Dave Wolland obituary: Master Shearer, innovator and entrepreneur, dies aged 83

Ruby Fraser2026-07-05T21:59:59.000Z

Bloody legend, Dave. I remember him commentating at the shows – made shearing feel like a real sport. Gone but not forgotten, aroha to the whānau.

Morgan Lee2026-07-05T22:29:59.000Z

83 is a good innings but ffs can we have someone under 50 die for once? Sick of reading obituaries

James O’Brien2026-07-05T23:14:59.000Z

stuffed, he did more for shearing than most. bloody silver spoon take.

Sophie Ngata2026-07-05T23:03:59.000Z

Sad news. He was a true innovator in the industry. Rest easy Dave.

Zoe King2026-07-05T23:51:59.000Z

my point. Industry's been milking the same stories for years while workers struggle.

Leo McKenzie2026-07-05T23:29:59.000Z

Master shearer? He was alright but lot of hype for a bloke who never won Golden Shears. Just saying.

Morgan Lee2026-07-06T00:28:59.000Z

lol cope more. Old man did alright by the looks of it

Zoe King2026-07-05T23:55:59.000Z

Great, another article about someone the media decides is important. Meanwhile real shearers still getting paid peanuts.

Sophie Ngata2026-07-06T00:09:59.000Z

That's a bit harsh. The man deserves respect for what he achieved.

Jamie Fox2026-07-06T00:07:59.000Z

My dad used to listen to his commentary on the radio. Brought a bit of class to the sheds. Sad day for rural NZ.

Jamie Fox2026-07-06T01:04:59.000Z

you're right he was a proper character. Shearing just isn't the same

Ella Thompson2026-07-06T00:24:59.000Z

Didn't he also invent that electric handpiece or something? Proper Kiwi ingenuity. RIP

Ruby Fraser2026-07-06T00:41:59.000Z

Honestly the state of shearing commentary these days is shocking. Dave set the standard and no one's bothered to match it.

James O’Brien2026-07-06T01:15:59.000Z

they don't do a proper haka I'll be disappointed. He was a Māori leader too

Leo McKenzie2026-07-06T00:51:59.000Z

lol wonder if anyone will do a proper haka for him or just some half-arsed tribute

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