One of wood chopping's rising stars is so young he need his parents sign off to fire up one of his tools of choice, a chainsaw.
Hokitika's 16 year old Jack Matthews is the youngest axeman to qualify for the under 25's rookie division at the national champs this week.
Because he is under 18, organisers had to get parental sign off for him to use a chainsaw in one of the five disciplines he is competing in.
Last year, he was the youngest competitor in the under 21 team that smashed the Australian team last year.
He's also not the only one in the family branching out into the sport.
Jack Matthews speaks to Lisa Owen.
