Four past champs compete at Taranaki Shears

TET Trustee Andrew Wood (far left) with the winners of the open shearing event.

It really was a case of the best of the best at the Taranaki Shears 2017 on Friday, when four current and past world champions competed against each other in the open shearing final.

Taranaki Shears president Paul Avery was one of those champions, the former world champion ended up placed fifth in the open shearing final.

Paul says he thinks having four past and present champions in the final has only happened once before, at the Taranaki Shears 2015.

"It's been a good day overall, however the bad weather the country has had did mean we were slightly down on numbers from previous years, contractors have stayed home to ctach up rather than come along to compete."

Former world champion Rowland Smith from Hastings won first place in the open shearing, beating current world champion Johnny Kirkpatrick from Napier by almost three points.

Whangamomona based Gavin Mutch, another past world champion, came in third place, with Pongaroa's David Buick taking fourth place in front of Paul Avery.

Paul says the event is a great way for shearers at all levels to see how they measure up against their peers, and says the crowd is always supportive of all the competitors.

While Paul and his peers have been shearing for many years, the entrants in the junior shearing event are much newer to the sport, although that didn't stop them putting on an impressive demonstration of their skill on the day.

Topia Barrowcliff may only be 12, but this was the third time competing in the Taranaki Shears for the PioPio youngster.

"I've been shearing for about three years now. Dad taught me," he says, adding he has also entered events elsewhere in the country.

"It's a good way to get your skill level up and to learn from others," he says, adding he always enjoys the day.

Paul says the day is only as successful as it is thanks to the numerous volunteers who help in the lead up as well as on the day itself.