Waimate set for two days of shearing, woolhandling action

• Published date: 30 September 2022
• Publication title: Oamaru Mail

The 55th annual Waimate Shears is being held in the purpose-built A&P Shears Pavilion that was completed for the 50th event

As its name suggests, it is located at the Waimate A&P Showgrounds, on the outskirts of the town.

‘‘There will be two very full days of shearing and woolhandling entertainment free to the public,’’ Waimate Shears executive officer Eileen Smith said.

‘‘All will be covered — machine shearing, blade shearing and woolhandling, using both merino and crossbred sheep types.

‘‘We are expecting really good entries, with the world championships being held in Scotland in June 2023. Waimate is one of the South Island shows where woolhandlers and blade shearers can gain points toward being members of the New Zealand team to Scotland.’’

Most of the woolhandling competitions will use merino sheep, but an extra one using crossbreds has been added to the programme as this year’s special attraction on the Saturday afternoon.

‘‘Entry is available to all open woolhandlers, with those entered on the circuit able to gain points towards qualifying for the New Zealand team to Scotland 2023,’’ Mrs Smith said.

‘‘Waimate is the second round in the PGG Wrightson/Vetmed national shearing circuit, with points going toward the final at the Golden Shears.’’

Waimate Shears president Warren White said entries, being registered electronically, had ‘‘started...