HB Today - CNIWCF Forestry Awards August 2023

CEOoftheCNI WoodCouncilDamitaMitaalong withtheCouncil’scommittee &staffmemberswouldliketosincerelycongratulate CorbanCoxanwhowasawardedtheGenerationProgrammeGraduateofthe Yearand,ZshawneeUatukuandKadafi ToeToewhowere bothawardedCertificatesofExcellenceatthe AwardsCeremonyonFridaynight.

TheGenerationProgrammeprovidesanindustrybackedtrainingpathwayforyoungpeoplethroughtogoodlocaljobsintheforestry industryorontofurthereducation.Itcomprises aNZCertificateinForestryFoundationsSkills -Level 2whichisdeliveredby Toi OhomaiInstituteNZ/ Te Pukengatogetherwithindustryfieldtripsandpresentations,work-readyskillsandpastoralcaresupport. Whilsttheprogramme’saimistobenefittheindustrythroughtrainingoptionsandemploymentpathways,socialbenefitstothe communityarerecognisedasofequalimportance.

About

TheCentralNorthIsland WoodCouncil(CNIWC) provides asinglevoicetoadvocateonbehalfof theentireforestryindustryverticalandsupplychain andtosupportthesustainablegrowthofthesector. Thecouncilis anon-profitorganisation,withits ownConstitutionandRulesandisgovernedbya committee.

Our Vision

To generate aforestrycommunityinCNIthatwill beself-sufficientwith abio-circular referenceto sustainabilitywherethescaleoftheindustrycanaffect nationaloutcomes.

Mission

CNIWCwillinfluencethefutureofforestryinthe region.

Our Values

•Enduring resilienceandsustainability

•ShowcasingCNIas agreatexemplarfortheindustry

•MakeCNI agreatplacetolive,workandplay

Considerableemphasisisplacedoneducationandencouragingyoungpeopleto follow acareerintheforestryandwoodprocessingindustries.Inadditiontothe GenerationProgrammetheCNIWChassupportedsixlocalpeoplethroughhigher education(university)throughTheDonelleySawmillers,RotoruaNZ &CNIWC

•Kaitiakitanga -Guardianshipofnatural resources andbeing responsiblefortheenvironmental managementandsustainableenterpriseinCNIfor futuregenerations

OurStrategy(andFocusPillars)

•InfluenceGovernmentPolicy -NationalandLocalInput

•Advocacy -Bethevoiceforthe region

•Promotion -Createthestoryforthe region

CONTACT

DamitaMita ChiefExecutiveOfficer

GenerationProgrammeManager

021721371

•damita@cniwc.co.nz

MichelleMaunder Administrator 0274615475

admin@cniwc.co.nz

www.cniwc.co.nz

ForestryatCanterburyUniversity

GenerationProgrammeGraduateofthe Year AwardwasproudlysponsoredbytheSouth Waikato DistrictCouncil -picturedareZshawneeUatuku,DamitaMita,CorbanCoxan,Kadafi ToeToeand theSWDCMajorGaryPetley

BrentDonaldsonCNIWCSecretary,DamitaMitaCEO, MichelleMaunderAdministrator &ColinMaunder CNIWCChair

Forestry is part of Rotorua’sDNA

Opening the2023 Central North Island Wood Council Forestry Awards, herWorship MayorTania Tapsellof Rotoruaacknowledgedthatforestry waswellknown in theregionand respected forthe trade, skillsand hard-work ethics it broughtbut as an industry it wasimportant to take time to reflectthisand celebrate thepeople that work so hard.

MayorTapsell confirmed that Rotoruahad thelargestplantation in thesouthern hemisphereand was theepicentre of forestry contributing $314.7 millionin2022and 7.4% of theregions total GDPacrossforestry, logging andprocessing. “Forestryis part of ourDNA and we have astrong historyhereinforestryand wood processing

Anddespite theuncertaintyand challenges that maycomeour way, we have an excitingfutureahead of us.”, Tania resonated. “Our most important assets areour land and ourpeople.”

Th RotoruaCouncil, alongside RotoruaNZ and industrystakeholders, work hard to position Rotoruaas acentreofexcellence in forestry and wood processing.The working partnerships with SCION,Red Stag Timber,and ToiOhomai, Te Pukenga have also helped to strengthen Rotorua’sestablishmentasan industry leader.The RotoruaCouncil recogniseand respect theeconomic,

environmental, cultural and social significance of wood within the community.

MayorTapsell acclaimedRotoruaas thefirstcitytoadoptthe wood first policybackin2015, demonstratedin many newconstructions around the regiontoshowcasethiscommitment like theLakefront and Tokorangiand Whakarewarewaforestupgrades, andalsothe Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre refurbishment. Tourismisalsoutilising forestry with its drawcard of mountain biking whichalso contributesalmost$140millioneach year in spend by thevisitors.

“That’s overa 1000 jobs that come from alternativeusesofthe assetthat is ourforest. So youcan seehow our forestsare hugely importanttoour overall lifestylelocally, andhow we are viewedinternationallyasanadventure playground,”confirms MayorTapsell

MayorTapsell completes her welcome by remarkingthat, “It’s everyonewho is passionateabout forestry and workshardtodrive benefits forour communities,and forour country. It’s thepeople. It’s pretty awesometosee theindustry come together to celebrate the well-deservedrecognition of those whohavedemonstratedexcellence, andwho inspire us all to tryalittle harder, aimalittlehigher, and pursue excellence.”

