WHANGĀREI, New Zealand – Two more individuals have been arrested in connection with the theft of the Mick Griffin Memorial Trophy, a priceless piece of New Zealand’s woodchopping history valued at $130,000 due to its gold detailing.
The trophy, created in 1966 to honor legendary axeman Mick Griffin, features 24 gold axe-head plaques engraved with the names of iconic champions such as the late Jason Wynyard, Innes Davidson, and Jack Jordan. The trophy holds immense sentimental value for Griffin’s family and the national woodchopping community.
The trophy was stolen last November from the home of Griffin’s granddaughter, Cherry Daly, who had kept it hidden. Intruders not only stole the trophy but also her vehicle, which was recovered days later. Daly feared the trophy had been dismantled or destroyed.
However, weeks before the sentencing of one of the culprits, Manawa Hepi (33)—who had been identified via CCTV—the trophy was mysteriously returned, fully intact, to Daly’s home. Hepi was sentenced earlier this month to 12 months’ intensive supervision, six months’ community detention, and ordered to pay reparation. She had already served eight months in custody prior to sentencing.
Now, two men have also been charged with burglary following police searches across the Whangārei District:
Nicky Lemon (32) of Whangārei was remanded in custody
Nadyn Henry-Hawira (29) of Whananaki was granted bail
Both appeared in Whangārei District Court on 15 September and are scheduled to reappear on 28 October.
Given its value and the trauma of the theft, Daly confirmed that the original trophy has now been replaced by a replica, which will be used at woodchopping events across Northland to continue the tradition without further risk.
Mick Griffin, the trophy’s namesake, was a pioneering figure in New Zealand woodchopping, competing from the early 1900s until 1935 and once holding a world record in the sport.
