World shearing titles add to scope | Wairarapa News | Local News in Wairarapa

Wairarapa is gearing up to host the greatest shearing show on earth with teams from 25 countries due to arrive from all parts of the world.

Golden Shears president Mavis Mullins said yesterday the World Championships, due to start on February 29 at the War Memorial Stadium in Masterton, had attracted shearers from all the usual competing countries such as Australia and Wales, and a host of others not so easily recognised as shearing strongholds.

"Places like Chile, Estonia and the Czech Republic," Mrs Mullins said.

"It might sound a bit weird but it's going to be brilliant."

Mrs Mullins said combining Golden Shears 2012 with the World Championships meant the extended four-day programme was extremely busy.

For that reason, entertainment outside of the shearing, woolhandling and wool pressing competitions could not be quite as high profile as in other years, but nevertheless some good acts were being pursued.

One in particular was being explored, but Mrs Mullins said she could not yet reveal any details.

Those who are on the bill include the Beat Girls from Wellington and pop opera specialists Heather and Craig Davson.

Mrs Mullins said because of the scale of the Shears this year it was hoped the organisers would get permission to close part of Dixon St - from Bruce St to Memorial Dr - during competitions.

"This would help our plans to create a 'party central' atmosphere and also with the safety of people moving back and forward to the big marquee, we are putting up in Queen Elizabeth Park to take the crowd overflow."

Mrs Mullins said everything possible was being done to achieve a safe and enjoyable contest.

"This is not just a shearing show, it's a global event."

Mrs Mullins said security and crowd behaviour were always considerations that were taken seriously.

"We have already had talks with our emergency response teams which include police, the Fire Service and other organisations."

She said shearing had "cleaned up its act" and become far more professional over the years.

"It's now got a whole different aura about it; it's recognised as an elite sport."

Contests held under the auspices of Shearing Sports New Zealand had random drug testing of competitors and this would include the World Championships.