World record-breaking Catherine Mullooly, seen here instructing Gisborne Mayor Rehette Stoltz in a women's shearing course last year, is a finalist in the New Zealand Rural Sports Awards.
World record-breaking Catherine Mullooly, seen here instructing Gisborne Mayor Rehette Stoltz in a women's shearing course last year, is a finalist in the New Zealand Rural Sports Awards.
Two Tairāwhiti people are finalists in the 2025 New Zealand Rural Sports Awards - shearer Catherine Mullooly and fencer Tim Garrick.
Matawai’s Catherine Mullooly is one of three finalists in the Sportswoman of the Year category.
Gisborne’s Garrick is among the three finalists for Sportsman of the Year.
The awards are being held at Awapuni Racecourse in Palmerston North on March 7 - the opening day of the New Zealand Rural Games.
Mullooly made history on January 7 last year when she set a women’s world record for strong wool ewes shorn in eight hours - 465 at Nukuhakari Station, King Country.
She maintained a pace of 58 sheep an hour, not only breaking the previous record by 79 sheep but also surpassing the existing nine-hour record tally within the eight hours.
She is one of only a few female shearers in the world to reach such a standard.
The other Sportswoman of the Year finalists are international tree climber Steph Dryfout and harness racing driver Samantha Ottley.
Tim Garrick (right) and teammate Cory Twigley in action at the Poverty Bay A&P Show. Garrick is a finalist for Sportsman of the Year in the 2025 New Zealand Rural Sports Awards in Palmerston North next month. Photo / Liam Clayton
Garrick, who runs T Garrick Fencing, won the prestigious Golden Pliers as the national singles champion in 2024 and the Nick Liefting Speed Trophy for being the first off the line.
He also had victories in the Fieldays Silver Spades National Doubles Championship and the NZ Rural Games Speed Fencing Championship.
Garrick’s contribution to the sport extends to behind the scenes as chairman of NZ Fencing Competitions for the past two years.
The other Sportsman of the Year finalists are woodchopper Jack Jordan and harness racing driver Blair Orange.
Other awards categories are Young New Zealand Rural Sportsperson, Sportsperson with a Disability, Outstanding Contribution to New Zealand Rural Sports, the Lifetime Legacy Award, Sir Brian Lochore Memorial Award for Outstanding Sportsperson from a Rural Background, and the Supreme Award for overall winner.
Convener of judges Paul Allison said the calibre of nominees for the 2025 awards was exceptional.
“This year’s nominations set a record, with more nominations for athletes and contributors received than ever before.”
