A blade shearing event, a revival of the Miss Wool competition and a "tri-nations" shearing contest are among plans for the New Zealand Merino Shearing International later this year.
The national fine wool championship, staged in Alexandra, has been "rebranded" with an international flavour to mark the 50th anniversary of the event.
Merino shearing society president Graeme Bell said the event, on September 31 and October 1, would add to the entertainment planned during the Rugby World Cup. The Ireland-Italy match will be in Dunedin on October 2 and the society will link its event with the championship.
"The shearing contest will form part of the entertainment for those following the World Cup and we'll be promoting their event as well as our own," Mr Bell said.
Some of the funding would be used to bring in Australian and South African shearers to compete. "Then we'll be able to have a tri-nations event."
Blade shearing will be reintroduced and will act as build-up to the world championship in that event at the Golden Shears next year.
In the Miss Wool contest, started in 1964, competitors modelled woollen garments and were judged on presentation, personality and knowledge of the merino wool industry. It folded two years ago but it was hoped to revive it this year, Mr Bell said.
Former shearing and woolhandling champions from throughout the past 50 years will be invited to help celebrate the anniversary.