Top axemen show style at Katikati A&P

Bruce Liddington swings a chop on the other side of the block.

Some of New Zealand's top axemen were at the Katikati A&P Show to take part in an invitation-only demonstration, which drew large crowds.

Those invited were the Trow family from Hauraki Plains, the Lords from Waitomo, Otorohanga's Andrew Haswell, Bruce Liddington, Clevedon and Norm Cherry, Tokoroa/Putaruru area.

Joining them were Katikati's Baker sisters, Alli and Florrie, who come out of retirement for one day a year to do the sawing demonstrations.

All are part of the Northern Axemen's North Island Association (NANIA), either as members or past members.

NANIA president George Richards, 71, was also present and felt privileged to be invited.

He told organiser Val Baker that a lot of other axemen want to come to Katikati, but because of the limitations, only a set number can come.

Val says the day went very well with demonstrations of an underhand and a standing butcher's block, double saw and ladies' chop.

Up and coming axemen Chris Lord and Lance Trow put in some powerful cuts in the team races.

"The crowd got in behind the butcher's block demo, counting the number of cuts. This is hard-hitting, with the block being cut off in the least amount of hits. The axemen bring their own blocks and come and have a fun day. There is a real comradeship amongst them," Val says.

"They all get paid for their time, thanks to the sponsors, which is appreciated."

And for next year's demonstration there's talk about doing a springboard and possibly chainsaw carving.