The Golden Shears is one of the world's best-known shearing and woolhandling competitions, held at the War Memorial Stadium in Masterton since 1961. The 2027 event runs from 4 to 6 March, with more than 550 competitors. Day sessions start at $20 for adults and $10 for children, Thursday night is free, and the big finals are on Saturday night.
On this page
Key facts
- When
- Thursday 4 to Saturday 6 March 2027, day and night sessions
- Where
- Masterton War Memorial Stadium, 2 Dixon Street, Masterton
- Season pass
- $170 plus fees, all sessions, includes programme
- Day sessions
- Adults $20 (Thu), $25 (Fri), $30 (Sat); children $10 to $15
- Night sessions
- Thu free from 6 pm; Fri adults $50; Sat adults $60 (plus fees)
- Children
- Under 5 free on a lap. All ages.
- Tickets
- Eventfinda, online or 0800 289 849
- From Wellington
- About 1 hour 40 minutes' drive (estimate)
What it is
Sheep farming shaped New Zealand, and the Golden Shears turns the shearing shed into a sport. It began when members of the Wairarapa Young Farmers’ Club organised a shearing competition at the local A&P show. Its success led to the first Golden Shears in 1961 at the Masterton War Memorial Stadium, where crowds were so big that the army was called in to help control them. Through the 1960s and 1970s, seats were booked twelve months in advance.
The event now covers three core sports:
- Shearing: from novice to open grades, using the NZ-developed Bowen technique to remove the fleece cleanly, without double-cutting the wool or injuring the sheep, at speed.
- Woolhandling: skimming, sorting and presenting fleeces, in four grades.
- Woolpressing: “muscles in motion”, with men’s, women’s and pairs competitions.
The 2027 Golden Shears has more than 550 competitors from around the world.
What to expect
Three days of competition in day and night sessions:
- Thursday 4 March: day session 7.30 am to 4.30 pm, then a free Thursday night from 6 pm. The Teddy Bear Shear showcases the next generation of shearers, with free entry after 4.30 pm.
- Friday 5 March: day session 7.30 am to 5 pm, night session 6.40 pm to 10 pm.
- Saturday 6 March: day session 7.30 am to 5 pm, then the Saturday Night Showdown from 6.40 pm to 10.30 pm, with the major finals and entertainment.
An open shearing final, with the strength, power and precision of the world’s best shearers, is the highlight. Allow a few hours for a day session, or a whole evening for the Saturday finals.
Who it suits
Families, anyone curious about rural New Zealand and sport fans who love a close contest. All ages are welcome.
Tickets
Tickets are sold through Eventfinda online or by phone on 0800 BUY TIX (289 849). Prices before fees:
- Season pass: $170, all day and night sessions, with a free programme
- Thursday day: adults $20, children $10. Thursday night free.
- Friday day: adults $25, children $10
- Friday night: adults $50, Gold Card $45, children $25. Tables of 6 for $600 (book directly with Golden Shears).
- Saturday day: adults $30, children $15, or a family pass
- Saturday night: adults $60, Gold Card $55, children $30
Children under 5 are free on a lap. Saturday night is the most popular session, so book it early.
Getting there
Masterton is the main town of the Wairarapa, over the Remutaka Range from Wellington. It is about 100 km and 1 hour 40 minutes’ drive from Wellington (an estimate), and about 1 hour 20 minutes from Palmerston North. Trains on the Wairarapa Line also run between Wellington and Masterton; check Metlink for times. The stadium is at 2 Dixon Street.
Where to stay
Masterton, Carterton and Greytown all have motels and holiday homes. Book early for finals weekend.
What to bring
Layers for the evening sessions, and cash or a card for food. Attendees may be filmed or photographed for the event’s broadcasts.
Make a trip of it
The Wairarapa is wine and food country. Visit Martinborough’s wineries (see our Toast Martinborough page for the region), or carry on to Wellington: see our things to do in Wellington guide.
FAQ
How much are Golden Shears tickets?
When are the main finals?
Is it good for children?
What is the Bowen technique?
Can I watch online?
Where are the next world championships?
Sources
Last checked 11 November 2026 against the organiser's own pages
