A
renegade New Zealand sheep that managed to evade the shearers for six
years has finally had a haircut.

Shrek, the Merino sheep, was shorn live on national television by top
shearers David Fagan and Peter Casserley.

The 10-year-old sheep had managed to roam freely on New Zealand's
South Island for more than six years before being finally rounded up.

Shrek's giant fleece - possibly the largest ever - is to be auctioned
off for children's medical charities.

Shrek went under the shearer's blade during a live half-hour news
programme on TV New Zealand.

Correspondents said the contrast between the gigantic woolly mammal
that entered the studio and the much leaner version that left could not
have been greater.

Bendigo hill station owner John Perriam told reporters that Shrek had
managed to evade capture for six years by hiding in a cave.

"We didn't know he was there," he said, adding that when he
was finally spotted they did not immediately recognise him as a sheep.

"He looked like some biblical creature."

Mr Perriam said Shrek was shorn with scissors to ensure a thin layer
of wool was left in place to protect him from the oncoming winter.

The 27kg fleece - enough to make 20 large men's suits - is to be
auctioned off over the internet.

It is unclear what the future now holds for Shrek himself. He is too
old to be sold for mutton, but a new career in marketing may now lie
ahead - promoting New Zealand's lucrative trade in wool.