Female Shearers Break Ground with Record at Melrose Station

A remarkable achievement unfolded at Melrose Station, near Owaka, as four female shearers set a new record for the eight-hour strongwool lamb shearing category. This record, recognized by the World Sheep Shearing Records Society, was established on January 30, 2024, marking a significant milestone as no previous record existed for this category.

Leading the pack was Te Atakura Crawford, from Gisborne, who secured her position by shearing 530 lambs, averaging an impressive 54.34 seconds per lamb. Crawford’s victory is notable as she previously triumphed in the 2013 New Zealand merino shears senior title, defeating an all-male field. Following her were Ariana ‘Missy’ Te Whata, with 504 lambs, and Pagan Rimene, the 2019 world teams woolhandling champion, who sheared 481 lambs. Rose Lewis, from Manutuke on the East Coast and now residing in Dubbo, New South Wales, contributed 423 lambs to the record-setting total.

Lewis, who comes from a lineage of shearers and started competing at the age of 35 after six years as a woolhandler, expressed her excitement about being part of the record-setting team. Despite facing health challenges—she was hospitalized with Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome (RCVS) five months prior—she was determined to compete. Initially struggling to find her rhythm on a chilly Otago morning, she ultimately found her stride and described the experience as “overwhelming and exciting.”

“My father and his three brothers are in the world record book,” Lewis noted, reflecting on her family’s legacy. “It was cool to be the first Lewis female to get in there and make my family proud.” She emphasized the vast opportunities within the shearing industry, stating, “It’s a great job, great industry; you can go in so many different places.” Lewis has aspirations to set more records, including in Australia, and views this achievement as a strong foundation for future goals.

The referee, Neil Fagan, highlighted the growing participation of women in shearing, noting that this new record serves as an inspiration for others entering the sport. “It’s just great to see those four girls getting out there and setting [a record], inspiring another four girls to have a go one day,” he remarked. According to Fagan, the record provides a challenging target for future competitors.

The record-setting event was the first of two multi-stand shearing attempts in the southern regions this summer. On January 31, 2024, shearers Shane Ratima, Paerata Abraham, and Leon Samuels will attempt to break the three-stand, eight-hour strongwool lambs record at Waihelo Station, Moa Flat, in West Otago. The current record of 1976 was established by Coel L’Huillier, Kaleb Foote, and Daniel Langlands in 2019 at Puketiti Station, near Piopio.

This historic accomplishment not only highlights the talent and determination of these female shearers but also paves the way for future generations in a traditionally male-dominated field.