FOREST TALK

Farms or forests? The debate continues

THE FOREST OWNERS ASSOCIATION (FOA) SAYS THE FEDERATED

Farmers’ call for the government to restrict forest planting ranks as an unnecessary intrusion on the right of farmers to plant trees on their land if they want to.

The FOA also says a restriction would make it more difficult for New Zealand to reach its vital climate change targets.

The government has failed to live up to its promise during the election campaign to make landowners apply for a resource consent if they intend to plant more than 50 hectares of trees on land capability classes 1 – 5, says the FOA.

President, Phil Taylor, says last year’s PricewaterhouseCoopers’ Report, commissioned by MPI, found that, on average, the value-add for forestry, per hectare, was many times higher than it was from the average hill country property.

“Federated Farmers is telling its members that their national organisation is trying to stop them planting forests on whatever land they might want to,” he says.

“It’s a commercial decision for landowners to plant trees based on their assessment of the productivity of that land. They should be backed, not blocked if they want to improve farm profitability and sustainability by planting trees,” he adds.

“Forests are productive too. Yet Federated Farmers is demanding restrictions on all land classes.”

He says Federated Farmers seems to be “confused” about the rules and rate of overseas investment in forest planting.

“Firstly, they are complaining about carbon forestry. Then they say that the government needs to fix the special forestry test for direct overseas investment.

“If they checked with the Overseas Investment Office, they would find out that the OIO is not allowed to, and doesn’t, approve any carbon forest planting.

“Then if Federated Farmers checked on approvals for production forest planting, they would find that the rate for the 18 months to the end of last year was only 500 hectares a month. And since then, the approval rate has fallen.”

Mr Taylor adds that the Climate Change Commission calculates there is a need for another 380,000 hectares of plantation forests within 15 years for New Zealand to reach its greenhouse gas reduction targets. This represents about 4% of the existing sheep and beef estate.

Lobby group, 50 Shades of Green, disagrees, saying the prediction that regional New Zealand will be covered in exotic pine “is coming to fruition before our very eyes”. The wholesale removal of productive land for exotic forestry continues at pace as sales of farmland to forestry move into new parts of the country, says a spokesperson.

“Coming to a region near you is now a reality as both Wisp and Hazeldean stations in Otago add to recent hill country farms sold,” he adds. “The many thousands of tourists who visit the Caitlins do so to enjoy the diverse landscape, iconic tussock land and native bush reserves. They don’t visit it to drive through a sea of exotic pine.

“While it might be a short-term sugar hit for carbon, these policies bring more problems with them than what they solve. By focusing solely on carbon we are losing the bigger picture, the one that is destroying regional communities, economies and environments.

“Policy has not been changed and regional New Zealand pays the price for emitters’ behaviour. There is no mechanism to stop the sales, and the Government sits idly by. It certainly isn’t ‘right tree, right place’ and the ETS clearly isn’t fit for purpose.

“We remind the Government; New Zealand survives largely off its agricultural receipts. Taking land out of production now for trees means it earns nothing for at least 28 years and as the Parliamentary Commission has pointed out, planting pinus radiata will not help get our carbon footprint to zero by 2050.

“What we have now is the next carbon farm bought is the next farm up for sale. We urge the Government to hit the pause button and put a mechanism in place to stop the carnage increasingly happening across the country

“The question the Government needs to ask is, is this policy driving the outcomes that are in New Zealand’s best interest? We say no, and it’s not just farmers, we are now joined by environmental groups, the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, and the Climate Change Commission. It is of substantial concern to growing numbers of New Zealanders who see the snowball gathering speed.” NZL

Seedlings are soaring

SEEDLING SALES HIT ALMOST 92 MILLION SEEDLINGS IN 2020,

three million more than the year before, says Acting Deputy DirectorGeneral Te Uru Rākau – New Zealand Forest Service, Henry Weston.

The findings come from an annual survey of tree stock sales from commercial forestry nurseries – the Provisional Estimates of Tree Stock Sales and Forest Planting.

“The increase in seedling sales is positive, as it shows continued strong interest in tree planting,” says Mr Weston.

“Tree planting is a vital tool in efforts to boost environmental gains, and help New Zealand to reach its economic potential, particularly our recovery from COVID-19.”

