Masterton

Masterton is the Wairarapa's largest town and is rumoured to be the warmest Wairarapa town during the summer. The town was founded by the Small Farms Association, and named after its leader Joseph Masters.  There is still a strong link to farming as the town of Masterton is surrounded by working farms and is the main hub for the smaller rural communities.  Sheep farming is what Masterton was built on and this is celebrated with the town hosting the annual Golden Shears sheep-shearing competition, the world's premier shearing and wool handling championship.