SecondForestry Awards celebrates record nominations

Heraldingthe success of the inauguralawards last year,the Central North Island forestry industry stepped up to bringinarecord number of nominations forthe second year,with seventy-sevencontendersuptotake thestage at theEnergyCentreRotorua lastnight.

Anew awardwasintroducedthis year,the Good DeedAward sponsored by Safetreethe industry’s health andsafetybrand.Itrecogniseda person within theforestindustryfor paying it forward, helpingothersor forsupportinga charityorinitiative or action.The audience on thenight chosetheir winner, votes counted, and Gareth WhitefromG WhiteLogging tookoutthisaward acknowledgingthe fantasticworkheundertookduring CycloneGabrielle,deliveringgoods andresources to Hawkes Bayand Tairawhiti.

From averystrongnominationlist ofwomen, twowinners wereawarded as Femalein Forestry,the first Rona WheeldonfromOFM with many years ofexperience in harvesting operations, andmanyfind herinsightsarewell thoughtout and reasonableand she continuestobeagreat advocate forourindustry.The equal winner, Rachelle Dunn from GWhite Logging

Ltd,was describedasavital coginthe machine,herunwavering dedication, and remarkable work ethic and affectionately knownas“Aunty”.

DavidDysart, AppleTreeFarms wasawarded BestFarmForesterof theYearstandingout as farsighted and strategicallyastute in hisland useplanning.Hiscurrent goal is to adapttothe environmental, economic, and politicalconditionsthat impact thefarming business,withthehope of passingonhealthy,aesthetically pleasingland to future generations.

Central NorthIslandWoodCouncil presenteda special accolade for NationalForest Industry Collaboration Awardthisaward foroutstanding collaboration in promotingthe forestry sector to theNZpublicat theNational Fieldays,2023.Thiswas an exemplarof working together forthe greatergood of ourindustrysociallicence. Thanks goestoTeUru Rakau, NZForest Growers Levy Trust,NZ FarmForestry, Scion,and RedStagand theFieldays Forestry Hub Advisory Group. Theaudience of500alsoexceeded

last year’s ticket salesand MC PioTerei once againkeptthementertained at theEnergyCentreRotorua formal dinnercelebratingtheheroes of the region.

TheCentral North Island Wood Council hasprovenitself to bea significant organisationcontinuing to advocateforthe region,ensuring itsmembers aresupported and has ahealthy strategic directiongoing forwardwhile theindustryasawhole is beingchallenged with market downturn and weather events.

The winners

Generation ProgrammeGraduateofthe Year (sponsored by South Waikato District Council): CorbanCoxon (Tombleson Logging).

Excellenceawards: Zshawnee Uatuku andKadafi ToeToe

Trainee of theYear (sponsored by Competenz : Te Pukenga): Norton Craig (G WhiteLogging Ltd).Runner-up:ManaPetero(PR Forestry Ltd)

Silvicultural Excellence (sponsored South Waikato Investment Fund Trust): Dean Anderson (D AndersonContractors Ltd).Runners-up: Kyle Patterson(AceofSpadesLtd)and Mana Petero (PRForestryLtd)

Forest Protection andServicesExcellence (sponsored by Scion): Steve Gatenby (Timberlands)

Harvesting Excellence (sponsored by Manulife Investment Management): ClintMaxwell (G WhiteLoggingLtd)

Distribution Excellence (sponsored by RFH): Haeata te Whaiti (TrimbleForestry)

Log Processing Excellence (sponsored by Tigercat): RobDavy (G WhiteLoggingLtd).Runner-up:Kelly Smith(FPNZ Ltd)

LogTruck DriverExcellence (sponsored by Patchell): RoyceTeHuia (Chris AngusTransport CATLtd)

ForestEngineeringExcellence (sponsored by Ontario Teachers/Manulife): JB (JohnBoy)Butler (GaddumConstructionLtd)

Wood Processing Excellence (sponsored by Oji Paper Company): Kaylib Winiata (Donnelly Sawmillers)

Outstanding Environmental Management (sponsored by Tiaki Plantations Company/Manulife): RazorsharpHarvestingLtd

OutstandingHealth andSafetyManagement (sponsored by Taumata Plantations Ltd/Manulife): Crew54 (FastHarvestingLtd)

OutstandingRegionalService Award (sponsored by PF Olsen): InsituHeritageRunner-up:DebbieStewart andTeam(Wingspan Birds ofPrey Trust)

FemaleinForestryAward (sponsored by Timberlands): Rona Wheeldon (OFM Ltd) and Rachelle Dunn (G WhiteLoggingLtd)

Best Farm Forester Award (sponsored by The WIDE Trust): David Dysart (Apple Tree Farms)

Best NativeForestEnterpriseAward (sponsored by Wildlands): WiremuRuru (RuruSFL Ltd)

Heroof theYearAward (sponsored by First Security): GarethWhite (G WhiteLoggingLtd)

Good DeedAward (sponsored by Safetree): GarethWhite (G WhiteLogging)

SPECIAL AWARD: National ForestIndustry Collaboration Award (sponsored by the CNI Wood Council): Fieldays Forestry HubAdvisoryGroup

FieldaysForestryHub- National Collaboration Award

VIPJudgesthatwehad on theteam this year included Bill McCullum, retiredCEO forHancock Management, Graham West,Councilmemberand exchairofNZFarmForestryAssociation andLeesaHaimona,OHS Systems& Assurance SpecialistatTimberlands. Leesawas also awardedHeroofthe Year in 2022 at theinauguralevent. At thediscretionofthose judgesthey cancreate oneoff special awards and winnerstheydeemneedrecognition.

