Kiwi Female Competitive Woodchoppers Are Axing Gender Stereotypes

Ever since settlers arrived in their boatloads and set about taming the wild, forested hills of New Zealand, wood-chopping has muscled its way into Kiwi culture. Nowhere is this more concentrated than the Agricultural and Pastoral show (A&P), a rural gathering where all things farm-related are celebrated—and the crème de la crème of agricultural athletes are put to the test.

According to local legend, the first competitive woodchopping match in New Zealand was held in a pub, organised to settle a booze-fuelled, campfire bet. Now, annual competitions are held up and down the country, with axe-wielders hacking through former tree trunks that can cost upwards of $5,000.

As sports go, woodchopping is probably the most stereotypically gendered of them all, comprised largely of muscled, sweaty, bearded dudes. Peppered among the axemen, however, are an increasing number of axewomen, who love wood-chopping for its strength-building capacity, rich history, and the support network that comes along with being part of a club.

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