Koro Mullins in France during the Golden Shears World Shearing and Woolhanding Championships in July. He died on Monday, aged 65. PHOTO/SUPPLIED
DOUG LAING
Well-known shearing commentator and Dannevirke shearer, farmer and businessman Koropiko Tumatahi Mullins died suddenly on Monday, aged 65.
The husband of business leader Mavis Mullins, with whom he ran family shearing business Paewai Mullins for many years, Koro Mullins was a Golden Shears Open shearing finalist in 1993, finishing sixth in King Country shearing legend David Fagan’s fifth victory in the iconic event.
Among other activities, he took to stadium commentating, heading up a team each year at the Golden Shears, in more recent years presenting, commentating and interviewing on the Golden Shears live-streaming watched by tens of thousands around the world.
The chairman of Shearing Sports New Zealand, Sir David Fagan, said the industry and sport worldwide is “rocked” by news of the tragedy and is sending all its condolences to Mavis, daughters Aria and Korina, and sons Punga and Tuma, and other whanau.
He said Mullins was involved in every aspect, and had set the standard for shearing commentary worldwide, and would be missed by everyone.
Golden Shears president Sam Saunders said, “I’ve been with Golden Shears for over 40 years and I have known Koro and Mavis for at least 25 years. Everyone in the shearing community knew Koro. He was highly regarded.
“He was a friend for sure. The shearing community is only a small community. You get to know these people really well. It will be a big shock to the family. Really out of the blue. He’ll be greatly missed.
“A number of us will be at the funeral, no worries about that.”
Originally from Rotorua, Mullins will be laying in Dannevirke, Aria Mullins confirmed on Wednesday.
Our thoughts are with you
Watch you guys on TV what a great leader to look up to my condolences he will be truly missed.