Teenager Ayla Hutchinson Lands US Deal with Kindling Cracker

Taranaki teenager Ayla Hutchinson’s science project has earned her a lucrative international business deal. Hutchinson, who invented the Kindling Cracker, recently entered into an agreement with America’s lead supplier of professional-quality tools, Northern Tool and Equipment.

The chain store, which has more than 90 outlets spread across the United States, caught wind of the 15-year-old’s invention after it shot to popularity at Field Days and online, selling for $135 a unit or $145 with a hammer.

Hutchinson said the contract would see “40 foot containers” packed with “tens of thousands” of units being exported every month.

And last week the first order, with 20 tonnes of crackers, began its journey to the United States.

With its built-in blade and safety cage the cast iron wood splitter eliminates the use of an axe, providing a safer and easier way to cut kindling.

The design concept came as a result of witnessing her mum, Claire, cut her finger with an axe while splitting kindling. Hutchinson vowed to create a safer way to chop wood.

The entrepreneur has scooped a bevy of awards for her original concept including New Zealand Field Days’ Vodafone People’s Choice Award 2014, International Google Science Fair Regional Finalist 2014 and the New Plymouth District Council Inspiration Award 2013.

Original article by Tara Shaskey, Stuff, June 9, 2015.