In a remote South Otago woolshed, four wāhine have etched their names into the history books – setting a new world record in women’s strongwool lamb shearing and breaking new ground in a sport long dominated by men.
With limited internet and mobile coverage, the record was set the old-fashioned way – through grit, skill and teamwork. Among the team was Pagan Rimene, a Master Woolhandler, world champion, and proud descendant of a powerhouse shearing lineage.
Rimene was one of four wāhine who took on the demanding challenge, demonstrating not only physical endurance but exceptional technical precision across the eight-hour shearing event. Their achievement marks the first officially recognised women’s strongwool lamb shearing record, setting a benchmark for future generations.
For Pagan Rimene, the moment carried deep significance – connecting whakapapa, rural life and wāhine leadership. Coming from a family steeped in shearing excellence, she says the record honours those who came before, while opening doors for those yet to come.
The achievement has been widely celebrated across shearing and rural communities, with supporters acknowledging the dedication required to train for a record attempt – often balancing work, whānau and life in isolated settings.
Beyond the numbers, the record represents a broader shift within the industry, where wāhine are increasingly visible, respected and recognised for their contribution to New Zealand’s rural backbone.
As the team steps back from the board, their message is clear: wāhine belong at the top levels of the shearing world – and they’re only just getting started.