Theyagreed to providethe platform forCentral North Island Wood Council to presenta specialawardfor outstandingcollaboration in promoting theforestrysectortothe NZ public.

Thewinners were theFieldays Forestry HubAdvisoryGroup whoorganised theForestryHub at theNational Fieldays 2023.Thiswas an exemplar of working together forthe greater good of ourindustrysociallicence andthanksgoes to Te UruRakau,NZ Forest Owners Association, NZForest Growers Levy Trust,NZFarmForestry Association, Scion,and RedStagand as theindustryadvisorygroup.

TheNewZealand Forest Owners Associationhas attemptedtolaunch aforestryhub at Fieldays in previous yearsbut haslackedsupport from othersectororganisations.A

partnershipbetween Te UruRkau–NewZealandForestService and the Forest Growers Levy Trusthas enabled theFieldays Forestry Hub to become arealityin2022. This partnership incorporatesjointfinancial sponsorship to enablethe hubtobeestablished.

An Advisory Group wasestablished in 2021withSector/Industry representatives from Te UruR kau–NewZealand Forest Service,Scion, RedStag, NewZealand FarmForestry Association, Future Foresters, and theNew Zealand Forest Owners Association/ForestGrowersLevyTrust.

This groupwas thedriving force behind thedevelopmentand delivery of theFieldays Forestry Hubin 2022. Giventhe shorttimeframe between theNovember/December2022event and theJune2023event (Fieldays is traditionallyheldinJuneevery year, the2022event wasrescheduled to November 2022due to Covid restrictions thatwere still in place at thetime)itwas agreed to keep the sameorganisation representativeson theAdvisoryGroup to support the delivery of the2023 Hub.

Thepurpose of thehub is to promote toall NewZealandersthat forestry isan importantand increasinglysignificant industry forbotheconomic and

environmentalreasons.

TheAdvisoryGroupwantedvisitors to thehub toexperience thelook, soundand smellofthe forest.Thiswas achievedbydisplayingalargeamount ofnativeand exotic seedlings, using woodchip and plyfor theflooring of thehub andplayingbirdsong through speakerslocatedwithinthe hub.

It wasimportantforthe sector to come togetherand showcasethe exciting possibilities of forestryand wood processingto farmers, the widerpublic,officials,journalists and politiciansunder the‘Wood –ourlow carbon future’banner.

TheHubgenerated thefollowingimpact:

•21Forestryindustryorganisations participatedinthe hubsupporting over30exhibits

•The hubgeneratedpositive engagementfromGovernmentMinisters andmembers of Parliament.Ministers in attendanceat theForestryHub: Hon. PeeniHenare, Hon. DamienO’Conner, Hon. KieranMcAnulty, Hon. IanMcKelvie

•Generatedalarge number (over32) and rangeofpositive mediafeatures across TV/web/print/radioabout theFieldays Forestry Hub

•The Forestry sector demonstratedintentand commitmenttowork together.

•Fieldays reportedthat therewere105,000 throughthegatesoverthe four days.Anincreaseofapproximately50%ingatenumbersfrom2022 •ForestryHub doorcount we estimatereceivedbetween 35,180 and 42,216 visitorstothe Fieldays Forestry Huboverthe four-day event. With an increaseofapproximately 25%-50%from2022,planningiswell underwayfor the2024Fieldays Forestry Hubwithkey decisionsbeing made aswe speak.

Variedcareeropportunities availableinforestry

Arecruitment campaigncalled ‘FindYourFitIn Forestry’aims to drawattentiontothe varied career opportunitiesavailableinthe growingforestryindustry. Asectorwide initiative, thecampaignhas just launched and hopestoattract moreyoung peopleinto theindustry and fill people shortages being felt throughoutthesector.

Designed to demonstratethe huge rangeofroles andopportunities availableinforestry, themostlydigital ‘FindYourFitIn Forestry’campaignis primarily targetedatschoolleavers and youngpeople.

Showcasingeverythingfrommachine operation, silviculture andharvest managementto science-based roles and wood processing,the campaign attempts tomatcha candidate’s areas of interest withsuitablejobs.

Arange of videos have beencreated, featuring real people workingin forestry.Adigitalplatform hasbeen created, that promptspeopleto answer aquick-firesurveyabout their interests, before suggesting theareas offorestry that might fit them best.

FindYourFitIn Forestry wasfunded by theMinistryofPrimary Industries (MPI), Forest Industry Contractors Association(FICA)and Forest Owners Association (FOA) and actionedby theForestand Wood Processing Workforce Council.

FICA CEOand Project Lead,Prue Younger,saysthe aimistoshowcase thedynamic anddiverseforestry industry and to attractmorepeople into themanyroles that are available.

