Digger Balme in action shearing a sheep. Photo/Supplied.
Digger Balme in action shearing a sheep. Photo/Supplied.
The annual Te Puna Speed Shear will take place this Saturday at the Point Ale House in Whakamārama, marking the event’s 24th year.
It cements its status as New Zealand’s longest-running speed shearing competition.
Co-organiser Maree Morton expressed her delight at the event’s continued success.
“John Dalziel isan original who started it at the Te Puna Rugby Club in 1999, and he’s still part of the committee today. We only missed one year - 2022 - due to Covid.”
The Te Puna Speed Shear in 2024. Photo / Supplied.
The event, which is always held on the second Saturday in January, draws shearers from across the country, including several from Taranaki, and occasionally from overseas.
“We never know how many shearers will be showing up, as many finish work and then drive a long distance to compete.
“Sometimes, shearers from the South Island turn up if they’re in the area. We’ve even had Welsh and Scottish shearers in the past, and this year, we have a competitor coming from the United Kingdom.”
Among the regulars is Digger Balme, a 60-year-old shearer who has participated in every Te Puna Speed Shear since its inception. Digger and his crew will be travelling up from King Country.
“He sent me a message saying he’s looking forward to Saturday. He’s won a couple of years here and there but now, with younger shearers coming through, he’s often finishing second or third. But they’re less than half his age.”
The crowd at the 2024 Te Puna Speed Shear. Photo/Supplied.
The event has a reputation for drawing a large crowd to the Point Ale House carpark, where a curtain-sider truck is set up for the shearing.
“It’s a chance for people to see shearers in action up close - many of our visitors from town have never witnessed shearing first-hand.
“Around 400 people usually turn up, and it starts with the veterans at 5.30pm, followed by the seniors and then the open competition. The prizegiving takes place around 10pm.”
In addition to the action-packed shearing, attendees can enjoy food and drinks, with a food truck offering burgers, chips, and hotdogs. The pub also serves drinks to those attending.
Entry is by gold coin donation, with all proceeds going towards local community causes.
“We aim to raise around $10,000. All our volunteers donate their time. Last year, we supported the rescue helicopter service, and we’ve helped local causes like the kindergarten, children with cancer, and an assistance dog.”
Digger Balme sorting sheep ready for shearing. Photo/Supplied.
Top prize for the open shear competition is $2000 and the fastest time on record is an impressive 15.97 seconds.
“On average they are 17-21 seconds. It depends on how the lamb behaves that day - sometimes even the best shearer gets a wriggler.
Morton said despite the speed shear event being held on the same day as the Katikati Avocado Festival, the festival is finishing just as the Whakamārama event is starting.
