Shearer opportunities average but likely to improve
Opportunities for shearers are average because vacancies are limited.
However, demand for shearers is expected to increase, with employment numbers growing to over 2,000 by 2021, according to MBIE.
According to the Census, 1,719 shearers worked in New Zealand in 2018.
Best opportunities for shearers in summer
Shearing opportunities are best in the South Island during summer and autumn. In the North Island, sheep are shorn during summer and winter.
Shearing season limited
Some shearers work for three months a year while others may travel locally or overseas and work for as much as 10 months a year.
Qualifications can increase opportunities
Shearing contractors are more likely to employ you if you have a shearing qualification.
Most shearers work for shearing contractors
Shearers usually work for shearing contractors who organise shearing gangs. Some shearers are self-employed.
