Puna Leads Woolhandling Semis with Precision

In the keenly contested Junior Woolhandling Semi Finals at the Golden Shears 2026 event, Waiari Puna emerged as the top qualifier with an impressive total of 99.06 points. Puna's performance was a blend of speed and precision, completing the task in 1 minute and 25.3 seconds, and excelling with the lowest fleece points of just 12, showcasing exceptional handling skills. Caitlin Murphy closely followed in second place, with a total of 102.18 points. Murphy outperformed Puna in time, finishing in just 1 minute and 15.9 seconds, but had slightly higher fleece points of 16, which saw her trailing by a narrow margin of 3.12 points overall. Leah Tamainu clinched the third spot with a total score of 103.10 points. Tamainu was just a breath away from Murphy, showcasing her competitive edge with a completion time of 1 minute and 15.5 seconds. However, it was her fleece points that placed her slightly behind Murphy, contributing to her overall score with a difference of 0.92 points from the second-place finisher. Notably, Opal Ramsay, finishing fourth with 115.04 points, managed the task in one of the fastest times of 1 minute and 15.2 seconds but faced challenges in board points which significantly affected her total score. The competition demonstrated the high level of skill and precision required in woolhandling, with the top performers showcasing their abilities to manage time effectively while maintaining the quality of their work. The narrow point differences among the top competitors highlighted the intense level of competition and the fine margins that can influence the outcome in such elite events. The finalists now advance, bringing them one step closer to claiming the coveted title at the Golden Shears 2026.

Top 4 competitors have qualified for the next round.