Woolhandlers vie to take on the world
Police have interviewed cameraman Bradley Ambrose over the socalled ‘‘teapot tape’ and will send the file to the Crown Solicitor for a legal opinion once they have reviewed the information. New Zealand’s best woolhandlers went head-to-head at the Southern Shears at the Gore A & P showground pavilion yesterday to decide who would represent New Zealand at the world championships in Masterton next month.
The 30 open woolhandlers were whittled down to the top three yesterday, and will go on to compete this afternoon for the final two positions.
The woolhandlers competing for the two positions are Joanne Kumeroa of Whanganui, Joel Henare of Gisborne and Keryn Herbert of Te Awamutu.
Compere Phil O’shaughnessy said he came from Whangarei to commentate. ‘‘It’s a sickness,’’ he said. When each fleece was thrown across a table his voice became louder.
‘‘That wasn’t a terribly good fleece but she’s got it on the table beautifully. What a ripper. Thank goodness I’m not having to judge this.’’
Balclutha woolhandler Cheri Peterson said she took it slow and that won her the junior woolhandling final yesterday.
‘‘I stayed cool, calm and collected. Just take your time and perfect it.’’
Kumeroa would take out the top honours today, she said.
Gore Southern Shears treasurer Erin Howes said spectator numbers were high yesterday and she expected more today.
‘‘There’s been really good crowds, due to the significance of the event.’’
New Zealand’s best shearers will get their chance to make the New Zealand squad from 7.30 this morning. David Fagan (Te Kuiti), Darin Forde (Orepuki) and Nathan Stratford (Invercargill) were some of the 12 competitors who would compete today to wear the black singlet next month.