March 2026
Two Masterton icons share a rich history
Wairarapa welcomed international and national competitors to the region for the 2026 World Shearing Championships and Golden Shears Champs in March providing a timely opportunity for Tranzit to reflect on the rich history we share with this iconic event.
Did you know, the concept for the Golden Shears was sparked during a Blue Bus Service (now Tranzit) journey to Wairoa in 1959?
On the maiden run of our No.9, it took a group of Masterton Young Farmers to a shearing competition in Wairoa. During the bus ride back one topic of conversation revolved around ‘who was the best shearer in the district’? Two great mates Laurie Keats and Scotty Stewart decided the only way to settle the question was to establish a national shearing competition – which has been held at the Masterton War Memorial Stadium since 1961. This story highlights how Tranzit has often been at the heart of this community for 100 years and how it shares a rich history with another local icon.
The Golden Shears goes from strength to strength each year and we enjoy transporting many of the competitors, officials and judges who take part.