“Thiscampaignisuniqueinthat it is acollaboration within thewider forestry industry.We’ve made it broad enoughthat wehopepeople will seethat no matterwhatyourskillsor passionare there’saplace foreveryone within theindustry,”she says.“Thereis an ongoingshortageofskilled workers across thesector, so we’rehopingby targetingyoung people we cancapture hearts andminds from theget-go andplace people in rolesthatfittheir interests.”

Todaythe sector employs approximately 40,835 people and is akey employerinregionalareas.It also supports employment in several associatedindustries. Diversityisa challenge forthe sector Theforestry and woodprocessingsectorismale dominated(82 percent) compared to thewholeofcountrylabour force, whichhas amoreequitable split, with 48 percentfemale and 52 percentmale. Howeverrecenttrends are positiveand indicate agrowing number of womenjoining thesector. Thediversity challenges facedbythe forestry and wood processing sector are morepronouncedwhencomparing differinglevels of employment.Mori workersareoverrepresentedinlower

wage roles, whereasatleadership levelmostpositionsare occupied by Pkeh men, with women, Mori and otherethnicitiesunderrepresented. Reform of Vocational EducationThe Reform of Vocational Education(RoVE) is underwayand aims to createa unified andsustainablevocational educationsystemthat delivers the skillsthatlearners, employers,and communities need to thrive.The reformaims to delivermoresupport to learnerswhiletheyare training and vocational educationthatismore relevanttowork. On-the-job learning is becomingincreasinglyimportantto both employersand learners.Theneed to take aleave of absence, to leavea jobtoundertake additional study, or

to moveaway and leavefamily, are key barriers to furtherlearning. In addition, many employees are less willing to travel to studyand wouldprefer optionstocompletetrainingwhilein work.Makingtrainingmoreaccessible allowsworkers to gain qualifications thatare widely recognised,andwill lead to greaterretentionandclear career pathways.

FindYourFitIn Forestry is live now. Visitwww.forestrycareers.nz to see more.

PROUDLYBACKINGNZFORESTRY FORTHE LONGHAUL FOR THE LONG HAUL

UDCare your forestry financeexperts. Alonghistoryof working closelywithlocal contractorsmeans we understandthesupport you’llneedwhenitcomes to financing vehiclesandequipment. So we’vegot strong rootsintheNZ forestry sector,pluswe’re readyandwaiting to helpwithhassle-freefinance.

GarethWhite takesithome

It wasabignight forthe teamatGWhite Logging butactuallythebiggest accolades went toGareth Whitehimself fora coupleofoutstanding awards.

Anew awardthat wasintroducedthisyear, the Good DeedAward,sponsored by Safetree and this awardrecognised apersonwithinthe forest industry foragooddeed, forpayingitforward,for helping others or forsupportingacharitythroughaninitiative or action.Justsomeone whodoessomething for someoneelsewithout thinkingabout themselves and yes, itis overand beyond thecall of duty actions,we are looking for.

Garethwasnominated forhis outstanding efforts and selflessdedicationinprovidingassistanceto thepeopleofHawkesBay andTairawhiti during the devastating CycloneGabrielle.

Gareth and hispartner showed exceptional leadership and compassionbyinitiatingarelief operation, recognising theurgentneedforessential suppliesand took it upon himself to collect and mobilise vitalresourcestothe affected areas. They provided cleandrinkingwater,foodand their Starlink internet satellite so wages couldbepaidaswell as deploying aAstra trucktoshuttlelogs offSH5. Theact of kindness included numerousindividuals volunteering theirtimeand expertisetoassist.

Gareth’s personal contributionsexemplifiedthe spirit of unityand solidarity within thegreaterG White Loggingteam.

Garethalsotookout theHeroofthe Year award andwasacknowledged as apersonwho stoodout in thecrowd.Garethisalsosurrounded by friends and work colleaguesand that’s testamenttothe type of person heis,alwayshelpingand supportinganyone whethertheyask forhelpornot.

Garethisdescribed by many as kind and

compassionate,hehas alot on thegoofhis own, but always aglass half full andlookinginto thefuture. He hasadeepheart forfamilyand enjoysthe simple pleasuresinlife.

Ifyouare unsure what qualifications oneneeds to be aHero, theseare thequalities and charactristics ofGareth:

•Wants to help and expect nothinginreturn

•Admiredand respected

•Listens and observes

•Compassionate and selfless

•HighMorals

•Cleverand resourceful

•A Do-er

•Humbleandgracious

•And all-roundgoodbugger

Thesequalities are seen every dayinthisnominee, whichmadeitnosurprisethroughrecentevents, hispersona hasshone againand hispromptcallto action to ensure therewas support forthe people in theCyclone regionsgeneratedasnowballof responsesand goods to be delivered.

GWhite Loggingwentontotakeout astronghold on thenightof awards also taking home Female in Forestry,HarvestingExcellence,Log Processing and Traineeofthe Year.

