My Account
Some of NZ’s finest axemen entertained a huge crowd at the annual Puhoi Woodchopping Carnival, held in the grounds of the Puhoi Pub, on January 13.
Nearly 50 competitors, both men and women, ranging in age from primary school students to pensioners, competed in a range of classes, from the classic speed events of standing and underhand through to the always impressive springboard tree chop, and pairs’ Jack and Jill sawing. New this year was the hot saw, which saw competitors showing off their skills using chainsaws.
Puhoi Axemen Club secretary Cassandra Brown said it was one of the best carnivals ever and she thanked the Puhoi Pub and the many volunteers who made it all possible.
“It was an awesome day and the crowd was amazing,” she said.
Pub owner Bernie McCallion agreed. She estimated the crowd was between 700 to 900 at any one time.
The terraced scaffold seating, which was new this year, was a huge success, allowing visitors a better view of the competition.
“It was such a cool atmosphere,” McCallion said. “Spectators were from all over NZ, as well as overseas.
We had some Americans off a cruise ship who had only planned on stopping in to see the pub – they ended up staying all day and had a great time!”
She said many sponsors, volunteers and pub staff deserved thanks, but the support of Absolute Concrete, Rhodes for Roads and the Wellsford Volunteer Fire Brigade, who cleaned up at the grounds at the end of the event, was particularly appreciated. The Wynyard family, ITM Warkworth and Hancocks Wines also received special mention.
