Sports - Psychological aspects

Date: 24 May 1998

From: Past champions oral history project - The Shear History Trust Golden Shears Open Champions

By: Foley, Jacqueline, 1951-; Quinn, Brian Patrick, 1941-

Reference: OHInt-0509/13

Description: Brian Quinn was born at New Plymouth in 1941. Describes moving to Otorohanga, Rangiatea, South Waikato, King Country and Aria because of his father's work on stations (farming). Talks about the family Pontiac, a Fordson tractor, their home, the importance of music in the home and his sister being in a band. Describes going to Otorohanga school, `wagging' and going to Aria School. Comments on his father's frustration at not being able to go to World War II. Mentions the impact of his parent's getting land though it was `hard country'. Describes driving cows from Otorohanga to Aria. Discusses childhood activities including Christmas. Mentions his mother's relatives. Describes leaving school at the age of fifteen, going shearing, the challenge of shearing, working with Stuart and Hilton Cheeseman, open and contract shearing, the atmosphere in the shed, the second shear, shearing Romneys and Border Leicesters, attitudes to the farmers, the relationship between shearers and shed hands, wages and wet weather. Mentions Tom and John Brough, Murray McSkimming, Bing Macdonald and Malcolm Barclay. Refers to his physique for shearing and conserving energy. Discusses entering local shearing competitions. Comments on the career highlight of winning the 1962 senior Golden Shears then the open championship in 1965. Talks about preparing for the Golden Shears by shearing round Masterton and Pahiatua. Discusses shearing gear. Comments on not being able to go on the overseas trips which were part of the prize. Talks about not entering the Golden Shears in 1969 and helping George Potae. Describes meeting his wife Lyn. Discusses dances and the pictures at Te Kuiti and Piopio. Recalls going for a trip to Gore and Alexandra, staying at Alexandra and getting a job with Murray McSkimming. Comments on the Shearers' Union in the south and how contractors looked after shearers. Talks about the role of the woolclasser. Discusses improvements in shearing technology including safety features the worm drive and spline drive. Talks about his contracting business with wife Lyn Quinn and having 50 to 60 employees. Discusses sorting out staffing difficulties. Mentions shearers' use of alcohol, changes in shearers over the years and having been a shearer for forty one years despite his original intention to shear to make money to buy a farm. Describes his move to Clyde. Details his children and their ages. Mentions the importance of family support at competitions particularly at the 1980 World Championship at Masterton where he won. Describes finding winning the Golden Shears emotional and not liking the limelight. Comments on Maori shearing style and the absence of racial discrimination. Talks about female shearer Michelle Harrex. Comments that he is known as `Snow' Quinn. Interviewer(s) - Jacqueline Foley Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 3 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-2523. Photos of Brian Quinn, Golden Shears champion in 1965, 1967, 1968, 1970, 1971 and 1972 competing in competitions. Photo of Brian Quinn in 1998.

Date: 3 Jul 1998 - 03 Jul 1998

From: Past champions oral history project - The Shear History Trust Golden Shears Open Champions

By: Fagan, John Feltrim, 1950-; Vallance, Nikki, 1968?-

Reference: OHInt-0509/06

Description: 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

Date: 4 May 1998 - 04 May 1998

From: Past champions oral history project - The Shear History Trust Golden Shears Open Champions

By: Brough, Aubrey Thomas, 1940?-; Hall, Jim, active 1998

Reference: OHInt-0509/03

Description: Tom Brough grew up on a sheep farm. Discusses his early education by correspondence school, attending local school and then being sent to Wanganui Technical College which he left. Recalls being sent to his uncle Trevor Brough at Okaihau in the Kaikohe district and being taken in by a Maori shearing gang. Comments on the fluctuation in the price of shearing a sheep according to world wool prices in the early 1950s. Decribes shearing in the `Open' in the first Golden Shears competition in 1961. Discusses the physical demands of shearing and some of the difficulties including alcohol. Talks about the way the gangs were made up. Discusses second shears which happen in most of the flocks in the King Country, Waikato, North Auckland and Taranaki. Comments on the image of the union and the shearers' preference to deal directly with the farmer. Describes meeting Larraine (Lorraine) and starting his own shearing run in Aria in 1962. Discusses better prices for shearing in the South Island and going down twice a year. Describes accommodation, food, daily routine, shed camaraderie and the hierarchy of the shed. Mentions the contractor, ganger, the best shearer in the number one stand and the shed hands. Comments on the money earned, being able to purchase a farm in 1969 and continuing with shearing. Mentions training for the Golden Shears with the assistance of Dr Lloyd Drake who also trained Olympic rowers. Recalls winning the Golden Shears in 1976. Comments on judging in World Championships and discusses international shearing trends and styles. Discusses handling competition pressure and shearing in the New Zealand team. Mentions Paul Granger (Grainger), Brian Quin (Quinn) and David Fagan. Mentions he and Larraine won the King Country Farmer of the Year award in 1982. Interviewer(s) - Jim Hall Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-008238; OHC-008239 Quantity: 2 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 2 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-2512. Photographs of Tom Brough before and during the Golden Shears championship which he won in 1976