GarethWhiteLoggingcrew

2023Winners

FORESTPROTECTION

SERVICESEXCELLENCE STEVEGATENBY TIMBERLANDS LTD

SPONSOR

HARVESTINGEXCELLENCE

CLINTMAXWELL GWHITELOGGINGLTD

SPONSOR

WOODPROCESSING EXCELLENCE

KAYLIBWINIATA

DONELLYSAWMILLERS LTD

SPONSOR

LOGPROCESSING

EXCELLENCE

ROB DAVY GWHITE LOGGING LTD

SPONSOR

SPONSOR

FORESTENGINEERING EXCELLENCE

JB(JOHNBOY)BUTLER GADDUMCONSTRUCTION LTD

SPONSOR

DISTRIBUTIONEXCELLENCE

HAEATA TEWHAITI TRIMBLEFORESTRY

SPONSOR

LOGTRUCKDRIVER EXCELLENCE

ROYCETEHUIA CHRISANGUSTRANSPORT(CAT LTD)

SPONSOR

TRAINEEOFTHE YEAR

NORTONCRAIG GWHITE LOGGING LTD

SPONSOR

GENERATIONPROGRAMME

GRADUATEOFTHE YEAR

CORBANCOXON

TOMBLESONLOGGING

CERTIFICATESOF EXCELLENCE

ZSHAWNEEUATUKU

KADAFI TOETOE

SPONSOR

OUTSTANDINGHEALTH

&SAFETYMANAGEMENT

CREW54 FAST LOGGING LTD

SPONSOR

FEMALEINFORESTRY

RONAWHEELDON OFM LTD

RACHELLEDUNN GWHITELOGGINGLTD

SPONSOR

BESTFARMFORESTER

DAVIDDYSART

APPLE TREE FARMS

SPONSOR

GOODDEED AWARD

GARETHWHITE

GARETH WHITE LOGGING

SPONSOR

SPONSOR

OUTSTANDING

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

RAZORSHARP HARVESTINGLTD

SPONSOR

HEROOFTHE YEAR

GARETHWHITE

GARETH WHITELOGGING

SPONSOR

BESTNATIVEFORESTRY ENTERPRISE

WIREMURURU RURUSFL LTD

SPONSOR

SPECIALSERVICE AWARD

NATIONAL FORESTINDUSTRY COLLABORATION AWARD

FIELDAYSFORESTRY HUBADVISORYGROUP

SPONSOR

Generation continues to deliver forestry graduates

TheCentral NorthIsland Wood Council and forest and wood industry manage andendorse theGeneration Programme– a‘real world’ learning experience combining industrytraining andemployment.

It includeda 12 week Base Camp –get ‘workready’programme and individualisesa2year training and career pathway. It provides an “earn whileyou learn” in paid employment whilesupported learning and pastoral care is agiven foreachgraduate.There areregular reviewsand then flexibility to change mid-streamtoother partsof theindustry.

To date CNIWC have put through 38 students and 15 students have been engaged with full time work now.

This year’s forestryawardsonce againendorsed this awardrecognising an individualonacohortbasis.The individual will demonstrate either consistent excellence or sustained improvement (orboth),against arange of KPIs. TheseKPIsinclude drug testing results, attendancetothe course,

punctuality,teamwork and test results.

Thewinninggraduate, Corban CoxonfromTombleson Logging demonstratedhugepotentialand impressed us withtheir commitment to personal growth,makingthema deserving candidatefor this award. TheJudgeswereimpressed by the sacrificestheymadetoundertake the Generation Programme.

Corban excelledinthe course dueto being enthusiastic with all theelements of theprogramme.Healwaysgavehis best effort with everythinghetried Whileonvisitsthe Corban always askedquestions of thecontractors and gave agoodimpressionofthe course.Successfullyhewas able to findemploymentatthe endofthe course becauseofthisattitudewith TomblesonLogging.

From theoutset, Corban was recognizedfor hispotentialand strong desire to succeed.Heconsistently display aconscientious and respectful attitude,followedinstructionsand completed taskstohis best standard. Workinglongdaysinthe bush isn’t easy butCorban turnsupevery dayand diligentlycarries out his responsibilities.

TheCNIWC also wantedtoprovide

twoother notablegraduateswitha Certificate of Excellence Generation Programmefor their outstandinginput and contribution to theprogramme. They were Zshawnee Uataku, Fast Harvestingand Kadaifi ToeToe, Ohaaki Heat

TheGenerationProgramme is a pivotal tool in taking students from schoolthrough theprogramme guiding them and demonstratingthe many jobs and rolesthat areavailableacrossthe forestry supply chain.

Forest Protection &Services includes wildfires

Forthe purposes of this awardForest Protection&Servicesrefers to those duties and rolesthat fall outside the commonlyknown silvicultural and harvesting activities. Forexample, provisionofsecurity, on-going roles in wild /fire management, assisting with multiple-useforestryeventsor activities that arenot regular (such as motor-xrides,MTB competitions, schooltours etc)

Thewinnerofthisyear’saward was Steve GatenburyfromTimberlands. He is an ardent supporterofenvironmental conservation and awitness to their exceptional dedication and efforts; many strongly believe that he is highlydeserving of this prestigious recognition.

Steve’s commitment to preserving and safeguarding ourforests and communities,withunwaveringpassion, extensiveknowledge,and remarkable contributionsofforestprotectionhas left an indelible mark on thelocal Central North Island communityand beyond Firefighting hatsfromseniorITM positionstothe person at theend of thehose, and Steve also make an excellent cupoftea. As asenior firemanager,hehas been on the firelinesmanaging unwantedfires butlessstressful,simplybecause he brings calm andexperience to the role.RecentlySteve wasdeployedto

Gisborneasaerial operations manager foremergencyservicesduringthe responsetoCyclone Gabrielle. Their task wastoscheduleair operations support to Gisborne emergency services and to delivermuchneeded suppliestothose whoneededitmost.