Tree stock sales reported in 2020 totalled 91.9 million seedlings, compared to 88.8 million sold in 2019. The main increase was in radiata pine where sales rose by 4.4 million seedlings.

Estimates suggest the increase in 2020 could see seedling sales reach 100 million seedlings in 2021.

The research also shows the majority of planting in New Zealand was on class 6,7 and 8 land, which isn’t considered productive farmland.

“It’s important to consider planting the right tree in the right place, as they can be used to stabilise land, stop erosion and create additional income for farmers or foresters through things like the Emissions Trading Scheme,” says Mr Weston. NZL

Another mill in peril

KAWERAU’S LOCAL PAPER MILL IS THE

latest to face potential closure. Owner, Norske Skog began exploring “all options” for the future of its Tasman mill in Kawerau in October last year.

The company has now met with employees to begin consulting on the future of the operation. It says this is a result of the rapid, negative and likely irreversible impact COVID-19 has had on the industry in the region.

The mill employs 160 people and has been operating in the small Bay of Plenty town for 65 years.

Mayor, Malcolm Campbell, says it didn’t take too long for the news to spread, and there’s shock and bewilderment with people asking where to from here.

He says it’s “another kick in the guts” following COVID-19 and a potential blow for the wider area if it were to close, adding that it’s not good news for the housing market and employment overall. With a population of 7150 in Kawerau, he says the changes could have “a huge effect” on the eastern Bay of Plenty.

E tū organiser Raymond Wheeler says the union is supporting its members through the consultation process.

In a statement issued by Norske’s head office in Oslo at the weekend, the company said it had announced to employees and stakeholders it was starting a process to identify alternative production options for its Tasman newsprint mill in Kawerau: “The company does not intend commenting further until the consultation process is complete and it has had the opportunity to consider feedback from employees. No decision has been made and consultations will take place over the next few weeks.” NZL

Global sawlog prices up and rising

THE GLOBAL SAWLOG PRICE INDEX ROSE 8% IN THE 4Q/20

as demand for logs was up in North America and Europe.

Both of the WRI’s sawlog price indices (Global and European) jumped 8% q-o-q in the 4Q/20 as log prices increased worldwide. Demand for logs improved when lumber consumption increased in the second half of 2020, particularly in the United States, the United Kingdom, South Korea, and the MENA region. In Europe, the lumber market was generally flat, with only minor changes in domestic demand. However, European countries with high levels of lumber exports to non-European countries were in luck. Record-setting lumber prices in the US helped drive increased shipments to higher levels y-o-y than in the 4Q/20. These increases were observed in Germany, Sweden, Romania, and Austria.

The Global Sawlog Price Index (GSPI) rose to a two-year high of US$74.66/m3 in the 4Q/20. This was more than two dollars above its 25-year average. Western US, Western Canada, Austria, Germany, and Estonia saw the most significant q-o-q price increases. Of the 21 regions included on the Index, only Northwest Russia and Poland saw falling sawlog prices from the 3Q/20 to the 4Q/20.

The European Sawlog Price Index (ESPI), denominated in Euros, rose to €76.13/m3 in the 4Q/20, up from an 11-year low in the 3Q/20. Sawlog prices in Austria, Germany, Norway, Estonia, and the Czech Republic increased the most during the fall of 2020.

Russia exported 15 million m3 of logs in 2020, which accounted for almost 12% of globally traded roundwood. Much of this trade may come to a halt next year when a new law proposed by Russia’s president will ban the exportation of softwood logs and high-value hardwood logs starting January 1, 2022. According to a just-released study by WRI and O’Kelly Acumen, Russian Log Export Ban in 2022 – Implications for the Global Forest Industry, China will probably look to source more sawlogs from other regions of the world, such as Oceania, Europe, and the US. NZL

$100 million packaging facility on track

OJI FIBRE SOLUTIONS (OJIFS)

SAYs its $100 million packaging facility is on-track for completion in October this year. This comes on the back of several large-scale investments by Oji Fibre Solutions in recent years, including a planned $200 million upgrade to the Kinleith Mill wastewater treatment systems, which received resource consents in early April.

The modern cardboard box plant development in Establishment Drive, Christchurch will replace the existing operations in Hornby, securing more than 75 long-term jobs in Christchurch.

