Timekeepers ready, competitors, get set, Go.

The 63rd Golden Shears are under way in Masterton War Memorial Stadium, where the championship ertr first held in 1961.

First off the mark were such people as stadium commentators Tuma Mullins, a shearer and real estate agent, and Rowena Duncum, a broadcast journalist, while up in the “green room” of Noise Productions’ live-streaming, which spellcheck just called love-streaming.

Perhaps that’s what some people will need, because there are some long days ahead, roughly speaking 7.30am to 10pm each day, at least.

First off the Novice woolhandling and the pressing, livestream via www.goldenshears.co.nz