A Kiwi has just smashed the world sheep shearing record in England.

Matt Smith, who grew up in Northland, reached a new tally of 731 ewes in the first record attempt to take place in the northern hemisphere.

He hit the record just after four this morning New Zealand time.

Doug Laing from Shearing Sports New Zealand told Tim Beveridge the previous record of 721 in nine hours stood for almost a decade.

He said Smith averaged 44.32 seconds per sheep, or 81 sheep an hour.

He said the new record holder started preparing for his attempt a year ago, and lately has been having no coffee, no beer and low carbohydrates.

LISTEN ABOVE: Shearing Sports New Zealand's Doug Laing speaks with Tim Beveridge