As it was, Stevewas notatthe awards to collect histrophybut instead provided avideo of thanks and acknowledged he is passionateabout theworkhedoes and wasonhis wayto be supporting thewildfiresinCanada.

Record-setting wildfires in Canada couldcontinueburning at an abnormallyhighratefor severalweeks, though thespreadofblazesislikely to startdiminishing in September, accordingtofederal projections

Forest fires hadengulfedparts of nearly all 13 Canadian provincesand territoriesthisyear, forcing home evacuations,disrupting energy production,and drawinginfederal as well as international firefighting resources.

Silviculturecontractors from New Zealand have gaineda reputation fortheir expertiseand skillsinforest managementand firesuppression

In thepast, they have been known to travel internationallytoassistwith firefightingefforts in countrieslike Australia and theUnitedStates.

Silviculturecontractors are often well-equippedwithspecializedtools

and equipmentnecessary forwildfire suppressionand management.Their training in forest managementand fire controlmethods canhelp mitigate the spreadoffiresand protectvaluable timber resources.

Collaborativeefforts between

countriesindealingwithwildfiresare valuable, as they allow forthe sharing of skills, resources,and experiences. Thesepartnershipscan strengthen firefightingcapabilities and enhance theability to respond effectively to wildfires

joint in Forestry Award at the recent CNI Wood Council Awards

National ForestIndustry Collaboration Award

Apartnershipof Te UruRākau,the ForestGrowers Levy, Farm Forestry, Scion and RedStag,aprizeforoutstanding collaborationinpromotingthe forestindustrywiththe first ever Forestry Hubatthe2022National Fieldays® at MysteryCreek,asanexemplarofworking together for thegreatergoodofourindustry’ssociallicence.

www.woodourlowcarbonfuture.nz

Onceagainweallcelebratedtheamazingachievementsandprofessionalisminourforestry industryattheannualCentralNorthIsland WoodCouncilForestryAwards.Thisyearweput forward5 nomineesfromtheFastGroupin 4differentcategories.TheywereLeviCaseyand NeihanaBrewernominatedfor Traineeofthe Year.Bothoftheseyoungmenhavebeenwith usfor18monthsandhaveproventhemselvesasverymotivatedandenthusiasticlearners.

Levicurrentlyoperatesthemechanised self-levelingfellingmachineandwas veryquicktotaketheopportunitieswe offeredhimtoupskillandtraintowards achievinghisLevel 4NationalCertificate whichhe has nowcompleted.Hehas shownleadershipqualitieswhichiswell received duetohiscalmnatureandgreat communicationskills.Heis avitalpart ofthefellingandextraction planforhis EucalyptusGroundbasecrew.

Neihanacametouswithminimal qualificationsandwaskeentolearn manualtreefelling. Withhisverypositive attitudeamong manyothercalmand conscientiousqualities,wefeltNeihana hadtherightattributestotakeup thechallengeofthishigh-risk job.He iscurrentlymanualtreefellingunder supervisionworkingtowardshisLevel4 TreeFellingNationalCertificate.Whennot manualfallinghetakeseveryopportunity toworkonhismachineoperatingskills andqualifications.Neihanaiswelllikedin alltheFastcrewsheworksinandwas also averydeservingnominee.

NeitherLevior Neihanacameaway withtheawardthisyearbutthewhole FastGroupteamisextremelyproudof these 2youngmenandlookforward towatchingthemgrowfurtherintheir forestrycareers.

ShaunKapenewasnominatedforthe Harvesting Excellence Award.Shaun hasbeenwithusfor12yearsand ispartownerin amechanisedfelling machine.Hewasoneofthe firsttether operatorsinthe Taumata estateandis highlyrespected forhisexpertiseand capabilitiesandisconsideredthe“go toman”forthe trickyjobsduetohis calmand meticulousapproach.Asthe Foremanofhiscrewhelistens,shows patienceandwithhisknowledgeand understandingoftheserollsmakesfora successfulandhappycrew.Shaunwas

awelldeservednomineebutmissedout tosome very toughandexperienced competition.Neverthe lesswearevery proudandthankfultohavehimassucha talentedandloyalpartofourteam

Crew34one of oursalvage crewswas nominatedforOutstandingEnvironmental Management.Leadfromthefrontby crewforeman WayneComer,thewhole crewwith75years experiencebetween themalltakeprideinexceptionalcare andplanningineverynewblockthey open. Withthewholecrewcompleting NZQAunitstandard 6964whichis ApplyEnvironmentalManagementto Harvesting Treesmakethemallvery conscientiousandproactiveinthisarea. Unlikeharvestingcrews, salvagecrews oftenhavemore sensitiveenvironments fromrivers,wetlands,adjoiningnativeor farming areastoworkaround,butthis crewalwayscommunicateprofessionally withForestManagersandLocalIwi alike. Withtheseadditionalchallenges nothingiscompromisedbyCrew34, theymaintainveryhigh standards alongsideHealth &Safety.Weareso proudofwhat thiscrewdoestocarefor theenvironmenttheyworkinthatwe nominatedthemlastyeartoo.Noluckso farbuthopefully3rdtimeluckyaswefeel theywouldbedeserving of havingtheir amazingtrackrecordacknowledgednot onlybytheFastGroup.

