Speed shearers do their bit for Pike River families

Several of New Zealand's top shearers are paying the respect to their brothers from another of New Zealand's toughest occupations by staging a fundraising Speedshear in Reefton on Saturday night in support of the families of the Pike River mine disaster.

The event started as an idea over a few beers at the weekend, and in a few days commitments have been made from multiple World champion David Fagan, of Te Kuiti, current World and Golden Shears champion and prolific speedshears winner Cam Ferguson, of Waipawa, World lambshearing record holder and 2006 Golden Shears champion Dion King, of Hastings, and other record-breakers including Digger Balme, of Te Kuiti, and Darin Forde, from Winton.

Co-organiser and former New Zealand team manager Gavin Rowland, of Rakaia, said the response from shearers had been unhesitating, and all were keen to do their part for the cause.

"It is possibly the greatest gathering of New Zealand's top shearers in a Speedshear for a few years, and one that probably won't be repeated," said Mr Rowland.

It will certainly be the greatest gathering of New Zealand's top shearers on the West Coast and Mr Rowland said: "They'll all be making their way to the Coast under their own steam, and while I can't speak for the indfividuals I wouldn't be surprised if a fair bit of the prizemoney goes back to the cause as well."

Several have also donated items for a charity auction, including the singlet worn by Fagan when he won the 2009 Golden Shears open final, at the age of 47.

The Speedshear, a contest for speed over a single sheep but with judges on hand to ensure quality standards are still maintained, will be held at Dawson's Hotel in Reefton starting at 7pm on Saturday.

ENDS

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