Piopio woolhandler, Tia Manson, at the NZ Merino Shears. Photo NZ Shearing Sports
King Country competitors finish the year with standout wins, as the shearing season’s biggest tests await, reports Jon Rawlinson.
Jack Fagan following his speed shear win in Wagga Wagga, NSW. Photo Shearing Sports NZ
King Country’s shearers are ending the year with sparks flying proving once again that the region breeds champions.
The final competitions of the season have been anything but routine, with local talent stepping up and stealing the spotlight.
At the Wagga Wagga Speed Shear in New South Wales, Te Kūiti’s Jack Fagan won the men’s event, Piopio’s Sacha Bond claimed the women’s title and Kāwhia’s Arahia Tuwhangai won the Woolhandlers’ Quick Throw.
“I actually can’t quite explain how much I love speed shearing,” Fagan said.
“It’s the one thing on Earth that makes me feel like an absolute rock star.”
Due to their wins, Bond and Fagan will represent the Wagga Wagga Speed Shear in Wales next year.
Originally from Palmerston North, Bond is now based in New South Wales.
Fagan’s latest performance adds to an impressive track record. In November, he secured two other major speed shear wins prior to heading to New South Wales. He also defended his Corriedale Shearing Championships Open title at the Royal New Zealand Show in Christchurch.
“I’ve had a very busy few weeks,” he told The News. “I won the Rakaia Speed Shear and the Waiau Speed Shear both in the same weekend. So, including the Corriedales I won the treble which was awesome.”
Also known as the Canterbury Shears, the Corriedales is the third of five PGG National Shearing Circuit events in the 2025–26 season.
Scottish international Gavin Mutch (Dannevirke) placed second followed by Justin Meikle (Oamaru), Hugh de Lacy (Rangiora) and Nathan Stratford (Invercargill).
“Gavin was the fastest, Nathan has won about five times and Justin Meikle won it about 20 years ago, so it was a strong final,” said Fagan. “It was my third time winning the title there – it really was a lot of fun.”
The event had more on the line than most.
“I got 11 points for the National Circuit and the NZ Shears Circuit, which is good because the most you can get is 12,” said Fagan. “In a sense, it doesn’t matter if you qualify first or 12th – as long as you’re in that top group you have a shot at one of the big semi-finals at Golden Shears or New Zealand Shears. Win either of those circuit events and you’re going to become a New Zealand team member.”
Another King Country competitor, Piopio’s Tia Manson, claimed accolades in Christchurch, winning the Corriedales’ Woolhandling senior final.
After managing merinos in Alexandra and wrangling Romneys in Waimate during the National Shearing Circuit’s first two rounds, the Corriedales required shearers tackle a different breed again.
“It’s unique because it’s the only Corriedale competition in the country, so no one gets any practice on the sheep,” Fagan said. “I’ve learnt which combs run very well down at Christchurch – that’s where experience comes into it.”
The National Shearing Circuit now moves north for the Rangitikei Shears in Marton (February) and the Pahiatua Shears (March). The top 12 shearers, based on points over the five rounds, will then compete on the eve of the Golden Shears in Masterton, March 4–7.
Although dark horses (as opposed to black sheep) may still emerge, the business end of the shearing season is yet to come.
“It’s probably a little bit early to say – so many have been working in Australia that the full force of the shows hasn’t kicked into gear yet, but definitely towards the end of January we’ll start to know who’s really going for it.”
There will still be much left to play for beyond the Golden Shears with another international series against Wales and the New Zealand Shearing Championships in Te Kūiti (April) topping off the 2025–26 season.
See: Kyle watches dad win again
Digger Balme in action at the Rotorua A&P Show. Photo – Shearing Sports NZ
