Kōrero: Rural mythologies

The visit of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip to New Zealand in 1953–54 was an opportunity for New Zealanders to show off their country and society to the world. The royal visitors were not taken to museums or art galleries, but were shown New Zealand’s agricultural traditions. Here, champion shearer Godfrey Bowen explains the process of shearing to the royal couple at the Napier welcome. It was the second time the Queen had seen Bowen shear – she had also seen him at Hamilton’s Claudelands showgrounds a week before.