Connecting rural communities with whenua Māori at Golden Shears
Te Tumu Paeroa was proud to be part of the 2026 Golden Shears World Championships, sponsoring one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most significant rural events while strengthening connections with Māori landowners, whānau, and the primary industries connected to whenua Māori.
The event is recognised internationally as the premier shearing and woolhandling championship bringing together competitors, judges, spectators, and visitors from across the motu and overseas.
The four-day kaupapa provided a valuable opportunity for us to answer questions and provide information on the spot at our stand in the Worlds Village, as well as raise awareness about the work we do such as leasing whenua Māori and supporting trustees to move to independently administering their whenua.
Māori Trustee Dr Charlotte Severne says Te Tumu Paeroa is proud to contribute to an event that brings communities within the agriculture sector together and recognises those who give their time to a competition like Golden Shears.
“Golden Shears is an event that sees that cream of the crop in the shearing and woolhandling industry go head-to-head. We’re delighted to play a small part in a competition with a rich history that spans over 60-years.”
Many attendees shared their own stories, asked questions, and sought guidance on next steps, reinforcing the importance of being present in spaces where Māori landowners and the agricultural sector naturally gather.
“It is important that we have a presence at these events to engage with whānau who may not be aware of their connections to the whenua," says Dr Severne.
The presence of the Ahuwhenua Trophies on display at the Golden Shears World Championships added a sense of prestige and celebration to the occasion, highlighting the achievements of Māori excellence within the agricultural sector.
Another standout aspect was the vibrant diversity on display, with 27 nations represented and a plethora of cultures and languages enriching the event.
It was particularly memorable to kōrero with a whānau from Wales about their reo journey and the resilience of the Welsh language. They were equally fascinated to learn about the revitalisation and growth of te reo Māori in Aotearoa, highlighting the shared passion for indigenous languages and cultural heritage across the globe.