The fierce trans-Tasman rivalry of the New Zealand versus Australia Veterans Axemen’s Test Series is set to star at the Wānaka A&P Show, bringing elite woodchopping and sawing competition to the heart of the event.
Contested for nearly 30 years, the International Test Series showcases the very best veteran axemen from both countries, with the first official test held in 1997 in Australia. Since then, the series has been staged once or twice each year and has become a regular feature at major shows, including the Adelaide Royal Show. Now, the spotlight turns to Wānaka, where a strong home crowd is expected to cheer on the New Zealand side.
The Veterans Team Race Series is a demanding test of skill, strength and teamwork, made up of three standing choppers, three underhand choppers, one double saw pair and one single sawyer. Each nation can name a squad of up to 13 competitors, with the series officially approved by both the New Zealand Axemen’s Association and the Australian Axemen’s Association.
Leading the New Zealand team is Captain Stu Cunningham, joined by Wayne Corbin, Andrew Cox, Rick Molloy, Bruce Liddington, Ian Taukiri, Nelson List, Lyn Wills, Jack Patterson, Robbie Brownlee, Rangi Bowen, Darren Falconer and Brian Gutsell. With the test being held on home soil, a larger squad has been named, providing both depth and experience. Darren Falconer and Lyn Wills are new members of the team, while the remainder of the squad have competed against the Australians on numerous occasions. The majority of the team is South Island-based, with Bruce Liddington and Ian Taukiri travelling from the North Island to strengthen the lineup.
The Australian team will be led by Captain and Manager Phil Campbell, alongside Shayne Maxwell, Gary Adamson, Steve Newman, Craig Wagner, Grant Smith, Richard Devine, Dennis Howard, Anthony Richards and Matthew Gurr – a seasoned group known for their experience and competitive edge in international test racing.
It has been several years since New Zealand last secured the series, with their most recent win coming in 2021 on the West Coast at Ikamatua. Competing at the Wānaka A&P Show and backed by a passionate home crowd, the New Zealand veterans will be looking to lift and reclaim trans-Tasman honours in what promises to be a thrilling and closely fought contest.
Woodchopping and sawing remains one of New Zealand’s true heritage sports, dating back to the early settlers who relied on axes and saws to clear land for farming and cultivation. While the sport is no longer as mainstream as it was between the 1900s and 1980s, it continues to attract large crowds at agricultural and pastoral shows across New Zealand and Australia. The veteran axemen, all aged over 60, are masters of their craft, having honed their skills over decades and often competing strongly against athletes decades younger – a testament to the enduring strength, tradition and pride of this iconic rural sport.
The axemen will be competing on both Friday March 13th and Saturday March 14th in the Rural Village.
Captains captured: NZ Veterans Axemen captain Stu Cunningham (left) and Australian Veterans Axemen captain Phil Campbell.