“We are pleased the project is continuing as planned because there have been many challenges, not the least being disruptions caused by COVID-19,” says OjiFS Chief Operating Officer of Packaging, Grant Fitzgibbon.

The new facility, being built by local Christchurch company Calder Stewart, will feature a purpose-built factory, complete with all box-making and printing equipment. More automation will reduce manual handling and support a safer work site. With this automation the new site is more labour efficient, and Mr Fitzgibbon says the company is working with any affected employees on redeployment and voluntary redundancy options.

“The new facility will be more energy-efficient, a safer, nicer place to work, and will ensure we can meet our customers’ needs both now and into the future,” says Mr Fitzgibbon, adding that it will allow OjiFS to continue to operate in the South Island.

The current site will be decommissioned after the move. NZL

THE RUSSIAN BAN ON LOG EXPORTS

will go ahead in 2022, says Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Trutnev.

“The government of the Russian Federation has made a decision to gradually increase export duties. This year, the duty is 80%. Next year, the ban on the export of logs comes into force. This is being done in order to create jobs in the forestry industry and build processing plants,” he explains.

The state-owned company for the export of logs is being considered as one of the measures for the transition period, he adds.

He noted that the Russian government is not considering any issues related to the abolition of protective duties: “We proceed from the assumption that the export of logs will be prohibited next year.”

Russia is one of the world’s largest wood exporters. In 2020, Russian exports of softwood logs fell by 18.8% y-o-y to 6,9 million m3, while the average price dropped 3.8% to $76.0 per m3 . NZL

Saluting Sinton

Russian ban confirmed

Alan Sinton (left) being presented with a mere by Terra Cat’s Chris Heaton. From left: Alan Sinton, Chris Heaton and Terra Cat Forestry Industry Manager, Wayne Baker.

TERRA CAT RECENTLY HELD A SPECIAL

dinner celebration event in Taupo for longtime Tokoroa logging contractor, Alan Sinton. This was in recognition of over 50 years in the forestry contracting business and a thank you from Terra Cat for the long partnership with AG Sinton, with many long-term associates of Alan and Cat customers attending from within the region. Numerous entertaining stories were told from throughout Alan’s many years in forestry, and Terra Cat Chief Operating Officer, Chris Heaton, presented Alan with a special mere (a traditional Māori symbol of chieftainship made from pounamu) to recognise the occasion. See the March 2020 edition of NZ Logger for a full feature on Alan Sinton’s colourful career in forestry. NZL

KTM Supreme Winner at Forestry Awards

THE BEST OF THE BEST IN THE REGION’S FORESTRY INDUSTRY

were toasted last month at the Southern North Island Wood Council Training Awards dinner.

The Supreme Winner, chosen from the winners of the 12 award categories, was Troy Mason of KTM Silviculture, which earlier in the evening had been crowned as the training company of the year. This prestigious award recognises an individual or company who is a leader in their field, leads by example and demonstrates outstanding excellence in all facets of operation.

KTM is owned by Troy and Kelly Mason. The judges were impressed with the ethos behind this relatively young company which “has a strong ongoing commitment to continuing to upskill its workers and go beyond what is required to ensure the very best when it comes to health, safety and the environment”. Troy is known for his exemplary attitude towards training that ensures his crew not only does a good job but a good job safely done.

The company draws on its Māori roots and has a strong connection to the whenua, and especially local iwi and hapū. For them, this gives more meaning in their training programmes for rangatahi, and especially taking care of the whenua and environment as kaitiaki, making them go that little bit further every time.

Also honoured was Morris Fisher for his outstanding lifetime of commitment to the forestry industry. Judges considered the huge amount of support Morris has given to small scale forestry as well as the development of young people across a wide variety of areas.

In a career spanning more than five decades he has planted over 4000 hectares – or four million trees – then managed the silviculture tending through to maturity. He has been involved in setting up areas of native bush for the Queen Elizabeth Trust and planted native riparian and wetland areas, taking an interest in how they are protecting streams and rivers.

During a stellar career he worked as a log scaler, instructor and manager before establishing his own business, TAML Forestry, that specialises in silviculture, management and consultancy.

