17/04/2026
As part of STIHL’s 100 Year Celebration, STIHL NZ launched its 100 Stories campaign, inviting STIHL fans from across the country to share their stories: a moment that mattered, a memory outdoors or something that inspired.
Up for grabs for the best story was one of the limited edition, highly sought after, Centennial MS500i chainsaws, a must have for hardcore STIHL fans.
This week the overall winner of the 100 Stories Campaign was announced, and we are beyond thrilled for this to be awarded to one of our customers, the Recreate NZ Moxie Orchard Crew, a truly awesome organisation doing amazing work. Now we know we’re not meant to have favourite customers, but it is hard not to love this awesome group who brighten our store on a regular basis full of life, enthusiasm and hilarious antics. Congrats guys!
Here’s Recreate’s winning story:
“You'd be hard pressed to find bigger fans of the Stihl Shop Kumeu than the Recreate NZ Moxie Orchard crew! Each Wednesday, we head to the orchard to learn work skills with young people with intellectual disabilities. As we round the bend toward Stihl, a chorus erupts, "it's our mower shop!". Sometimes we wonder if equipment is used with a bit too much gusto just so we have an excuse to drop by. 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. Our 3 Stihl line trimmers and leaf blower are the pride of the Recreate NZ tool set. The crew spent nearly a selling lemons and limes to fundraise for the prized leaf blower. The equipment are safe and easy to use, enabling learning across a wide range of skills. Craig's team have patiently taught us how to look after our ride-on and push mowers, they've sharpened our tools, shown us how to best maintain our equipment and indulged us with in-store product testing. It goes deeper than just tools though. The genuine interest in and care for our team are why a visit to the Stihl Shop is such a highlight. When Craig heard that Mitchell had been selected to represent NZ in skiing at the Special Olympics he presented a beanie with hearty congratulations. This partnership reflects a genuine commitment to community and empowers Recreate NZ to continue driving positive change across Aotearoa. We’re deeply grateful for the care taken to ensure our people and equipment are always treated with the utmost respect and dignity. Jess, Mitch and the Recreate NZ crew have a message for Stihl at this 100-year celebration – "Thanks for being so friendly and helpful, fixing our equipment, and showing us how to clean our w**d eater. You are always happy to show us around the shop, we are so proud to wear our Stihl hats when we’re out and about!"
Sarah F
If you’d like to read the rest of the stories, follow the link below:
www.stihlshop.co.nz/100-years-of-stihl