Pagan Karauria (Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa) started woolhandling when she was just 15. Today, she has not only made a career of it, she is also an international champion, winning competitions in Aotearoa, Australia, the UK and Europe. Two summers ago she also ticked off a shearing goal with 402 sheep shorn in 8 hours. She has won accolades in this division too, at national and world champs winning the women’s shearing final in 2019 and coming second in 2020 competition, while carrying a shoulder injury.
As a shearing contractor’s daughter Pagan set out to learn everything in the industry. Now based in Clyde, she spends her year between farms in Central Otago and Te Tai Tokerau, and at competitions in between.
In this episode we talk about wool and the diverse experiences it has given our NUKU //072.
“I have the ability to chase my job around the world. I’ve shorn sheep in Scotland, England, France, Australia and New Zealand.”
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