Interview with John Fagan

John Fagan was born in Te Kuiti in 1950. Describes the family farm in Mairoa, west of Te Kuiti. Gives details of the history of the Fagan family. Describes primary and secondary schooling at Piopio. Discusses being in a shearing gang and beginning shearing at the age of sixteen. Discusses the length of the shearing day. Describes the occupations of his brothers Robin, Ken and Geoff. Recalls entering his first show at Kaikohe. Describes buying and developing his first block of land. Talks about meeting and marrying Cheryl Ann Carruthers in 1972 and the birth of their children. Mentions fencing and winning the Golden Pliers competition four times.

Describes attending the Golden Shears in 1976 and competing every year since. Mentions Roger Cox, Samson Te Whata, Martin Ngataki, Ivan Rosandich and Adrian Cox. Discusses lamb shearing record attempts with Samson Te Whata and the physical preparation and mental aptitude required to attempt records and enter competitions. Recalls the 1984 Golden Shears final which he won and the World Championships in Britain in 1984. Discusses shearing in Australia and the New Zealand team to Perth. Comments on Australian attitiudes to New Zealanders. Recalls working with brother David Fagan and Ricky Pivac. Describes changes in methods, personnel and focus of the competition in his twenty one years of competitive involvement with the Golden Shears. Discusses the shearing achievement of his sons and other family members.

Discusses ewe shearing records and the controversy surrounding the 1995 record. Mentions the credibility of judges. Describes preparation of gear and diet. Discusses the contracting and financial viability of shearing. Comments on the acceptance by the Hillary Commission of shearing as a sport. Discusses the identity of a shearing gang, food, shed protocol, shearers' quarters, toilet facilites and leisure time. Mentions alcohol and marijuana. Comments on racial tolerance. Mentions health and safety issues and the seasonal nature of the work. Comments on the future of the wool industry and shearing shows. Mentions other awards received including the Australian award the Golden Handpiece. Describes Te Kuiti as the shearing capital of the world and compares it with Masterton .

Interviewer(s) - Nikki Dalziell

Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 3 Hours Duration.

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-2516.

Photographs of John Fagan, Golden shears champion 1984, shearing

Alternative form available: Listening copies OHLC-004184 - OHLC-004186