The new president of the Golden Shears Society says she feels very privileged to be the first woman in the top job.
Dannevirke businesswoman Mavis Mullins was named president at the society's annual general meeting in Masterton.
She's currently a director of the Paewai Mullins Shearing contracting business.
Mrs Mullins says Masterton is passionate about shearing and she's looking forward to making the Golden Shears bigger, brighter and better.
There are a number of important events over the next few years - including the 50th anniversary of the Golden Shears in 2010 and the 2012 world championships in Masterton.
She says she will be working to build on the work of previous presidents to keep people interested in the sport and keep up the levels of skills in the shearing industry.