Date: 11 Jan 1999

From: Past champions oral history project - The Shear History Trust Golden Shears Open Champions

By: Williams, Des, active 1999; Forde, Edsel John, 1960?-

Reference: OHInt-0509/07

Description: Recalls growing up in Orepuki, Southland. Gives details of his Irish great grandfather settling on land in Tuatapere. Describes the township, his education, brothers and sisters, intermediate schooling in Invercargill, staying with his grandparents and secondary education at Marist College. Describes sporting activities and achieving representative status. Describes leaving school, shearing with Les Bevan and attending shearing schools in the Milburn Valley and at Rakaia Island, Christchurch. Mentions Golder Davidson, Ian Rutherford and Ernie Mason. Recalls winning local shearing contests. Describes working for Geoff Fagan in the King Country, returning south, buying land at Orepuki and continuing to shear. Describes working on skills and developing a suitable style and speed. Recalls attending consecutive shearing schools, becoming focused on the Golden Shears and working for Colin King. Discusses leading shearers in Te Kuiti and the highly competitive nature of shearing. Talks about tallies. Compares northern and southern shearing in terms of second shears and open and contract sheds. Mentions the northern advantage in competitions. Describes Colin King's help in his achievement of victory at the Golden Shears in 1989. Mentions Larry Lewis, Sam Te Whata, John and David Fagan and Kevin Walsh. Describes the build up to the event and competition with David Fagan. Talks about the World Ewe Shearing Record in 1992 and shearing in Australia, England, Norway, Ireland and France. Talks about his wife Margaret, sons Rory and Paddy and family life. Discusses the narrow comb dispute. Interviewer(s) - Des Williams Quantity: 2 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 1.30 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-2517. Photographs of Edsel Forde as 1989 Golden Shears champion

Date: 28 Oct 1999

From: Past champions oral history project - The Shear History Trust Golden Shears Open Champions

By: Grainger, Paul Ashton, 1959-; O'Shaughnessy, Phil, active 1999

Reference: OHInt-0509/08

Description: Paul Grainger was born in Te Kuiti in 1959 where his family had a small farm and a small shearing run. Describes attending Pakeho School and Te Kuiti Primary before going to Feilding Agricultural High School. Recalls enjoying school. Mentions early memories of shearers (`the black singlet brigade'). Describes contract shearing with his brother John Grainger, building up a gang and buying a farm near Te Kuiti. Talks about his first show, competing at Intermediate and then Open level. Describes the excitement of first attending the Golden Shears in 1980. Mentions Roger Cox, Snow Quinn, Sam Te Whata and John Fagan. Discusses Young Farmers Shearing Competitions and the decline of Young Farmers Clubs (YFC) and other rural groups. Describes meeting wife Claire. Recalls competing in the Golden Shears competitions from 1981 until his victory in 1985. Mentions other 1985 finalists Larry Lewis, Colin King, John Fagan, Rick Pivac and Roger Cox and being announced as winner. Comments on the bond between shearers and partners. Discusses reaching the finals fourteen times and being very competititve. Comments on conflict between competing and family interests. Discusses his involvement and that of his wife Claire Grainger in the New Zealand Shearing Championship Committee (originally King Country Shears). Discusses his intention to expand the farm. Talks about work ethics, Maori and Pakeha relationships and woolhandlers. Mentions Alexandra and Omarama woolhandling competitions. Comments on judging techniques. Interviewer(s) - Phil O'Shaughnessy Quantity: 2 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 2 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-2518. Photos of Paul Grainger as Golden Shears champion 1985

Date: 11 Sep 1998

From: Past champions oral history project - The Shear History Trust Golden Shears Open Champions