Morris has been a long-running supporter of the New Zealand Institute of Forestry and New Zealand Farm Forestry Association and in recent years has been quietly promoting forestry to local schools to encourage young people to consider a career in forestry.

A special award was also presented to Kylie Boyd from CentrePort for the work she has done in establishing a log rail collaboration project in Masterton.

Awards were presented across the industry – from apprentices to wood processing excellence, trainees to contractors and more.

“These are a chance for us to both recognise and celebrate excellence amongst the skilled forestry workforce in our region,” says SNI Wood Council Chief Executive, Erica Kinder.

It is the fourth year the awards have been held, with new categories introduced for emerging talent and wood processing.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s fiancé Clarke Gayford, who is also a television fishing show host, was the MC for the awards dinner, which was held at the Awapuni Function Centre in Palmerston North. The awards cover the sector from Taranaki to Whanganui, Manawatu to Wairapapa, Tararua and Wellington.

Forestry is a significant contributor to the region’s coffers, directly employing more than 1000 people across a wide range of jobs who generate around $187 million of log sales revenue, underpinning a further 2,200 jobs in wood processing.

The winners • Contribution to the Forestry Industry (sponsored by Kiwi Lumber):

Morris Fisher (TAML Forestry). • Special award for Exemplary Forestry Innovation (sponsored by

John Turkington Forestry): Kylie Boyd (CentrePort). • Harvesting Excellence (sponsored by Finance NZ): Samuel Keenan (Keenan Forestry). Runner-up: Hamish Thompson (Mangoihe

Logging Company). • Forestry Excellence (sponsored by Forest 360): Josiah Whenuaroa (Whenuaroa Forestry). • Outstanding Health and Safety Management (sponsored by New

Forests): Dale Ewers (Moutere Logging). • Modern Apprentice of the Year (sponsored by McCarthy Transport):

Glen Etherington (Gillard Logging). Runner-up: Sam McPeak (Keenan Forestry). • Trainee of the Year (sponsored by Competenz): Charles Wipaki (Moutere Logging). Runner-up: Stevie Wilson (Foxpine). • Emerging Talent of the Year (sponsored by Forest Enterprises):

Taine Rona (R&S Dreaver Shelter Trimmers). • Training Company/Contractor of the Year (sponsored by JNL): Troy

Mason (KTM Silviculture). • Contractor of the Year (sponsored by NZ Forestry): Bryan McCarthy (Mangoihe Logging Company). • Outstanding Environmental Management (sponsored by FORME

Consulting): Hannah Harvey (Forest Enterprises). Runner-up: Josh

Blazek (Farman Turkington Forestry). • Distribution Excellence (sponsored by Ernslaw One): Tony Groome (John Turkington). • Wood Processing Excellence (sponsored by China Forest Group

Corporation NZ): Shannon Gillam (Kiwi Lumber Masterton). • Supreme Winner: Troy Mason (KTM Silviculture). NZL

Supreme Winner, KTM Silviculture’s Troy Mason (left) with crew members.

Forestry scholarships promote diversity

TE URU RĀKAU – NEW ZEALAND FOREST SERVICE HAS

announced three new Ngā Karahipi Uru Rākau – Forestry Scholarships being offered through Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology in the Bay of Plenty starting 2022.

“We are proud to partner with Toi Ohomai to offer the new scholarships for those enrolling in a Diploma in Forest Management. This is a way of opening the door to a career in forestry, and also creating more opportunities for women and Māori,” says Debbie Ward, Director, Business and Spatial Intelligence, Te Uru Rākau – New Zealand Forest Service.

“By increasing diversity in higher-level study through the new Toi Ohomai scholarships, we help ensure the forestry and wood processing sector better reflects the diversity in our local communities.”

The diploma course covers a range of topics to prepare students for management roles, including business planning, forest health and management, supply chain and harvesting, and operations management.

Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology Faculty Dean of Primary Industries, Trades and Infrastructure, Brian Dillon, says, “We know the forestry workforce is an ageing one and there is a focus to attract the next generation.

“We are seeing more interest from local Māori who, once qualified, can go on to manage their iwi land. This scholarship will benefit not only the recipients, but their iwi and wider communities.

“There are clear pathways from entry level forestry study through to New Zealand Certificates in Forest Harvesting operations. Several of these graduates continue on to study the Diploma.

