Hosted at the Gore A&P Showgrounds, Saturday was packed out as the best of the best shearers competed in multiple heats and categories.
More than 1900 sheep were shorn on Saturday and were most probably grateful considering what a sweltering hot day it was down South.
The competition was fierce. Toa Henderson, of Kaiwaka, won the open machine shearing, and Corey Palmer, of Dipton, was awarded the South Island Shearer of the Year.
The North Island defeated the South Island in a competition in which two teams of three shearers went head-to-head.
Southern Shears chairman Willie Hewitson said it was a great year for the competition.
"It’s been exceptional. We’ve had great numbers across wool handling and shearing, especially with our higher open grades," he said.
Mr Hewitson said the sport was still strong and was arguably getting stronger.
"Definitely a high quality of shearers. It’s quite rewarding for us to be able to see shearers who can still shear to a high quality and taking a fair bit of pride, that it still has a place.
"The standard is as high as it’s ever been, and we’ve probably seen the best numbers in the higher grades in 20 years," he said.
Mr Hewitson said he was grateful for all the sponsors in the community who banded around the event, and hoped the success of the event would be carried on through the district.
"It’s huge for us, and we think it’s really good for Gore at the same time."