Lastbutbynomeansleast,we nominatedCrew54forOutstanding Health &Safety Management.Thiswas anobrainertonominatethiscrewas theirHealth &Safety recordofover 4400 LTIfreedays(17years)speaks foritself.Currentlywithover100years forestryexperiencein thiscrewyoucan imaginetheyhaveseenmanychanges overtheyears.Howevertheyallaccept andadapttothesechanges forthe betterwithacceptanceandenthusiasm

knowingthattheyarethereformany reasonsbut firstandforemostit is for thesafetyofthemselvesandtheirteam aroundthem. Thisexperiencedteam areexcellentcommunicators,planners andteachersfor newFastmembersto learntheimportanceoftheseskillsand theimportanceofspeakingup.TheFast culturewetrytoprovideandlivebyis simple,everyteammembernomatter whatlevelofexperienceneedstobe involvedandcontributinginHealth& Safetyandagainfeelcomfortabletospeak up.AtFastwedoprideourselvesonthe policies,proceduresandenvironment we provide,butthisisworthlessunlessthe wholeteamliveandbreatheittoo.So wewereextremelyproudtowatchand cheeronRobLambtheCrewForeman gouponstageandacceptthisawardon behalfofhiscrew.Smileyand Iwereeven moreoverwhelmedasoneofourother crewswonthisawardlastyearas well. We knowwehave an amazingteamof professionalsbutweareverygratefulto PrueandtheFICABoardfororganising theseawardsnightssothewider forestry communitycanacknowledge,recognise andrewardtheseamazingmenand women.Forthemtofeelappreciated speaks volumes.

SmileyandAngewanttoexpresstheir appreciationtoalloftheFastteam. Withouteveryindividualthatbecomes partoftheteameverydaythisbusiness couldnotfunction.A veryspecialmention andthankstoGraemeBengeOperations ManagerandMereana Tobenhouse (Min)Health &SafetyCo-ordinatorfor theirexceptionalpassion,dedicationand loyaltytousboth andthewiderteam. GraemeandMinareonthe groundevery dayfocusingonsupportingtheForemen andcrewmemberswhilstensuringthe positivecultureiskeptalive.

Harvesting LtdCrew34

LeviCasey Traineeofthe Year- Nominee

NeihanaBrewer Traineeofthe Year– Nominee ShaunKapene HarvestingExcellence – Nominee FastLogging LtdCrew54 –Outstanding Health &Safety Management -Winner

ene xcellence

Timberlands restorativedevelopment

Kaingaroa,one of thelargestforests in theworld,has made responsible managementa centralfocus of its operations in recent years. Witha commitmenttowards sustainable practices, Kaingaroaaims to balance economic growthwithecological preservation.

Theirrestorativedevelopmentgoals furtherunderline their dedication to thelong-term health andvitality of the forest.

Responsible managementmeans taking into accountthe environmental andsocial impactsofforestryactivities.

Kaingaroarecognizesthe importance of maintainingthe delicate balance betweencommercialharvestingand ensuring theecosystem’s integrity. By using modern techniques and innovativepractices,Kaingaroa aims to minimize theimpactofloggingonthe forest’s biodiversity whilemaximizing thevaluederived from itsresources.

OneofKaingaroa’s keystrategies forresponsible forest managementis throughstrictadherencetocertified foreststandards.Theyactively participateincertificationprograms such as theForestStewardship Council (FSC)and Programmefor the EndorsementofForestCertification (PEFC).

Thesecertificationsensurethat Kaingaroa’sforestrypractices meet rigorous sustainability criteria and

provideassurance to consumersthat thetimberproductstheypurchase come from responsibly managed forests.

Anothercrucial aspect of Kaingaroa’s approachistheir commitmentto restorativedevelopment. They understand that merely sustaining thecurrent stateof theforestis notenough. To progress beyond that, Kaingaroaactively engages in reforestationprojects, habitat restoration,andbiodiversity conservationefforts. By replanting harvested areas, they help tomaintain theecologicalbalance and regrow the forest for future generations.

Throughpartnershipsand collaboration with localcommunities, iwi, localstakeholders,and scientific experts, Kaingaroa ensuresthattheir forest managementpractices align with traditional knowledge and the latestscientificresearch.Thisinclusive approachnot only enriches their understanding butalsoensures that theforest’sculturaland social values arerespected.

Byfocusing on responsible managementand restorative development, Kaingaroaaims to achieve asustainablebalance betweeneconomic prosperity and environmentalstewardship.They understand that thepreservationofthe forest’s ecosystemservicesiscrucial

forthe well-beingof surrounding communities and forcombating climate change.

In summary, Kaingaroa’scommitment toresponsible forest management is exhibitedthroughtheir adherence to strict certification standards and innovativepractices. Theirdedication to restorativedevelopmentensures

Returningittothewayitwasbefore

RuruSustainableForestandLandLtdisa

Maori-ownedcompanydedicatedtothe regenerationandsustainabilityofland throughcarefulobservation,monitoring,and regenerationprocesses.

Ourteamconsistsofhighlyqualified employees,allexperiencedinecosystem regenerationservices,thatboastsastable andcohesiveworkingunit.Wetakepridein employingmanawhenuaandcollaboratingwith localcontractorswhenworkingonindigenous lands,fosteringasenseofcommunityand culturalconnection.

