The 21st New Zealand Shearing Championships were held in the Civic Centre, Te Kuiti, from Thursday 31 March to Saturday 2 April, 2005. An added feature that has caught the attention of media worldwide was The NZ Shears Running of the Sheep?
Te Kuiti, located in the heart of New Zealands King Country of the North Island, is recognised as The Shearing Capital of the World. The small rural town hit the global map last year with its inaugural Running of the Sheep and this years event put them back into the media spotlight once again.
No bull. 2227 sheep were seen scurrying down the main street of Te Kuiti. A play on the popular Running of the Bulls?in Pamplona, Spain, Te Kuitis version had a different flavour. This time, former All Black Colin Meads, Pop Star Joe Cotton and Bushman Billy Black took charge, leading the flock down the length of Te Kuitis main street to the cheers of thousands of local on-lookers.
On Saturday, the excitement mounted with the Senior events during the day and in the evening the Senior Final, Icon Circuit Final, Open Plate Speed Shear, Brothers Event, Warrnambool vs NZ Shears, Open Woolhandling Final and the Open Final.
The programme concluded with the presentation of prizes with Lynn of Tawa as the special guest, and a social function to follow.