“We are the only provider in New Zealand to offer the Diploma in Forest Management. We are excited to see the prospective scholarship students and look forward to their journey with us and Te Uru Rākau – New Zealand Forest Service.”

The new Diploma scholarships complement the existing Bachelor of Forestry Science and Bachelor of Forest Engineering degrees offered through the University of Canterbury since the establishment of the scholarship programme in 2018.

To date, 22 recipients have been awarded scholarships, and the first students are expected to complete their qualifications at the end of 2022.

Applications for all scholarships are open 1 June to 15 August 2021. Those with a strong interest in forestry, strong community involvement, and who are committed to a career in the sector are invited to apply.

For more information visit www.mpi.govt.nz/forestryscholarships NZL

Forestry Minister, Stuart Nash, recently visited the Toi Ohomai Mokoia Campus to talk about the forestry scholarships.

David Aitken steps down as CEO of NRC

AFTER 13 YEARS IN THE ROLE,

David Aitken is to step down as CEO of the National Road Carriers Association (NRC), the national organisation that provides advice and advocacy for 1,800 road transport companies.

NRC chairman, Don Wilson, says Mr Aitken demonstrated great leadership during his tenure and leaves the organisation in a strong position both financially and in terms of membership numbers and perceptions.

“When David was appointed in 2008 the organisation was in a shaky financial position and he worked with the Chairman at the time, Paul Chappel, to stabilise the situation and put it onto a firm footing.

“The NRC has grown substantially over the years with large groups of members from around the country joining us because they recognise the value of the assistance and representation David and his team provide.”

Mr Aitken says when he was appointed he was almost immediately embroiled in a protest action with about 2,000 trucks driving into Auckland city centre and more into other city centres around the country to protest then Transport Minister, Annette King’s proposed road user charge increases.

Other challenges and highlights of his time at the NRC have included dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown last year, that required almost round the clock communications with authorities and trucking companies, and meeting and working with people from the road freight industry.

“It’s an excellent industry – hard working people providing an essential service. I am proud of the professionalism the NRC team has shown over the years, especially during the COVID lockdown, and I have an extremely good board who have been very supportive. We are also very lucky to have partnerships with goods and professional service providers which enable us to do our work.”

Mr Aitken says he decided it was time to move on to new challenges: “It’s time for David Aitken.

someone fresh to keep the NRC moving forward.”

He will remain in the role until the end of July. NZL

New Director for New Forests

INTERNATIONAL SUSTAINABLE FORESTRY INVESTMENT

manager, New Forests has announced the appointment of Christine Loh as an Independent Director to its board. Her appointment supports New Forests’ global growth aspirations and desire to scale environmental and social impact in the forestry sector, says the company.

Ms Loh brings to New Forests a wealth of international experience across government and public policy, finance, and academia with a focus on energy, climate change, and environmental issues. She previously served as Under-Secretary for the Environment for the Hong Kong Government (2012-2017) and is currently Chief Development Strategist at the Institute for the Environment, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. She holds a number of Board and advisory positions, including Director and Trustee of CDP Worldwide, a London-based organisation that runs a global disclosure system for companies, cities, states and regions to manage environmental impacts. “I am excited to be joining the board of New Forests at a time of expansion for the business in Asia, the US and other markets. I have been impressed by New Forests’ track record and feel strongly aligned with its vision of seeing forestry as a key sector in the transition to a sustainable future. Joining the Board of New Forests gives me an opportunity to bring together my experience in public policy, environmental issues, and the finance and corporate sectors in supporting the company’s growth strategy over the coming decade,” says Ms Loh.

David Brand, CEO and Chairman of New Forests adds, “Ms Loh’s appointment will bolster the depth of experience, global perspective, and talent that we have on our board. She is also aligned with our vision to see institutional forestry investment play a significant role in the transition to a net zero emission future, enhance biodiversity and conservation, and create economic opportunities for rural communities.”