Ourexpertiseliesinbothexoticproduction forestryandindigenousregeneration,offering comprehensiveservicesrangingfromplanning, pre-establishmenttoplantingandaftercareof

nativeforests,thefullsupplychainfromplanting toharvestandlogsalesofexoticspecies,a holisticapproachtoforestryandecosystem servicesencompassingunderstorycropping, landscaperegeneration,elevatingMaurithough healthactivitiesandconnectionofbeneficiaries totheirwhenua,protectionandmonitoringof taongaspeciesandwhenuaecosystems.

Cateringtoadiverseclientele,rangingfrom small-scalefarmerstolargeiwiwhenuatrusts, withtheaimofdiversifyinglandscapesand promotingsustainableregeneration.

Ourapproachinvolvesidentifyingareasin needofregeneration,implementingaccurate monitoringtechniquesandthenexecuting experiencedplanningandregenerativeworks toenhancewhenuamauri,theresultisadiverse

andsustainablelandscapethatnotonlybenefits theenvironmentbutalsoholdsculturaland economicvalueforthecommunityandtheland itself.

RuruSFLbelievesinworkingharmoniously withthelandandrespectingitsnaturalcycles, ensuringtheirservicesareeconomicallyviable whileminimizingtheecologicalfootprint.

Inourchallengetobecomearegenerative andsustainablecompanywehavesetthebelow strategicgoalsby2025eliminatetheuseof Agrichemicalinthepre-plantestablishmentand release,by2025plant1millionnativeplants, by2030plant10millionnativeplants,by2030 achieving100,000hrsofmanawhenuamahi undertakingsby2030undertakeregenerative ecosystemserviceson10,000ha.

that they actively work towards regenerating and preserving the forest’s ecological integrity. By involvingthelocalcommunity and embracingtraditional knowledge, Kaingaroa demonstratesaholistic approachthat prioritizessustainability, economic prosperity,and thelongterm health of theforest.

Timberlands Limited are proud sponsors of the Female in ForestryAward.

Congratulations to joint winners: Rachelle and Rona –“wow,whatanamazing contribution to our industryand community”

ThedefinitionofInSituis‘theoriginal, naturalorexistingplace’.Foundedin 2006,InSituwasthedreamofLynda WalterandKarenGreig,establishedinresponse totheimpactsofdevelopmentprojectsthat oftenledtothelarge-scaledestructionor modificationofarchaeologicalsites.

LyndabeganhercareerwiththeNew ZealandForestServicebeforebecomingthe DepartmentofConservation’sfirstBayof PlentyArchaeologist.Throughoutmostofthe 1990s,shewasupsetbytherateofdamageand lossofarchaeologicalsites,andasaresulther well-beingsuffered.

AfterspeakingtoŪpokorehekaumātua,Charlie Aramoana,whobelievedthathertūpuna werestrugglingtoprotectherfromtherisks shewasbeingexposedtoinherwork,Lynda decidedtochangeherroleandbecamethe nationalprojectmanagerfortheNewZealand ArchaeologicalAssociation’sSiteRecording SchemeUpgradeProject.

Theroleinvolvedupdatinginformation aboutarchaeologicalsitesandworkingwith landowners,localgovernmentandundertaking iwiconsultation,publicadvocacy,and informationsharing.

Winners of the 2023 Outstanding Regional Serviceaward

adviceforprojectswhereconservationofthe archaeologicallandscapewasthedefault position.Deliveringonheritageandclient outcomes,runwithmanākitanga,kotahitanga andwhānaungatangaattheheartofour business.

Based in Rotorua, Timberlands manageover190,000 hectares of Aotearoa-NewZealand’s finest forest plantations,including the iconic Kaingaroa and Whakarewarewa forests Timberlands are founding members of the Central North Island Wood Council backing a thriving forest industry.

CoyleSawmilling

Areproudtosupport this years Central NorthIslandForestry Awards andwould like to congratulate David Dysartfor BestFarmForesterfromApple TreeFarms

AppleTreeFarms in Taupohas been partof theDysartfamilysince 1966 whenDavid’s fatherJamestookover a193 hectaresoperation whichnowhasgrown to 470hectareswith 130hectaresinreservesand woodlots.Theyviewplantingtrees as enhancing thefarmwhat ever thefuture maybring.

BRONZESPONSORS

TheCentral NorthIsland Forestry Awards were presentedoverthe weekend in Rotorua, NewZealand.Wewerepleased to sponsor the event,but we were most excitedabout our very own Haeata te Whaiti winningthe Distribution Excellence category.

Haeata hasfirstlybeena partof, andnow leads,our CentralNorth Islandcentral dispatchteamproviding services forManulifeand Rayoiner Matariki,as well as supportingour software license customers,for over 15 years. Throughoutthistimehehas been involved in,shaped andled anumberofsignificantchanges within theway theregion’s supplychainismanaged andtrucks are dispatched. He hasalsomanaged newcentral dispatch implementations both in APAC andIdaho,supported emerging regional managers, built keystakeholderrelationshipsand been an integral partofTrimbleForestry’sseniorleadershipteam.

Haeata hasapproachedall of thesechanges using hisbroad industry,and practicalknowledge,professionalismand abilityto relate to all parties involved.Nowonder he has earned therespect of everyone that he is involved with

We are reallyprivilegedtohave youonour team,Haeata.

Ka mautewehiehoa