Masterton wool handler Cushla Abraham faced a formidable line up on Saturday night.
But in a surprise win, Abraham — who had only won two open class competitions previously — came away with the national title and a place in the New Zealand transtasman team.
Claiming the win among the strong competition was "amazing", she said.
"I’m very privileged. It’s very humbling to be in the final with them, they’re such amazing woolhandlers — very experienced, very knowledgeable."
Australian champion Daniel McIntyre claimed the Open shearing title, beating record-holder Stacey Te Huia and three-time winner Nathan Stratford.
A 24-year industry veteran, McIntyre said the competition was tough.
"It was tough. The sheep didn’t shear anything like Australian merinos. They were quite different and did take a bit of adjustment, but I worked it out in the end."
McIntyre also spurred a team from Australia’s REDI-e First Nation contingent to a shearing and woolhandling win over a NZ Merino Shears team, comprising top qualifiers from the Open and Senior grades.
It was the first time an Australian indigenous team had competed in New Zealand.
"It’s been a great initiative from the REDI-e team, and the young guys and girls we brought over with us have got a lot of potential. They’re the future. They’re keen as and it’s all about inspiring young indigenous people to try the industry and have a go at competitions." McIntyre said.
More than 150 shearers and woolhandlers ranging from novice and junior levels through to national and world champions put their skills on display during the two day event in Alexandra, drawing in spectators from throughout Otago and Southland.
New Zealand Merino Shears president Lane McSkimming said it was great to have spectators back after Covid-19 restrictions forced them to be locked out last year.
