He attended his first Big Gay Out in Auckland yesterday, but it was his performance on home turf in Invercargill on Saturday that stole the show.
Five-time world shearing champion Sir David Fagan put the challenge to the Prime Minister late last year to attend the World Shearing and Woolhandling Championships in Invercargill. Mr English dusted off his handpiece and moccasins and headed back to his Southland roots, beating Sir David in a one-sheep-match at Stadium Southland.
"He [Sir David] wasn’t going as fast as he could have been," Mr English said.
The Prime Minister’s attendance was great for the championships, Sir David said.
"We’re rapt. He’s always been supportive of agriculture and our industry and sport. To have the Prime Minister support the event, let alone have him take up the challenge of shearing a sheep is pretty impressive."
Mr English was one of the first world leaders to shear a sheep, and Sir David was impressed with his skills.
Mr English was thrilled to attend the event.
"It’s just superb having it here ... the stadium and the committee have created a spectacular event."
Mr English opted for a quieter role at the Big Gay Out yesterday, an event which celebrates the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities.
Mr English was dressed in a light blue casual shirt.
He spent about half an hour taking selfies with the crowd and visiting stands, but stayed clear of the stage, unlike former prime minister John Key last year who was drowned out by a group of about 30 protesters yelling anti-TPP slogans.
— Additional reporting: NZME