The world-famous shearing and wool-handling championships, the Golden Shears, has fallen victim to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Organisers have decided to hold the New Zealand-based three-day event in 2023 instead of next year.
The event – which organisers believe is the “greatest shearing competition in the world” – was due to take place in Masterton on March 3rd, 4th, and 5th, in 2021.
The internationally recognised event “symbolises both quality and excellence in the skilful art of shearing and wool-handling”.
The three-day event encompasses novice, junior, intermediate, senior, and open shearing competitions. Others include junior, senior, and open wool handling events and singles wool pressing competitions.
The Golden Shears
In a statement on December 8th, 2021, a spokesperson for Golden Shears said:
“We regret to inform you our Golden Shears Championships March 2022 has been cancelled.”
“We made this difficult decision to cancel this event due to the restrictions and unknown future of Covid- 19.”
The spokesperson said the decision was discussed “at length” at our AGM on Monday.
They explored how the committee and volunteers could hold the annual event with health and safety in mind.
“One of our many reasons was that we could not possibly present our prestigious event in the manner we aspire to with the current restrictions and the many checks that would have to be in place.”
“Our major consideration was for the welfare of all our volunteers, competitors, audiences, sponsors and service providers.”
“As this event is staged indoors, this increases the demands we need to follow in order to keep everyone safe from the pandemic. We consider our decision as being responsible to all people involved with Golden Shears.”
Organisers confirmed that they are preparing for a comeback in 2023 “when the current situation and protocols involving indoor events will allow Golden Shears Championship to once again be the world-renowned event we are known for”.
“We look forward to seeing you all in 2023,” the spokesperson concluded.
