Extract from Pictorial Parade No 113 The First Golden Shears Competition (1961) (W3471 2845)
Channel: Archives New Zealand
Date: 2011-10-26

New Zealand National Film Unit presents The Golden Shears (Pictorial Parade no. 113 extract)

Founded in Masterton, the first Golden Shears competition was held on 9 March 1961 at the Masterton War Memorial Stadium. The inaugural event attracted some 300 shearers from New Zealand and Australia, including the legendary Godfrey Bowden. Bowden's brother, Ivan Bowden, was the very first  champion.

The idea for a championship came about in 1958, when members of the Wairarapa Young Farmers' Club planned their event for the annual Agricultural and Pastoral Show (A&P Show). The competition was such a success, the organisers decided to take it to the next level. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, the Golden Shears competition became a hugely popular event, with fierce rivalry between some of the great shearers of the land. The inaugural Golden Shears of 1961 surpassed all expectations with crowds so great, the local Army was called upon to control crowds around the stadium. 

As the popularity of the contest grew, so did the professional attitude toward shearing. Many shearers were involved in training programmes and fitness courses. More than that, the Golden Shears became more than just a simple shearing competition. It became a foundation, a centre point, and arena, where many constitutional meetings were held and our world champions were founded. For the shearers, the wool handlers and wool pressers, the dreams are still the same as those pioneers in 1961 -- to strive, compete fairly, win your grade and become supreme champion of GOLDEN SHEARS.

More information can be found here: 
http://www.goldenshears.co.nz/about/history/
http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/first-golden-shears-competition

This film is a segment of Pictorial Parade 113 produced by the National Film Unit. The National Film Unit was established to publicise New Zealand's participation and achievements during the Second World War. After 1945 the Film Unit expanded from producing weekly newsreels to making documentaries and films to the order of Government Departments. During its existence the Film Unit produced films for national organisations as well as many films on its own initiative. The private film industry in New Zealand relied heavily on the National Film Unit's extensive film processing facilities.

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