2011 Scanda NZ Shears “Running of the Sheep”

Media Release 6 December 2010

Sheep in training for 2011 Scanda NZ Shears “Running of the Sheep”

Some 2000 sheep are unwittingly already in training for next years Scanda NZ Shears “Running of the Sheep” on the hills of a backcountry Te Kuiti farm.

Six truckloads of fit Romney ewes will be unleashed to run down the main road of Te Kuiti on Saturday, April 2 next year is what is probably the largest “Running of the Sheep” event in the world.

As a highlight of the annual “Great NZ Muster” Festival celebrating Te Kuiti’s self-proclaimed shearing capital of New Zealand title, more than 7,500 spectators are expected to line Te Kuiti’s main street as the 2000 sheep make the one-kilometre headlong dash.

With a $2000 cash prize for guessing the right number of sheep in the run, the exact number of sheep is a closely guarded secret - and is only known by one person, local farmer John Fagan who personally selects the ewes.

Last year’s winning guess was 1079 – but each year the exact number could be anywhere between 1000 and 2000!, says Waitomo District Council’s iSITE Team Leader, Debie Glover.

“The Running of the Sheep takes 20 minutes to complete so I don’t there is any system of counting that is going to work apart from guessing as they all look so alike!” reveals Miss. Glover.

Coinciding with the final day of the annual NZ Shears international shearing competition being held in Waitomo Cultural and Art Centre, The Great NZ Muster opens its gates from 10am to 4pm. With Te Kuiti’s main drag closed for the event, more than 120 arts & crafts and food stall holders line either side of the street.

“The Great NZ Muster is a unique Festival that celebrates New Zealand’s sheep farming heritage,” says Miss. Glover.

“Another major benefit to the day’s entertainment is that visitors can also go and watch the best shearers from New Zealand, Australia and even the United Kingdom battle it out in the finals of the New Zealand Shearing Championships.”

ENDS

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