Listen: Atmosphere 'electric' at NZ Shearing Champs open final

Cam Ferguson on his way to second place in the 2019 New Zealand open final, and a place at the 2019 World Championships in France. Photo / Doug Laing SSNZ

The atmosphere was "electric" at the open final of the New Zealand Shearing Championships in Te Kuiti on Saturday, says Mavis Mullins.

"It was a full house."

Mullins, a respected businesswoman and legend in New Zealand shearing and wool-handling circles, told The Country's Jamie Mackay there was a "superb line-up," for the final which was won by Rowland Smith.

Although Smith came first, it was second-place getter Cam Ferguson who stole the limelight, as his effort won him a place at the 2019 World Championships in France in July.

Mavis Mullins. Photo / Christine McKay

Mullins said Ferguson's success was no surprise as "he's been pretty much right at the doorstep challenging [other shearers]," throughout the season.

"He had a fabulous show in Waipukurau, he did well at Golden Shears. So there's always just that element of ... you just don't know."

Ferguson was not only up against Smith, but Scotland international Gavin Mutch, and world teams champions Nathan Stratford and John Kirkpatrick.

Listen below:

All four men "wanted it badly," as they battled it out for a place in the World Championships said Mullins.

Ferguson's success was extraordinary as he almost lost a sheep over the side of the board said Mullins.

"From a competitive perspective that would've just been enough almost to knock your head into a different place."

Also in today's interview: Mullins discusses other winners at the Shearing Champs and a recent Agri-Women's Development Trust course.