How Recreate NZ Won New Zealand’s Only Centennial Stihl Chainsaw
A once-in-a-century prize. A unanimous vote. A group of young people from a lemon orchard in rural Kumeū.
When Stihl International celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2026, the company wanted to mark the milestone with something extraordinary. The result was the release of the highly coveted 100-Year Centennial Edition Chainsaw, a collector’s dream featuring a jet-black finish, matching black scabbard, Rapid Hexa saw chain and a commemorative display stand.
Only a limited number would ever be produced.
To celebrate its centenary, Stihl launched a global competition in January 2026, inviting customers from around the world to submit stories explaining why Stihl was their favourite brand.
The winning story would receive one of the special edition chainsaws.
What happened next surprised everyone.
A Story That Started in a Lemon Orchard
The winning entry came not from a forestry contractor, arborist or professional landscaper, but from the Moxie Orchard crew, a programme run by Recreate NZ.
Based in Ellerslie, Recreate NZ supports young adults with intellectual disabilities, helping them gain work skills, confidence and independence through hands-on experiences and meaningful community connections.
One of their most popular programmes is the Moxie Orchard project in Kumeū, where participants care for around 100 lemon trees while learning practical maintenance, horticulture and teamwork skills.
The orchard has become much more than a workplace.
It has become a place where confidence grows alongside the fruit. And central to that journey has been a special relationship with Stihl Shop Kumeū.
The winning letter opened with a declaration that few who knew the crew would dispute.
“You’d be hard pressed to find bigger fans of Stihl Shop Kumeū than the Recreate NZ Moxie Orchard crew!”
“It’s Our Mower Shop!”
Every Wednesday, the Moxie team heads out to the orchard. As the vehicle approaches Stihl Shop Kumeū, something happens.
“As we round the bend toward Stihl, a chorus erupts, ‘It’s our mower shop!’” the letter explained.
The crew’s excitement is so genuine that staff sometimes joke the equipment gets a little extra use, just so someone has an excuse for another visit.
What began as a customer relationship has evolved into something much deeper.
“From the first time we walked in, we were welcomed with open arms, and over the years have been guided and encouraged by Craig and his staff,” the team wrote.
The support has extended far beyond repairs and servicing.
For the young people involved, the store has become a place where they feel valued, respected and included.
Tools That Open Doors
The Moxie Orchard crew takes immense pride in its equipment.
Their three Stihl line trimmers and prized leaf blower have become symbols of achievement and teamwork.
In fact, the team spent nearly a year fundraising through lemon and lime sales to purchase their beloved leaf blower.
The investment was worth it.
The equipment’s ease of use and reliability have enabled participants with varying abilities to safely learn new skills while helping maintain the orchard.
But what stood out in their submission was not the quality of the equipment itself.
It was the people behind it.
The letter described how Craig and his team patiently taught participants how to maintain both ride-on and push mowers, sharpen tools, care for machinery and get the most from their equipment.
There have even been opportunities for hands-on product demonstrations and testing in store.
“It goes deeper than just tools though,” the team wrote.
“The genuine interest in and care for our team are why a visit to the Stihl Shop is such a highlight.”
A Surprise in Rarotonga
The competition reached its climax during the National Stihl Conference held in Rarotonga in February 2026.
Among the delegates attending were Ben and Rae, from Stihl Shop Kumeū and Stihl Shop Westgate.
After arriving and checking in, conference attendees were given their information packs, which included a collection of the top competition entries selected from around the world.
Each delegate was asked to read the stories and cast a vote for their favourite.
When Ben opened the pack, he was stunned.
“It was shocking for me,” he recalled, “when I opened the letters and saw Stihl Shop Kumeū mentioned by name. I looked at Rae and said ‘That’s our shop they’re talking about!’”
Among entries from every corner of the globe was a heartfelt submission celebrating the very store he represented.
The Vote That Made History
As delegates worked through the shortlisted entries, one story consistently stood above the rest.
The Moxie Orchard letter wasn’t about chainsaws.
It wasn’t about power ratings or technical features.
It was about kindness.
It was about community.
And it was about inclusion.
When voting concluded, organisers discovered something they had never seen before.
The delegates had voted unanimously.
Every vote cast at the conference selected the Recreate NZ Moxie Orchard crew’s letter as the winning entry.
In a competition drawing stories from around the world, the young people from Kumeū had captured every single vote.
For Ben, Rae and the wider Stihl network, the result highlighted the power of authentic relationships and genuine community support.
A Partnership Built on Respect
The relationship between Recreate NZ and Stihl Shop Kumeū extends well beyond the orchard.
The staff have taken a keen interest in the achievements of the young people involved.
One story highlighted in the winning letter particularly resonated with delegates.
When Moxie crew member Mitchell was selected to represent New Zealand in skiing at the Special Olympics, Craig presented him with a Stihl beanie and personally congratulated him.
Small gestures like this have left a lasting impression.
“This partnership reflects a genuine commitment to community and empowers Recreate NZ to continue driving positive change across Aotearoa,”
the crew wrote.
“We’re deeply grateful for the care taken to ensure our people and equipment are always treated with the utmost respect and dignity.”
Mitchell himself remains one of the programme’s most enthusiastic supporters.
“We love the Stihl Shop. We come here whenever anything breaks down and they can fix it straight away. The crew are so friendly, we love it here.”
New Zealand’s Only Centennial Chainsaw
The winning chainsaw is currently the only Centennial Edition Stihl chainsaw in New Zealand.
While an additional 100 units were later offered through a national ballot process that closed in August, the Recreate prize remains one of the rarest examples in the country.
Despite its rarity, the crew has no plans to keep it hidden away.
Instead, Recreate NZ intends to turn the prize into an opportunity to support even more young people.
“We don’t need a huge chainsaw,” said Zoe from Recreate.
“We’ll use it as a way to raise funds for the charity.”
The organisation plans to launch a Trade Me fundraising campaign, offering collectors and Stihl enthusiasts a chance to own this remarkable piece of Stihl history while supporting the important work Recreate does across New Zealand.
And the lucky buyer may receive an extra orchard bonus.
“We can even throw in some lemons for them!” Zoe laughed.