Alexandra’s Molyneux Stadium was filled with a good buzz at the merino woolhandling competition yesterday. 

Loud applause rang out for each contestant competing in the woolhandling heats on Friday, especially as the crucial throws landed and fleeces cascaded evenly over the tables.

NZ Merino Shearing Society president Lane McSkimming said the championships were an integral part of encouraging, training and fostering the next generation of the wool industry.

A crowd of all ages attended and some had travelled from as far away as Gisborne and the Waikato to take part.

Tre Ratana Sciascia works closely with the resident shearer in a heat. 

Kroney Elers, who shears in Central, throws a fleece like an expert. 

Uruuruwhenua attended Friday’s event with a variety of free hauora (health and wellness) care available for everyone in the crowd.

Uruuruwhenua whānau ora navigators Denise and Alva provided health and social support information to shearers, woolhandlers and whānau. 

Nurse Lana John said there were free supplies of toothbrushes for tamariki, condoms, Covid-19 tests along with drop in appointments available at the on-site nurse clinic, vaccinations, podiatry help, mirimiri (traditional Māori massage incorporating wairua/the spirit), sexual health bus and cervical screening available.

“We know that access can be hard for those working remotely, or working long hours in the wool industry. Being here is a way to link to Uruuruwhenua whānau ora services for these people too.”

Lana said they were grateful to local primary health providers and pharmacies for their support to work together at events such as the weekend of woolhandling and shearing.

On Friday afternoon the senior shearing heats took place. Today (Saturday, September 30) the remaining shearers take to the stage, starting at 7.30am.

The final Saturday session, from 7pm, is the finals for teams, open woolhandling and open shearing, with the NZ Merino shears team taking on the First Nation indigenous team.

Sponsors from Agritrade, PGG Wrightson and Vetmed are (from left) Paul, Jared, Alana and Emma. 

Organisers thanked Bevan and Tiffany McKnight and their team at Northburn Station and Merino Ridges for providing the line of merino wethers used in the event.

Many in the shearing industry contributed to the event through sponsorship, tautoko (support), an additional shout out was made to Peter and Elsie Lyon and Gabriel and Dion Morrell for catering meals and afternoon tea.   

The crowd at woolhandling on Friday morning.

PHOTOS: The Central App