Female Shearers Break New Record in South Otago’s Strongwool Lamb Challenge

A remarkable achievement unfolded on January 23, 2024, as four female shearers set a new record for the eight-hour strongwool lamb category at Melrose Station, located near Owaka, New Zealand. This record, recognized by the World Sheep Shearing Records Society, marks a significant milestone as no previous record existed for this category.

Leading the charge was Te Atakura Crawford from Gisborne, who outperformed an all-male field to secure the 2013 New Zealand merino shears senior title. Crawford topped the tally with an impressive count of 530 lambs, averaging just 54.34 seconds per lamb, including catching, shearing, and processing through the porthole. Close behind her were Ariana ‘Missy’ Te Whata, credited with 504 lambs, and Pagan Rimene, a master woolhandler and the 2019 world teams woolhandling champion, who sheared 481 lambs. The remaining 423 lambs were accounted for by Rose Lewis from Manutuke, who currently resides in Dubbo, New South Wales.

Inspiring Achievements Amid Challenges

Lewis, a fifth-generation shearer, entered the sport at the age of 35 after working as a woolhandler. Her journey to this record-setting event was not without difficulties. Just five months prior, she was hospitalized due to Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome (RCVS), which impacted her training. Despite this setback, she persevered and was determined to compete.

Initially struggling to find her rhythm on the chilly Otago morning, Lewis eventually settled in and expressed her excitement about being part of the record-breaking team. “It was overwhelming and exciting to be part of the record-setting team,” she shared. “My father and his three brothers are in the world record book, so it was cool to be the first Lewis female to get in there and make my family proud.”

The achievement has broader implications for the sport, as it showcases the growing participation of women in shearing. Referee Neil Fagan noted that this new record serves as a source of inspiration for future entrants. “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 stated. “They’ve got a target to beat now, which is not an easy target, but it’s something for them to aspire to.”

Future Goals and Upcoming Events

The record attempt at Melrose Station was the first of two planned multi-stand shearing record attempts this summer in New Zealand. On January 31, 2024, a trio consisting of Shane Ratima, Paerata Abraham, and Leon Samuels will seek to break the three-stand, eight-hour strongwool lambs record at Waihelo Station in Moa Flat, West Otago. The current record of 1976 lambs was set in 2019 by Coel L’Huillier, Kaleb Foote, and Daniel Langlands at Puketiti Station, near Piopio.

As the shearing season unfolds, the achievements of Lewis, Crawford, Te Whata, and Rimene not only highlight their individual talents but also pave the way for future generations of female shearers in New Zealand and beyond. With their goals set higher, these athletes are poised to continue breaking barriers in the sport.