Jason Semenoff Axemen Legends

Axemen Legends of Northland
Over the past century, Northland has produced many axemen and sawyers of stature. Names such as Mick Griffen, Joe Julian, Denny Hoey, Bill Shelford and Innes Davidson have joined the ranks of New Zealand’s legendary sporting greats, and Northland axemen continue to excel.
Featuring highlights from interviews recorded with a selection of contemporary Northland axemen, this exhibition from 2016 aimed to summarize this enduring vigorous heritage sport through their eyes: its events, equipment, technique and organization.
THE SEMENOFF FAMILY
“Three generations chopping together - you can’t do that with rugby.”
Jason Semenoff’s maternal grandfather, Pero Smith of Kohukohu, commenced work in the bush aged 19, travelling seven miles on a motorcycle, four on a railway jigger and a mile on foot every day, for 13 shillings. Drawn by the money to be won at the axemen’s carnivals after winning his first competition - a 12inch standing event in 45 seconds at Kaiwaka -from 1930 to 1950 Pero chopped all over the North Island circuit, salting away his substantial winnings until he’d made enough to fund a farm.
Selwyn Semenoff, Jason’s father, influenced by his father-in-law, began chopping competitively in 1975 at a time when Northland chopping events were hotly contested by a huge field. His career highlights include winning the $500 chop at Pawarenga in January 1978, on a 12-second handicap in a field of 60; the Christmas circuit championship at Kohukohu in 1983, against New Zealand team members; and the Bill Shelford Memorial Trophy in 1987 and 2007. Selwyn was a team member with the New Zealand Veterans in 2012 - the first Kiwi team to beat the Australians on their home soil - and again in 2013, and has kept the family sporting tradition alive, mentoring and coaching first Jason and now also his grandsons.
After representing New Zealand in both Under 21 and Senior teams, Jason’s chopping took a back seat to the demands of farming and family. Having recently sold out of dairying, he is now devoting more time to the sport and has set up an all-weather training arena on his property. Along with furthering his personal ambitions and encouraging his sons Tytan and Johnson, he is particularly keen to see a revitalization of woodchopping in Northland.
Find us at: www.kaurimuseu...