“Historically, shearing shows and shearing courses like ours have suffered low attendance, particularly in the lower grades such as novice, junior and intermediate.”
Shearing shows had been challenged by low numbers and the course aimed to help address that.
“More importantly though, it’s about getting rangatahi [youth] involved in the industry with the hope that the skills they learn today can be applied in the real world – when one day perhaps they land a full-time job in the shearing shed,” Edmonds said.
“While the roles in the shearing shed can be picked up on the job, today was purely about learning, without the added pressure of making a tally – or shearing a large number of sheep in a small amount of time. Being able to take the time to learn from the experts provides a great platform for the students to learn some hands-on skills.”
The course was held at Ātihau-Whanganui Incorporation’s Te Pā Station, 20km south of Raetihi, which Edmonds said was special in a number of ways.
“Te Pā Station has become a popular shearing venue, having hosted world-record-setting events in the past. To welcome up-and-coming shearers to this place is therefore quite a treat. It’s also important to acknowledge the whakapapa [genealogy] connection a large majority of today’s students have to their ancestral lands – all of this made for a spectacular day. Thanks to Jimmy Doolan and the wider Ātihau team at Te Pā for their support.
“The success of our show is, in a large part, thanks to the support we get from our partners. Ātihau-Whanganui Incorporation are a key partner and we thank them for their ongoing support of our show, and indeed our industry. Thanks, too, to Sport NZ for their support.
“I’m excited by the future of our industry and know that students from today’s course are now equipped with the skills necessary to grow sustainable employment outcomes for them and their whānau.”
The Waimarino Shears will be held at the Raetihi Showgrounds on Saturday, March 18. For more information visit www.waimarinoshears.com.