By: Fagan, David Alexander, 1961-; Kidd, Robin, active 1998

Reference: OHInt-0509/05

Description: David Fagan was born in Piopio in 1961. Describes the involvement of brothers John and Geoff Fagan in shearing while he was at school. Mentions the influence of shearers Roger and John Neal (Neil), Snow Quinn and others. Describes attending a learner shearer course at Waitanguru where Tom Brough was the instructor. Discusses getting a job with John Lawton in Otama (Southland) then with Rangi Te Whaiti at Ohope before his brother Geoff Fagan gave him a stand. Mentions shearing in Western Australia and in Wales where he met his wife Wendy Hawkins. Discusses judging problems in Wales. Describes winning the junior Golden Shears in 1979 and the senior event in 1980 and 1981. Describes training for both ewe and lamb records and emphasises the importance of fitness. Gives details of records. Comments on performance in shows after going for records. Mentions Edsel Forde and Dion Morrell. Discusses diet and the psychology of competing in a final. Comments on Wool Board training and instructors and teaching the finer points. Mentions his interest in judging. Describes working with his brother John Fagan and comments on family support. Talks about his back problem which started in 1987. Interviewer(s) - Robin Kidd Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-008242; OHC-008243 Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 1.30 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-2515. Photographs of David Fagan, winner of the Golden Shears in 1986 and every year from 1990-2000

Date: 25 Oct 1997

From: Past champions oral history project - The Shear History Trust Golden Shears Open Champions

By: Herrick, Greg, active 2000; Bowen, Ivan Verdun, 1916-2007

Reference: OHInt-0509/02

Description: Ivan Bowen was born in Dannevirke in 1916. Describes the influence of his parents and growing up with four competitive brothers. Talks about his early childhood on Craggie Range sheep station, managed by his father, between Hastings and Waimarama. Describes being taught by a governess and moving to a farm near Te Puke in 1932. Recalls the Napier earthquake. Discusses learning how to shear by watching shearers. Describes the family's involvement in saw-milling and their portable mill. Explains the Bowen style of shearing and its development. Comments on the competitive nature of brother Godfrey Bowen. Mentions Godfrey Bowen became Field Director for NZ Wool Board and set up a Wool Board Training Scheme which is still used. Describes Ivan and Godfrey Bowen's joint venture building and operating a skating rink in Mount Maunganui about 1938. Talks about being manpowered shearing sheep during the war and describes the guilt of not being `called up'. Describes how he shore seven days a week for long hours. Describes how he and brother Godfrey Bowen were a team shearing in the Te Puke area. Recalls his first shearing competition about 1938-1939 and becoming a winner in competitions a few years later. Describes `full wool' and `second shear' sheep and the benefits of second shear. Talks about breaking the world shearing record at Ruatoria in 1956 when he shore 463 sheep. Describes the buildup, the atmosphere and winning the inaugural Golden Shears in Masterton in 1961. Comments that this was his greatest shearing achievemnt as he was forty five years old. Mentions Bing McDonald, Godfrey Bowen and Mac Potai (Potae). Describes the prize giving. Recalls managing three sawmills with Eaon Bowen in the Bay of Plenty in the 1960s. Describes the death of his brother Colin at Manawahe. Talks about wood chopping, breaking in horses, taxidermy and being a NZ Wool Board Shearing Instructor for several years. Mentions being a marriage celebrant and Justice of the Peace (JP). Discusses his Christian beliefs, healing and preaching experiences. Talks about the agrodome at Rotorua which was the brainchild of Godfrey Bowen. Explains that it was an instant success with tourists and gives details of a visit. Describes marriage to Joyce since 1940 and their children Kate, Nancy and Grant. Comments on the relationship between shearing gangs and farmers. Compares shearers' clothing in the 1930s and the 1990s. Describes gear used, a typical day, food, safety, the lack of hygiene and toilet facilities. Mentions the introduction of unions and changes in conditions. Discusses Maori in the sheds and his experience of racial harmony. Talks about shearing as a living and leisure. Discusses shearing technique and the `blow'. Discusses breaking a world record for a four man team. Describes still leading an active life. Interviewer(s) - Greg Herrick Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-008235; OHC-008236; OHC-008237 Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 3 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-2511.

