Mr Fawcett said the peeler weighed about a tonne and would need three to four people to spirit it away. The peeler is used to fashion competitive log rounds for junior woodchoppers in the region, including his grandson Quintin, 17, who will be returning for a second time to compete at the Royal Melbourne Show in September.
The competitive season kicks off in spring in New Zealand and his grandson has his first outing at the Wairarapa A & P Show at Clareville in October.
He trains three times a week ahead of contests, using about four practice logs at each session, which must all be peeled to size.
The theft has been reported to police but Mr Fawcett and his family hold little hope of its return. "We just want the peeler back. No questions asked.
"It's useless to anybody else and we've spent a fair bit on it and need it back. Especially for the young guys who are up-and-coming as competitive axemen," he said.
"We've got a few logs that can be used but I'm not sure what we'll do about more right now.
"I'll peel them by hand if I have to but what takes the peeler seconds, would take me up to 20 minutes a log."
Mr Fawcett, who is willing to retrieve the machine and end the matter, said anybody with information can call his business at 3773728.
