Paerata Abraham was recently celebrated at the PGG Wrightson Masterton store after clinching the 2024/2025 PGG Wrightson Vetmed National Shearing Circuit title. 

This win not only etched his name into the shearing history books once again but he became the first Wairarapa competitor to claim the title twice.

“I felt like Tiger Woods,” says Paerata, recalling the moment he was handed the keys to his new Hyundai Santa Fe. “It was like being some sort of professional sportsman receiving such an incredible prize!” 

The event brought together Paerata, wife and fellow wool-handler Cushla, and their two daughters, as well as local PGG Wrightson and Agritrade staff, and a rep from the local Hyundai dealership, to acknowledge his achievement.

“The first time he won, we put on a morning tea, so we decided it was only fitting to do it again for his second time round,” says Shane Cohen, the Retail Sales Manager for PGG Wrightson’s Wairarapa/Hawke's Bay and East Coast. 

“It was really special to have everyone who was involved come together, to make it a real occasion that was more than just a ‘photo opportunity’ for Paerata and the sponsors of the circuit. And the Hyundai rep also took him through all the bells and whistles of the vehicle - which was lucky as it has a lot - so that was pretty cool too.” 

The National Shearing Circuit is a rigorous competition spanning five different wool types and locations across New Zealand, and Paerata says that this year’s win was a real testament to the growth he has made since previously claiming the title. 

“I’m a late bloomer. I didn’t really get into shearing until I was a bit older and to win by three and a half points - especially in a sport that’s often decided by fractions - it was certainly a proud moment."

Although he was raised in a shearing family, as a young man Paraeta initially avoided the industry and never considered it as a potential career opportunity. 

"As a teen, I wasn’t interested. I wanted to hang out with my mates, not wake up early and work in the middle of nowhere. But after leaving school and having no qualifications, I didn’t have much of a choice. 

“I had been in Australia for a while and needed a job, so I went into shearing and actually really enjoyed it. I think because I was a bit more mature and fitter, and there was just this incredible camaraderie and energy in the shearing sheds - that’s what hooked me.” 

Starting out in the pens, and pressing the wool, Paerata soon worked his way up to the handpiece and spent most of his spare time learning the craft. He also remembers going to watch his first shearing competition and being inspired by watching the shearers onstage. 

“I just thought ‘wow’, those guys are awesome and I knew I wanted to be up there one day. I had never thought of it as something to compete in, so it really opened my eyes up to what was possible.”   

Now, 15 years later, he’s at the peak of the sport.

So what does it take to get ready for the annual shearing circuit? Paerata says it’s not only about physical preparation - having his head right is absolutely crucial too. 

"It’s all about being present. All it takes is one mistake and bang, you’re gone. So it’s about focusing on the now and what’s in front of you, and concentrating on my breathing really helps with that. You wouldn’t think it, but in a shearing competition, your top two inches really does a lot of the grunt. 

“Physically I also practice sprints with 10-sheep bursts at work - usually when you’re coming in cold after a lunch break - as well as high intensity rowing."

And Paerata is no stranger to doing what he needs to do to get the job done. 

“Shearing has certainly taught me how to be resilient, especially going to work when you feel like you’ve been run over by a freight train every morning. You’re carrying the animal's weight and you’ve still got to get up and go. 

“There would be many late nights working when I’d think ‘this isn’t fair’ - finishing at 10pm and having to leave again at 5am. But it toughens you up and teaches you to carry on when mentally you don’t want to. 

“There’s also this shearing community all over the world. No matter how long it’s been since I’ve seen someone on the circuit, it’s always amazing catching up with them.”

And when it comes to local support, he can’t speak highly enough of the team at PGG Wrightson. 

“They are outstanding, from all aspects. Right from day one when I started popping into the store for my business, the staff were just awesome and their help was second-to-none. 

“Then to see it from a competition perspective and what staunch, loyal sponsors they are to the world of shearing, I’m just honoured to have the opportunity to represent them with the new vehicle.

“Shearing means a lot to me and my family. And to feel the respect and mana we get from our region when competing, it’s something we take very seriously.” 

PGG Wrightson has backed the National Shearing Circuit since 2002. The event highlights professional skill and winners receive the McSkimming Memorial Triple Crown - earning the honour of representing New Zealand in the Trans-Tasman series, alongside the Golden Shears and national Merino champions.

Marcus Loader, PGG Wrightson Wool representative, praised Paerata’s consistency and determination. 

"He’s certainly at the top of his game as an athlete, and then to be a business owner as well - I was really happy to see him take out the prize. It’s an incredibly demanding competition, and to win it twice is no easy feat. 

“It’s great for the Wairarapa region, the wool industry and certainly for the PGG Wrightson team who get to come together for this annual series."

And Shane Cohen, Retail Sales Manager - Wairarapa/Hawke's Bay/East Coast, agrees with his colleagues' sentiments.

"Paerata is incredibly approachable, capable, and dedicated. He’s the kind of person who embodies everything good about our rural communities."

For Paul Senior, Sales and Marketing Manager at Agritrade, which includes the Vetmed brand, he can’t go past the value of community-focused sponsorship. 

"Paerata is an outstanding ambassador for the sport, and when we support competitors like him, we’re supporting rural New Zealand — and the farming community we’re proud to stand behind."

Beyond trophies, Paerata is passionate about growing the sport. Through his ShedTalk podcast, clothing line, and social media presence, he’s helping to modernise and promote shearing to a new generation. 

"Training is key. It’s an art - you’re working with live animals, so balance, technique, and empathy matter. We need more support and funding to ensure the next wave of shearers can thrive."

Paerata’s advice for young shearers is to get training, if they can, as the more understanding you have, the more you can enjoy it. And also - to travel. 

“You just can’t compete with this way to see the world, where you’re paid to travel. There is a really cool circuit from Australia to America, Italy and the UK then back to NZ for the summer. A lot of people do it and you make money doing it too.” 

And what’s one thing people might not know about the life of a competitive shearer? 

“I’m a Koru Club member with access to the lounges at international airports - I go to Australia for competitions three or four times a year as well as down to the South Island and the UK, so I’m quite a frequent flyer!”.

When asked about his goals, Paerata doesn’t hesitate. 

“There’s just so much satisfaction that comes with achieving what you set out to and prizes aside, it’s just so awesome when you realise how far you’ve come. You start operating differently and performing at a higher level, and when you do win competitions it’s almost not as much of a surprise as you might think - because you’ve noticed your own growth and development.

"I’ll definitely be back next year to defend my title, I want to win at the Golden Shears and continue to raise the bar. It’s about mastering the craft and passing it on.

But for now, Paerata and his whanau will be hitting the road in their new Santa Fe, showing it off at A&P shows and rural events around the country - carrying the support of his local community everywhere he goes.

With champions like him leading the way, the future of New Zealand shearing looks strong.