Date: 28 Oct 1999

From: Past champions oral history project - The Shear History Trust Golden Shears Open Champions

By: O'Shaughnessy, Phil, active 1999; Reidy, Edmond Arthur, 1941-

Reference: OHInt-0509/14

Description: Eddy Reidy was born in Thames in 1941. Recalls growing up in Kaihere on the Hauraki Plains. Describes being a descendant of chief Tukukino. Recalls attending Kaihere Primary School, Hauraki Plains District High School and St Stephens College. Talks about his brothers and sisters. Gives details of his mother's descent from the Tukukino and Royal families. Describes being a shed hand, being sent to Taihape to learn shearing and attending a Wool Board Course run by Ivan Bowen. Recalls shearers Harvey Voss and Dick Cross. Discusses the gangs of Bill Meech who was based in Hastings. Describes meeting his wife Barbara-Anne, who was cooking at Takapau Station and planning an overseas experience (OE), but married instead. Describes the code of ethics among shearers. Talks about entering competitons, his first Golden Shears and competition with Mac Potae and Danny Holland. Recalls winning the Golden Shears in 1973, gives details of the event and the other finalists Danny Holland, Martin Ngataki, George Potae, Ray Alabaster and Dave Wolland and their styles. Discusses the 1971 Golden Shears final, the competition of shearing, tallies and the psychology of records. Mentions organising the Lamb Shearing World Record for Jillian Burney at Bennydale and discusses other female shearers. Discusses involvement in shows. Mentions involvement in deer farming, shearing in the South Island and overseas and management of an asbestos removal contract in Auckland. Talks about his children Shayne, Angela, Joanne and Paulette. Interviewer(s) - Phil O'Shaughnessy Quantity: 2 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 2 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-2524. Photo of Eddie Reidy, Golden Shears champion 1973

Date: 17 Mar 1999

From: Past champions oral history project - The Shear History Trust Golden Shears Open Champions

By: O'Shaughnessy, Phil, active 1999; Rosandich, Ivan, 1945?-

Reference: OHInt-0509/15

Description: Ivan Rosandich was born in Auckland. Describes his Dalmatian father who was a fisherman and owned the Victory Cafe in Auckland. Mentions his mother grew up in Te Atatu and cycled to Auckland for work. Describes his schooling at Roman Catholic schools, visiting Yugoslavia with his mother and grandparents and returning to New Zealand to help rebuild the family restaurant. Recalls other labouring jobs before travelling to Ohakune and becoming a shedhand with Wally Scorrar. Discusses shed life, tallies, dagging, pressing and shearing his first one hundred sheep. Mentions working for Brian Waterson and shearing near Invercargill for a season. Describes fishing in the off season. Talks about enjoying competing in shows and competing in the first Golden Shears in the early 1970s. Discusses shearing with Norm Blackwell and his influence. Recalls atmosphere of Golden Shears in 1981, the judges, going through the heats, semi-finals and finals. Comments on the assistance of his wife Lynne. Talks about giving up on competition shearing, becoming a judge and instigating the Northern Shears, Kauri Shearing Circle. Discusses owning land at Puhoi and fishing as an occupation. Talks about his family. Interviewer(s) - Phil O'Shaughnessy Quantity: 2 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 2 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-2525. Photo of Ivan Rosandich, Golden Shears champion 1981

Date: 20 Apr 1994

From: Te Reo Irirangi o Te Upoko o Te Ika: Recordings

Reference: OHInt-0937-0502

Description: Interviewer(s) - Taku Parai Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHT7-2138 Quantity: 1 7" reel(s). 1 interview(s). 12 Minutes Duration.

Date: 1993-1995

By: Sport Science New Zealand

Reference: ATL-Group-00420

Description: Collection comprises the administrative records of Sport Science New Zealand. Includes minutes, reports, correspondence, conference papers, financial records, newsletters, programmes, manuals, legal papers, strategic plans, surveys, sports directories, and publications. Title supplied by Library. Quantity: 8 box(es) contains 42 folders. Provenance: Hugh Lawrence was a board member for Sport Science New Zealand. Processing information: The original cardboard folders were disposed of by the Library.

Date: 2013

From: Evans, Malcolm Paul, 1945- :Digital cartoons

Reference: DCDL-0025446

Description: Man watching televised sport remarks to his wife 'Look! - Another sportsman giving thanks to the sky after scoring!', observing that it is 'pathetic' to believe that a god would take sides in any contest, and from where would such a primitive concept come. His wife replies 'From just about any religion you can name!' The cartoonis remarks 'Who knows?' Quantity: 2 digital cartoon(s).

Date: 2008

From: Hubbard, James, 1949-: Digital caricatures and cartoons

Reference: DCDL-0007371

Description: Shows two synchronised swimmers going through their motions with their eyes crossed and enormous grins. One has 'Sports psychology' on her swimsuit and the other has 'Psychobabble'. Refers to a report from a newspaper that is floating in the water about a sports psychologist saying that the medal tally gave a huge boost to the national psyche. Clearly this notion is regarded as loony in the same way as synchronised swimmers are. Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).