Southern Shears Celebrates 60 Years of Shearing Excellence

The Southern Shears, one of the South Island’s oldest and most prestigious shearing competitions, marks its 60th anniversary in February 2026. Initially met with skepticism, the event has evolved into a significant highlight in the shearing calendar, showcasing top talent from around the country.

A Humble Beginning in 1966

According to Sharon Hillis, the event’s secretary, the inception of the Southern Shears almost did not take place. “When the idea of the Southern Shears was first raised in the mid-1960s, it was met with more than a little scepticism,” she recalled. The first prize-giving in February 1966 nearly did not occur at all due to unforeseen circumstances, including the theft of the only donated prize—a handpiece.

The vision for the event came from the late Jim Barclay, a prominent figure in the Eastern Southland shearing community. He attended a meeting of the Gore A&P Association in 1965, proposing a major shearing competition to rival the renowned Golden Shears in Masterton. “At that time, shearing contests were part of A&P shows,” Hillis explained. “Jim believed the sport had outgrown those settings.”

From Small Crowds to Major Events

The inaugural competition took place over one day, featuring a three-stand setup with the finals held at night. Despite limited resources, the event attracted a large crowd, with seating for 700 and an additional 300 standing spectators. “There was a huge crowd there at that first one, and many after,” Hillis noted. Competitors and spectators traveled from far and wide to witness the best shearers in action.

Since its inception, the Southern Shears has built a reputation as a prelude to the Golden Shears. Hillis highlighted the event’s impact on the sport, stating, “From the outset, Southern Shears became part of the build-up to the Golden Shears, a tradition that continues today.” Legendary shearers such as Snow Quinn have left their mark, with Quinn winning the open final every year until his retirement in 1973.

In its early years, the prize money for the top three finishers—Quinn, Tom Brough, and Joe Ferguson—totaled just 175 pounds. As the event gained traction, local support grew, particularly from the shearing community. By the mid-1970s, the Southern Shears outgrew its original venue, necessitating a move to the newly constructed James Cumming Wing.

This new location allowed for additional stands and eliminated the need for two-heat finals, contributing to the competition’s continued growth. Hillis expressed gratitude for the community’s support, stating, “We are incredibly grateful for all the support from our community that has helped shape the competition over the past 60 years.”

The next Southern Shears will take place from February 19-21, 2026, at the Gore A&P Showgrounds. As the event approaches, anticipation builds for what promises to be a celebration of shearing excellence, reflecting the event’s rich history and cultural significance.