The New Zealand shearing industry – a case study

An investigation into the labour force characteristics and their ramifications on a shearing business was completed at Pullin Shearing Limited – a shearing business based at Rolleston, Canterbury, New Zealand (43° 36′ S, 172° 24′ E, 46 m.a.s.l). Pullin Shearing Limited (2005 /2006 season) utilised 231 employees composed of 115 shearers and 116 woolhandlers and pressers. Work engagements occurred on 228 days completing 5,466 man days and 36,910 man hours. Study objectives were to investigate the labour force characteristics defining significance in terms of days and hours worked, age demographics, work life stages, sector description and breakdowns, the business manpower strategies required and wider New Zealand shearing industry implications.