Record Crowds Enjoy Home Town Charm

People definitely outnumbered sheep on Saturday when record crowds turned out to celebrate the 20th celebration of the Great NZ Muster in Te Kuiti.

Organisers estimate between 8,000 & 10,000 people packed the streets throughout the day which culminated in the main event when 1100 Romney’s made the one-kilometre headlong dash down the main street in the annual NZ Shears Can-AM McIndoe Group running of the sheep.

Coordinator Donna Macdonald from the Waitomo District Council said it was a fantastic day. 

“We really were flabbergasted with the shear number of people that turned out for the event.   We were hoping for larger crowds as it was our 20th birthday and we got them. It was amazing to see so many people from all over the world enjoying everything sheep-like.”

The self proclaimed Shearing Capital of the world, for one day each year Te Kuiti transforms it self into a sheep Mecca.  

Highlights this year included celebrity MC Te Radar, Beef and Lamb ambassador, chef Mat McLean and the very popular, quirky ukulele band “The Big Muffin Serious Band”.  

Mrs. Macdonald said even though the muster has grown in stature over the last 20 years, it’s still kept its innate hometown charm. 

“The muster started out as a small event on Friday nights for the community to help celebrate the NZ shears which is held during the week in Te Kuiti.  Now international visitors plan there holidays around the muster and sheep run.”

“Our town really pulls out all stops to create an amazing atmosphere.  Visitors originally come to watch the sheep, but it’s the atmosphere that keeps them coming back for more.  The quirky sheep events, how retailers rename there businesses for a week, sheep themed activities but most importantly how visitors are welcomed with open arms with some down to earth rural charm.” 
 

Image: Te Kuiti Running of the Sheep 2012 by Annie Jardine.