Ms Loh has had a distinguished career in both the public and private sector. She was the co-founder of Civic Exchange, an independent non-profit think tank. While holding public office, she championed many reforms including land inheritance rights for the indigenous women of the New Territories and introduced and passed the historic Protection of the Harbour Ordinance. Prior to her career in politics, she had a 14-year career in the private commercial sector in physical commodities trading. She is a published author on public policy, US-China relations, climate change and the environment. NZL

“The advent of the lady forester”

PROFESSIONAL FORESTER, BOTANIST AND ADVOCATE FOR

women’s access to higher education – Mary Sutherland is something of a legend in NZ forestry circles. A new book by Vivien Edwards, A Path Through The Trees, was launched at Scion this month, celebrating Mary’s achievements and legacy as the first female forestry graduate in the world.

This review by Jessie Neilson offers a taste of the book and Mary’s life:

In A Path through the Trees, researcher Vivien Edwards pays tribute to English-born Mary Sutherland (1893-1955), the first female forestry graduate in the world. She frames the personal story in the context of the forestry situation in both New Zealand and Britain at the time. A plaque dedicated to Sutherland’s work, in Whakarewarewa Forest, Rotorua, piqued Edwards’ interest, and from here she delved into archives and conversations, to collate a biography of this woman’s life and her achievements.

Edwards is a long-time contributor to the New Zealand Forest Industries magazine, and so already had background knowledge. With these leads, she has collected written and visual evidence of an outstanding career which paved the way for other women to follow.

Sutherland graduated from Bangor University in Wales during WWI, in an industry entirely male-dominated. She soon gained respect through her hard work, sheer curiosity and commitment to the advancement of forestry practice. Also with a civic conscience, she became an inaugural and lifelong member of the New Zealand Institute of Foresters (NZIF) as well as serving on various boards.

When Sutherland journeyed to New Zealand in 1923, our forestry industry was still in its infancy. From the beginning, she concentrated on – among other areas - nursery plantations, forest health and protection. Frequent photographs from personal and historical collections give examples of the terrains in which people were experimenting as well as of Sutherland herself.

As one male associate remarked: “The advent of the lady forester caused no little stir in the camps”.

Edwards looks at the ways in which a female would have tried to thrive in this kind of environment. She also links it to trends of women taking over men’s jobs in the war years. A Path through the Trees is notable in its attention to an individual and their challenges and in this way, it avoids being a dry, reference book and instead is an empathetic and relatable story.

There is also much to be gained from discussions of the movement away from indigenous forest usage towards the replenishable in our country. Edwards writes of the crisis in forestry, profound in Britain, during these war years. In New Zealand too, there was an almost thoughtless use of native timber, especially the exploitation of rapidly diminishing kauri forests. Sutherland was instrumental in looking towards solutions, sustainability and a gathering “forest consciousness”. She promoted forestry education in schools and encouraged young people’s inquiry into and guardianship of their natural environment, with camp holidays and school nurseries. These are all forward-thinking initiatives where issues around sustainability for the next generations are ever more relevant and where Enviroschools are increasing in number.

Sutherland’s later focuses included botany, community work and advocacy for women in tertiary education. With a wealth of experiences and through pure grit, Sutherland remains a role model for women to broach a male-dominated industry, to learn alongside, gain respect and to lead. Edwards has drawn on reports, photographs and journals, as well as through interviews, to document this determined woman in an early era of forestry. The current Chair of the New Zealand Institute of Forestry Foundation provides the foreword.

Sutherland’s legacy continues in her bequests and scholarships, left to strengthen our connection to the land. So too does her contribution live on in her 1930-designed rimu sprig seal, still the basis of the NZIF emblem today. NZL

The real deal in hydraulic servicing

WITH HYDRAULICALLY ACTUATED FORESTRY MACHINERY COSTING

typically from hundreds of thousands to more than two million dollars each, anyone who knows machinery understands the value of proper hydraulic servicing.

This fast-moving and demanding field of expertise, evolving ever faster in terms of machinery sophistication started with the child prodigy, mathematician and physicist Blaise Pascal.

Pascal (for whom kPA is named) gave us in his short life (1623–62) the law that states that a change of pressure in an incompressible fluid is transmitted equally throughout the fluid. He used it to invent the syringe and a handful of early predecessors of hydraulic presses.

He was joined down through the centuries by Yorkshire inventor and locksmith Joseph Bramah (1748-1814) whose lock-manufacturing shop was a cradle of the British machine-tool industry fervour and focus for hydraulic press production during the early years of the industrial revolution.

