Cook Islands shearing and woolhandling team returned from the 2023 Golden Shears World Championships in Edinburgh, Scotland finishing at seventh place in the Woolhandling division.

Team manager Sharon Hillis said the team headed over to Edinburgh to start the competition on June 22. 

The team consisted of shearers Jovan Taiki, Alex Smith and woolhanders Tina Elers and Keryn Herbert, along with Hillis and five other family supporters.

She said prior to the world show the team competed at a small show at Malvern in Worcestershire, England. 

“This was a good chance to look at the Scottish sheep and fleeces as they are different to New Zealand.

“Following after the show it was up to Edinburgh to get ready for the world show.  There was a training day for competitors to have another chance to shear and work with the fleeces and ask any questions.”

Tina Elers with Cook Islands flag at the 2023 Golden Shears World Championships in Edinburgh, Scotland. SUPPLIED / 23071307

She said Keryn Herbert was nominated for the woolhandler representative for the southern hemisphere.  She attended the world council meeting representing not only the Southern Hemisphere, but the Cook Islands too.

“This was a proud moment for us as a team.  She represented our hemisphere with passion and pride.

“Our team was passionate and proud of representing their team the Cook Islands.  We flew the flag with pride for the four days.”

She added that for the opening ceremony, there was a parade of the countries and as manager she nominated Tina Elers to carry the Cook Islands flag.

Results:

Tina Elers - All nations open event- 5th place

Keryn Herbert - Worlds event – 6th place

Woolhandling team - 7th place

Tina Elers - world event – 18th place

Shearers Individuals: Jovan Taiki 19th place, Alex Smith 34th place.