Shear battles go nationwide

Shearing sports competitions are set to go nationwide.
That's the message from Doug Laing, of Shearing Sports New Zealand, when announcing the first of 60 such events scheduled to begin this week in the South Island before moving on to the North Island.
These competitions, which allow New Zealanders an opportunity to see many of New Zealand's and the world's best shearers and woolhandlers in action, range from premier events, such as the New Zealand championships, as well as our own Golden Shears, through A&P shows to sports days staged in more remote regions.
Woolhandling and shearing will be on show at the Wairarapa A&P Show, scheduled for the weekend of October 29-31 at the Clareville Showgrounds.
Secretary-treasurer Ray Beale is already gearing up for the event.
"These events are very important to our show. They attract a lot of people, hundreds, and create a lot of excitement," Mr Beale said.
"We're 99 per cent certain it will be part of the show again this year."