Fast forward to the future and in recent times the performance, sophistication and operating pressures of hydraulic equipment have increased significantly, as have their service needs to maintain precision, safety, efficiency and time on the job.

This is particularly true in the case of mobile hydraulic equipment, which can range from the most basic forklift to the most sophisticated dragline, with every truck, earthmover, harvester, bulldozer, log loader, mulcher, forwarder, skidder, and on or off-road working vehicle critically dependent on hydraulics. As a result, modern hydraulic equipment is not only more expensive to fix when it breaks down unexpectedly, but proactive maintenance is imperative to maximise service life and minimise operating costs.

“For safety, efficiency, uptime and maximum machinery life, it has never been more important than now to have experienced people working on your valuable equipment, says Robin Simpson, Chief Executive Officer at Hydraulink Fluid Connectors.

“You have to have deep knowledge and great experience in this area to be able to identify issues early. There are huge issues of safety, compliance, machinery knowledge, site knowledge, traceability and accountability involved in big machines. Why would you risk first-rate equipment with second-rate servicing?

“In the worst instances, it is like asking a backyard mechanic to tune a million-dollar machine. Because, at the end of the day, the quality of the job depends on the quality of the person and backing of the organisation you get to do it.

“We asked our people out in the field to honestly tell us what’s in it for them and their customers.” The typical priorities that emerged from a spectrum of industries, included: 1. Proven top standards of safety, OH&S, ISO 9001 accreditation and ability to confidently handle compliance and traceability of input requirements. 2. Familiarity with customer sites and diverse machinery being worked upon, so service technicians do not cost time, money and downtime learning the job at the customer’s expense. 3. Cost-efficient prices are always a top priority in a competitive business. They need to be backed by proven integrity of practice. 4. Top standards of predictive maintenance, to help obviate unexpected downtime on sites often remote from skilled assistance. 5. A strong and growing mobile fleet complementing consistently high workshop standards, to give customers the option of on-site service. 6. Resources of a successful national network with a depth of expertise and training. 7. A positive can-do attitude that provides the best solution and the deepest long-term value, rather than quick fixes. 8. A robust and reliable supply chain (especially one proven during the recent COVID disruptions) backed by industry-best stocking and despatch performance. 9. Proven locally focussed and owner-operator business models

Keeping a clear vision

A NEW HIGH-DEFINITION CAMERA CREATED FOR USE ON

yarder/hauler grapples not only makes it easier to spot trees on the ground, it also promises to significantly cut downtime caused by faults or damage and improve productivity.

That’s because the new Falcon camera comes with a spare module that can be called on if the original one stops working. It also comes with a courier pack so that the faulty/damaged module can be immediately sent back to the manufacturer, Nelson-based DC Equipment, to test and fix before being returned to be used as the new spare.

Not that the team at DC Equipment is expecting a deluge of faulty HD camera modules to come its way.

More than two years of research and development has resulted in an HD Grapple Camera System that is even more robust and reliable than the original version introduced in 2013.

“We’re not only providing a much-improved camera system, we’ve also addressed the practicalities of working in a harsh environment and providing crews with an essential back-up to keep them working,” says Nick Andrews, NZ Customer Support with DC Equipment.

“Let’s face it, in forestry no machine is fool-proof because of the nature of what you are doing and the environment you are working in, and the grapple camera system probably undergoes some of the most punishing forces of any piece of equipment that you can think of. It’s now a crucial item – you can’t operate your swing yarder to pull 400 or 500 tonnes without that camera.

“This new system enables users to swap it out and carry on. The fault may just be a loose connection but it’s still a hassle if it won’t work and you don’t have the time or the wherewithal to fix it. We can do that while your crew continues to work. No downtime.”

In addition, the improved clarity of the new system allows the operator to see trees on the ground far easier, especially in low light conditions and across one field view of 100-degrees, leading to faster wood recovery and increased productivity.

Each unit comes with two batteries that provide up to 20 hours of continuous power and the signal has a long transmitting range, with zero latency.

Prior to releasing the new camera system to the market, the DC Equipment technical team trialled it with an independent harvesting crew near Nelson and the operator enthusiastically told them the picture was so good he could even see individual pine needles before dropping the grapple down to grab the stem.

