Fagan ended up finishing 18sec behind Scotsman Gavin Mutch on time, but took the title at the New Zealand Agricultural Show event with fewer penalty points.
"I’ve been down to this show for the thick end of the past 10 years and this is actually my first win in the South Island, so to do it on these Corriedales, which I’ve never shorn at work, I’ve only shorn them at shows, is very special," he said.
On overall points he inched ahead of Southland shearer Nathan Stratford and Mutch was third.
"It was great final, a good race against Gavin and against a previous champion here Nathan Stratford. It’s the biggest final I’ve ever won in New Zealand and to come away with a win, I’m still shivering with goosebumps. It was amazing."
He attributed part of the win to a new fitness regime and giving up drinking coffee and "all that carry-on".
Future goals include an attempt on the world lamb shearing record.
"I’m doing eight hours of lambs on December 22, trying to beat Ivan Scott’s tally of 744, which is no mean feat, and it will be a very hard day but will be very rewarding too if I can pull it off."
Mutch, who won the recent Waimate Spring Shears, was the top qualifier coming into the final.
He and said he was happy with his form but made too many mistakes.
"I didn’t get it right on my second sheep, which costs me points," he said.
Defending champion Angus Moore failed to make it past the semifinals.
