They say woodchopping is in the blood. For the Rasmussen-Wallace whānau of Ōtaki, that’s literally true.
When the STIHL TIMBERSPORTS® New Zealand Men’s and the Tuatahi Axes New Zealand Women’s Championships take over Te Marae o Hine / The Square in Palmerston North as part of the Ford Ranger NZ Rural Games, three members of one remarkable family will be competing, showcasing a legacy that spans generations, travels the country, and burns brighter than ever.
Fifteen-year-old Ruby Rasmussen, her father Hayden Rasmussen, and her aunt Alma Wallace will all step into the chopping ring, representing the Ōtaki Axemen’s Club with pride.
“It’s pretty special,” says Hayden, a third-generation woodchopper who was introduced to the sport by his own father at the age of nine. “My Dad got me started in the sport, and now I get to travel the country with my own daughter and our wider family, including my dad, brother-in-law, and nephew all competing together at shows around the country. Ruby’s been around the chopping ring her whole life, just like I was.”
Ruby, who began training properly at age eight, will compete in the New Zealand Axewomen’s Championship on Friday, 13th March. She’ll be joined in the field by her Aunty Alma, a proven competitor who came 2nd in the same event last year.
“I grew up travelling the country with my Dad and whānau, following competitions and spending my time around the chopping ring,” Ruby shares. “I love that it’s something our whānau shares, it’s pretty special to be here at the Rural Games alongside my Aunty Alma, and to have Dad on stage competing the following day is a choice.”
Alma is equally proud to be part of the family legacy. Having stood on the podium multiple times, she now has the joy of competing alongside the next generation. “It means everything,” she says. “To see Ruby come through to train with her and watch her hold her own, that’s what this sport is about for us. It’s not just competition; it’s whānau.”
Hayden will compete on Saturday, 14th March, in the prestigious STIHL TIMBERSPORTS® New Zealand Men’s Championship, the world’s number one lumbersport competition. He’ll face a formidable field of ten, including fellow axemen from as far away as South Australia.
For Hayden, the weekend is about more than titles. On Friday, he’ll be cheering from the sidelines as Ruby and Alma chop. On Saturday, the roles reverse. It’s a rhythm this family knows well.
“Woodchopping isn’t just a sport to me, it’s family, and something I’m really proud to be part of,” says Ruby.
Event Details:
Tuatahi Axes New Zealand Axewomen’s Championship (Friday 13th March)
📍 Te Marae o Hine / The Square, Palmerston North
🪓 10:00 AM: Stock Saw
🪓 10:30 AM: Single Saw
🪓 11:00 AM: Underhand Chop
🏆 11:30 AM: Medal Ceremony & Photos
STIHL TIMBERSPORTS® New Zealand Men’s Championship (Saturday 14th March)
📍 Te Marae o Hine / The Square, Palmerston North
🪓 11:00 AM: Underhand Chop
🪓 11:30 AM: Stock Saw
🪓 12:00 PM: Standing Block
🪓 12:30 PM: Single Saw
🪓 1:00 PM: Spring Board
🪓 3:00 PM: Hot Saw
🏆 3:30 PM: Medal Ceremony & Photos
Women’s Field: Ruby Rasmussen (Ōtaki), Alma Wallace (Ōtaki), Darcell Apelu (Mt Manganui), Chelsea Stothers (Horowhenua), Louise Nalder (Greymouth), Mikhayla Lord (Ōtorohanga).
Men’s Field: Hayden Rasmussen (Ōtaki), Jack Jordan (Taumarunui), Kyle Lemon (Rotorua), Quinton Fawcett (Masterton), Shane Jordan (Taranaki), Neil Hateley (Westport), Cleveland Cherry (Tokoroa), Kahu Wooley (expat, South Australia), Chris Lord (Ōtorohanga), Robert Dowling (expat, South Australia).