Barry McIntosh, Product Manager with DC Equipment, explains that the new camera is a low latency, ultra high definition type that is used by broadcasting professionals.

“It provides a much clearer image in a wide range of light conditions, with much better colour definition. It’s surprising the effect it has – operators aren’t having to squint or strain to see the trees and, as a consequence, they suffer less fatigue because it’s a lot easier to pick out the trees when you are a lot further out.”

Barry says the transmission system has also been upgraded and there is much less likelihood of the signal dropping out in poor operating conditions. NZL

which deliver the best results where specialised skills are required. 10.Overall, cost-efficiently ensuring the best lifespan and minimised downtime for expensive machinery.

“We at Hydraulink invest a lot in developing attitude, skills and training, because these are the drivers of deep value. They are critical, whether you are a supplier to hire and customer fleets extending across key industries or an official supplier to the America’s Cup as we were – where a depth of hydraulic expertise was vital to the foil cant system involved in the Emirates Team New Zealand win, and enabling all yachts involved to touch speeds up to 50 knots,” Robin adds.

Hydraulink has a network of more than 400 service points throughout New Zealand, Australia, South Asia and Eastern USA. NZL

Fleet management front and centre

The Electronic Distance Recorder also showing RUC licence.

WORKING IN THE FORESTRY SECTOR, QUALITY, EFFICIENCY,

and health and safety are top priorities for Rosewarne Cable Loggers. Based in Whangarei, Rosewarne Cable Loggers supports the logging and roading firm, Rosewarne Contractors with administration, health and safety, accounts, operations and training services.

To improve its day-to-day operations and communication, Rosewarne Cable Loggers & Rosewarne Contractors adopted Teletrac Navman’s fleet management system in 2018 into the combined fleet of around 39 vehicles – including Utes and vans – that travel over the vast area of North Auckland to Greater Northland. Being able to see exactly where the vehicles are, even when they’re out of phone reception, has saved hours of work each week for the back office.

With an estimated 5% of the population unable to get cell phone coverage at home or work, Rosewarne Cable Loggers is among many rural businesses having to operate without reliable access to cell phone coverage. Working in mountainous, remote areas means that this will likely be an ongoing issue. Prior to adopting the GPSbased system, management often had to physically go to the site to check on the safety of staff. Before installing the system, with no real-time updates of vehicle locations, the company was reliant on staff to get in touch when they had phone coverage. “I would get text messages in the evening when the team members drove home and had reception again,” says Maree Mitchell, administration assistant at Rosewarne Cable Loggers.

Maree and others in the office can now look up the locations of all vehicles and organise pick-ups and delivery of equipment when needed. “This visibility is incredibly valuable if there’s an incident when mobile staff are without phone reception, as you can see where the vehicle is at all times,” Maree adds. “It’s made my life a lot easier as everything I need is right there in front of me. My day is much more productive as I no longer have to chase things all the time.”

Streamlining Road User Charges

Forestry companies drive a significant distance offroad on forestry sites, so the ability to correctly claim all off-road RUC rebates can make a real financial impact.

Rosewarne Cable Loggers can now automate the RUC licence purchases and claims for rebates, which are completed entirely online and distributed to vehicles instantly via in-vehicle Electronic Distance Recorders.

“It’s great not having to go all the way into town to purchase RUC and spend the time to manually get RUC rebates, allowing for the team to concentrate on more important aspects of their daily duties,” says Maree. Getting the RUC rebates automatically is a great bonus as many fleet vehicles spend the majority of time on private logging roads.

Lastly, the fleet management solution makes it easy to plan maintenance for the vehicle fleet. Rosewarne Cable Loggers now gets automatic activity and status reports, saving hours previously spent chasing vehicle status updates from drivers. The reports are helpful in planning schedules, as they can organise for drivers to have another vehicle while their Ute is getting work done, resulting in minimal downtime.

Find Teletrac Navman at Fieldays Mystery Creek 2021 at stand PA4/PA5. NZL

QB2500

QB3500

QB4400

Southstar Equipment New Zealand, 03 View Rd. Rotorua

Iron Test Story & photos: John Ellegard a trucking good job

The Astra 8x8 purpose-built log shuttle truck, owned by Offroad Trucking Services, climbs a steep track from a landing overlooking the water.