The team consisting of Rose Lewis, Ariana ‘Missy’ Te Whata, Te Atakura Crawford, and Pagan Rimene achieved this remarkable feat at Melrose Station near Owaka. This four-stand women’s eight-hour strongwool lamb record is now recognized by the World Sheep Shearing Records Society.
Te Atakura Crawford, a shearer from Gisborne, led the pack with an outstanding tally of 530 lambs, averaging just 54.34 seconds per lamb. Missy Te Whata, hailing from Mossburn, Southland, and a niece of two world recordholders, sheared 504 lambs, while Pagan Rimene, a master woolhandler and 2019 world teams woolhandling champion from Alexandra, contributed 481 to the total count. The remaining 423 lambs were sheared by Rose Lewis, a fifth-generation shearer from Manutuke, who now resides in Dubbo, New South Wales.
Rose Lewis, who took up shearing at the age of 35 after working as a woolhandler, faced challenges during the record attempt due to a health condition but persevered to achieve this milestone. Despite initial difficulties, she found her rhythm and described the experience as overwhelming and exciting, especially as the first Lewis female to make it into the world record book.
Referee Neil Fagan commended the team’s accomplishment, highlighting the increasing participation of women in shearing and the inspiration this record will provide to aspiring shearers. The event not only celebrates the achievements of these talented women but also sets a benchmark for future record attempts.
Looking ahead, Rose Lewis expressed her aspirations to set more records, including in Australia, emphasizing the camaraderie and support within the shearing community. The success of this record-breaking team sets the stage for future challenges and achievements in the industry.
This milestone event marks the beginning of a series of multi-stand shearing record attempts in the southern regions, with another challenge scheduled for January. Shane Ratima, Paerata Abraham, and Leon Samuels will aim to tackle the three-stand, eight-hour strongwool lambs record, following in the footsteps of these pioneering female shearers.
With their determination, skill, and passion for shearing, these women have not only made history but have also paved the way for future generations of shearers to aim for new heights in the industry.
