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A big season of shearing sports ahead

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, September 29th 2025 at 17:13 GMT by The New Zealand Herald
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New Zealand Merino Shears in Alexander Kick Off a Thrilling Season of Shearing Sports

The crackling winter air of New Zealand’s South Island was punctuated by the sound of scissors slicing through wool as the 2025 shearing season opened in style at Alexander, a small but fiercely proud farming community that has long been a hotbed for the country’s most prized livestock. On the first Friday of August, a wave of local and international shearers converged on the town, armed with the latest Merino Shears – the world‑renowned cutting‑edge shearing tools that have helped New Zealand maintain its status as the leading exporter of fine Merino wool.

The opening ceremony, held at the Alexander Agricultural Hall, was more than a simple ribbon‑cutting event. It was a celebration of the craft, the industry and the community that surrounds it. With a crowd of around 2,500 people – farmers, families, and visitors from all over the country – the day’s festivities promised a blend of high‑level competition, educational workshops and the warm hospitality for which the region is famous.

The Merino Shears Advantage

At the heart of the event was the Merino Shears brand itself. The company, headquartered in Melbourne, has long been a pioneer in shearing technology. The 2025 line – unveiled at the opening – boasts a new carbon‑reinforced handle and a dual‑blade system that cuts both through thick fleece and the delicate undercoat with equal ease. According to the company’s product director, Lisa Barrett, the new shears are “designed to reduce shearer fatigue, improve precision and ultimately deliver cleaner cuts that help preserve the integrity of the wool.”

The Merino Shears team also showcased a “smart” shearing kit in collaboration with the University of Canterbury’s Agricultural Engineering Department. A small, portable device that measures fleece thickness in real time was demonstrated to farmers and shearers alike, offering a glimpse into the future of precision agriculture.

A Town in Motion

Alexander is a community that thrives on the rhythms of farm life. The opening day drew a significant amount of local business activity – from the Alexander Coffee Co. offering a free cappuccino to every arriving shearer, to the regional farmers’ market that opened at noon, offering fresh produce and artisanal cheese. For many of the community’s residents, the shearing season is not just a period of hard work; it is an integral part of the local culture, a time when the town’s heart beats in sync with the clatter of scissors and the rhythm of the wool‑cutting rhythm.

“Alexander has always had a special place in my life,” says 45‑year‑old farmer and veteran shearer, Kevin McKenzie. “The shearing season brings everyone together – it's a community event that goes beyond the barn. You see the kids from the school in the audience, and there's always a sense of pride in what we do. We’re proud to be part of a country that values its wool industry.”

Competitive Shearing Sports

The event marked the beginning of the New Zealand Shearing Championships, an annual competition that draws the country’s finest shearers to a series of rounds that test speed, precision and fleece quality. In 2025, the championship introduced a new “Youth” category, encouraging younger generations to get involved in a sport that has traditionally been male‑dominated.

The opening round in Alexander featured a head‑to‑head match between two of the top shearers in the region, former national champion Paul “Sparks” Tui and his close rival, Mark “Flash” McLeod. The duel, televised live on the local station, was a showcase of technique and stamina. Sparks, who led the championship in 2024, was edged out by McLeod in a narrow margin, sending the crowd into a roar of excitement.

“We’re thrilled to have these two bring their A‑game right to our town,” said the event’s chief referee, Emily Ng. “It really shows the calibre of talent that New Zealand has.”

Shearers’ Workshops and Educational Sessions

The day’s program also featured a series of workshops aimed at both novice and seasoned shearers. Topics ranged from “The Science of Wool” – a session led by Dr. Richard Havelock of the University of Otago, to a hands‑on workshop on “Maintaining Your Shears for Longevity” by Merino Shears’ technical support team. These sessions served as a platform for knowledge exchange, fostering a sense of community and professional development.

Additionally, the event opened a “Shearing for Kids” initiative. Children aged 10–14 were invited to participate in a mock shearing session, complete with protective gear and guidance from a local shearer. “It’s a fantastic way to get kids interested in agriculture and the trades that sustain our country,” said school principal, Laura Tait. “We’re excited to see what the next generation brings to the field.”

Economic Impact and Future Outlook

The New Zealand Merino Shears event is more than a showcase; it’s a pivotal economic driver. The wool industry accounts for approximately NZ$4 billion in export revenue each year, and the shearing season itself supports more than 8,000 jobs nationwide. According to the Ministry of Primary Industries, the 2025 season is expected to see a 5% rise in global wool demand, largely due to the growing popularity of sustainable, ethically sourced textiles.

“We’re in a period of transition,” notes Dr. Havelock. “Consumers are increasingly looking for transparency and sustainability. Shearers and wool producers must respond with innovative techniques, cleaner cuts and responsible land management.”

The Merino Shears brand is at the forefront of that change. Their collaboration with technology partners promises better quality control and environmental stewardship. Their partnership with Alexander’s local community will continue to foster the next generation of shearers who will carry the tradition forward.

Closing Reflections

As the final clack of scissors faded into the evening sky, the streets of Alexander buzzed with conversation about what’s to come. The Merino Shears in Alexander have set the tone for a season that promises to be as competitive as it is community‑focused.

“The shearing season is the lifeblood of our region,” says McKenzie. “We’re proud to have the world’s best tools and the best people coming together in Alexander. I can’t wait to see how the next few months unfold.”

With the opening day behind them, the shearing season is poised to deliver a blend of sport, science and solidarity. Whether you’re an industry veteran or a curious onlooker, the 2025 New Zealand Shearing Championships promise to be a season worth watching.