a strong performance has a great chance,” Fagan said. “Clay Harris (Piopio) is up and coming, though. He’ll do well if he sticks with it at the shows.”
Fagan has had little downtime since the Golden Shears and the NZ Shears in Te Kūiti earlier this year.
Along with Wairarapa’s David Buick, Fagan secured a clean sweep of a three-match series against a Welsh pair in New Zealand in March, before heading to Europe for a six-match tour, including three tests against Wales.
The Welsh pair won the series 2-1 against Fagan and Toa Henderson. However, the Kiwis claimed three from six tests overall and numerous individual wins, including Open finals and speed shear titles, along the way.
“Every time I competed in Europe, I gave it my best shot,” Fagan said. “I’ve been proud to wear the black singlet and I don’t take the job lightly – it’s an honour. We did well in Europe, but there’s still more to come.”
Welsh pair Llyr Jones and Gwion Lloyd Evans will compete against New Zealand early next year.
“They definitely are a tough team and I’m looking forward to the challenge,” Fagan said. “I wouldn’t talk about our chances, but we will make sure we put in a strong performance.”
