Wood-Mizer, the world’s leading portable sawmill company, is proud to announce its sponsorship of the New Zealand Rookies Championship, presented by the New Zealand Axemen’s Association.
Held as part of the Ford Ranger New Zealand Rural Games on Friday, 13 March (1:00 PM – 4:00 PM), the championship will crown the nation’s top rookie axeman. This sponsorship reflects Wood-Mizer’s commitment to supporting the skills, communities, and rural traditions at the heart of New Zealand.
“There’s a strong connection between woodchopping, forestry, and sawmilling – it’s all about skill, respect for timber, and mastering a craft,” says Alexa Vorster, Marketing Manager for Wood-Mizer New Zealand. “Supporting the next generation of athletes at this grassroots level is a perfect fit for us.”
The event showcases standout young axemen, providing a crucial national platform for developing the sport’s future talent.
“The Rookies Championship is always a highlight,” says Steve Hollander, founder of the Ford Ranger NZ Rural Games. “Having Wood-Mizer’s support helps us create vital pathways for these young competitors to grow and succeed.”
Alexa Vorster says the Wood-Mizer team will also be showcasing their diverse range of sawmilling equipment, showcasing opportunities within sawmilling and provide information and education, and run sawmill demonstrations.
Athletes competing in 2026 are:
- Jack Matthews from Hokitika
- Morgan Bolstad from Taumarunui
- Mathew Gower from Whangamomona
- Scott Matthews from Hokitika
- Jordan Thomas from Warkworth
- Ethan Findlay from Alexandra
The championship is also supported by STIHL and Tuatahi Axes. Images from our 2025 Championship can be found here.
About Wood-Mizer: Since 1982, Wood-Mizer has earned the reputation as a global-leading sawmill and woodworking equipment manufacturer. From Forest to Final Form®, Wood-Mizer offers an extensive line of equipment, including portable and industrial sawmills,
resaws, board edgers, wood kilns, planer/moulders, firewood processing equipment,
pallet recycling equipment, material handling equipment, sawmill blades, and blade
maintenance equipment. For more than 40 years, Wood-Mizer has remained committed to
serving sawmilling and woodworking hobbyists and professionals all over the world
throughout an established and growing distribution network.
About the Ford Ranger New Zealand Rural Games: At the heart of the free-to-enter Rural Games are traditional sports featuring national and world champions. Friday’s highlights include the NZ Axe Women’s and Men’s Rookies Championships, the Clash of the Colleges, and the North Island Secondary School Shearing Championships. Over the weekend, witness championships in TIMBERSPORTS®, Shearing, Highland Heavies, Sheep Dog Trials, and more. The three-day festival also features the Kids ‘n Country zone with dedicated activities and Have a Go attractions like Gumboot Throwing and Cowpat Tossing for all ages, plus delicious local food.