Shearing Technique

In the 1940s and 50s sheep shearers Godfrey and Ivan Bowen developed the 'Bowen Technique', an innovative method involving rhythmical sweeps of the handpiece. The Guardian described Godrey as having arms that “flow with the grace of a Nureyev shaping up to an arabesque”. Here he runs through the 'blows' (strokes) designed to achieve "maximum speed, quality work with a minimum of physical effort". Shearing Technique was originally produced in 1956; this shorter cut screened in New Zealand theatres in 1958 with English coming of age film High Tide at Noon.

"[Wool is] so important to New Zealand's prosperity ... and to the warmth of the world!”

– From the narration

Key Cast & Crew

Ron Bowie

Director

Paul Ricketts

Narrator

Godfrey Bowen

Narrator, Subject

Don Oakley

Camera