Humans Finally In Majority At “Running of the Sheep”

Media Release 25 March 09

Humans will outnumber sheep by three to one for the Scanda New Zealand Shears “Running of the Sheep”

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In New Zealand where the sheep generally outnumber humans about 10 to one, humans will outnumber sheep by more than three to one for the annual Scanda New Zealand Shears “Running of the Sheep” event being held in Te Kuiti on Saturday, April 4

The event has become so popular that around 7,000 spectators are expected to line Te Kuiti’s main street when some 2000 sheep make the one-kilometre headlong dash in the largest sheep run anywhere in the world.

The exact number of sheep is a closely guarded secret due to the prizes for guessing the right number - and is only known by one person, local farmer John Fagan. John selects six truckloads of Romney ewes come from Peter Johnson’s Maketu Station in Bennydale – and neither Peter Johnson nor the truck drivers know the exact number, says Waitomo District Council’s event coordinator, Debie Glover.

“Last year the right number was guessed at 1899 – but there could be any number between 1800 and 2000 sheep on the run,” reveals Mrs. Glover.

But what isn’t a guarded secret is the record 120 stall holders selling anything from quality Alpaca wool garments to traditional Maori arts and crafts as well as cuisine.

And on the main stage will be top line acts adults and children alike can enjoy such as Hamilton band The Sound Machine, children’s group “Funky Monkies” and the all-time crowd pleaser, the Te Kuiti Primary School kapahaka group!

The all-day event starting from 10am and running through to 5pm, will also feature the Otorohanga Rock ‘n Roll Club performing, the Te Kuiti Pipe band and plenty of side entertainment such as a V8 car simulator, the famous Pirongia Clydesdales, bouncy castles – and even a helicopter taking joyrides over the Te Kuiti township.

The Scanda New Zealand Shears Running of the Sheep has become Te Kuiti’s major event drawcard and coincides with the final day of the New Zealand Shearing Championships in Te Kuiti’s Civic Centre.

“Visitors are now coming from all over the country – and from around the world – to see this unique Running of the Sheep event,” says Mrs. Glover.

“Another 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 on in the finals of the New Zealand Shearing Championships.”

ENDS

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