Hundreds of sheep climb through Te Kūiti

The Annual Sheep Race, as part of the Great New Zealand Festival, in Te Kūiti, on Saturday, March 29
Photo: Supplied/ Office of Deputy Mark Patterson

Te Kūiti opened its main street to give the good to a flock of hundreds of sheep that manage the glove, for its great annual festival of New Zealand.

The event promised musicians, art and craft stalls, food and activities for children, as well as the main show, with their flock of hull festivals running along crowds of fans.

The event returned last year, after an absence while health and safety concerns were approached – although an alcoholic beverage store saw an unusual ‘raid Raid’ when a group of Breakaway sheep entered the store and took some time to disperse during the 2024 event reported at the time.

Rural communities Minister Mark Patterson, who participated in being directed throughout the meeting corridor, said it was a celebration of sheep, farmers, and the role they play in New Zealand communities and our economy.

“There is a balance back on natural fibers – we are seeing good earnings, with a strong price of wool constantly increasing in the last 18 months to now be around $ 4 per kg (clean), which is eight years old.

“The recent bar we cross is that wool prices now cover shear costs, which is something we are working hard to change, but we know there is much more to be done. I’m more confident than ever we can change the luck of wool.”

The event takes place next to the New Zealand Shear Championship, also held at Te Kūiti, which began on Thursday, with prizes on Saturday night.

The organizer, Doug Laing of Shearing Sports NZ, told RNZ that shear competitions were seen an “almost feverish” volume of young people taking their first steps in shear competitions this year, with many young women participating.

Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson (left), attending New Zealand’s Great Meeting on Saturday.
Photo: Supplied/ Office of Deputy Mark Patterson

Patterson said wool exports were worth $ 549 million for the economy by June 30, 2024 – an increase of $ 513 million the previous year.

“New Zealand’s wool was once the backbone of New Zealand’s economy and I still are excited about the future of the wool industry as we took new opportunities of high value,” he said.