FOREST TALK

Forestry in the hands of local government?

GOVERNMENT HAS ASKED FOR FEEDBACK ON A PROPOSAL THAT

local government have “more discretion to decide on the location, scale, type and management of plantation and exotic carbon forests in their districts”.

They say this is a bid to improve the way New Zealand manages forestry “to ensure it works for nature, the climate, local communities, and our economy”.

Government says the consultation is a step toward delivering the Labour Party Manifesto commitment to empower local councils to decide which land can be used for plantation and carbon forests through the resource consent process.

The proposals include broadening the control by local authorities over the planting of exotic forests in their districts, including whether to widen the scope of the regulations to include permanent exotic afforestation (exotic carbon forests), with the opening of public consultation on the National Environmental Statement for Plantation Forests (NES-PF).

“This consultation supports the Government’s aim to balance the type and scale of afforestation happening across New Zealand – to get the right tree in the right place,” says Minister of Agriculture, Damien O’Connor. ”We are addressing concerns about the impacts to the environment and on rural communities from the potential conversion of productive farmland to exotic carbon forests.

“The forestry sector makes an important contribution to our economy, communities, and the environment and it is vital that the sector grows in a way that is productive and sustainable. This step helps build a high value, high wage and low emissions future for New Zealand.

“We are seeing greater investment in forestry due to the significant increase in the carbon price, forestry’s role in reaching our emissions reduction goals, and demand for wood products,” adds Minister of Forestry, Stuart Nash.

“However, large-scale change in land use for exotic carbon forestry, if left unchecked and without any management oversight or requirements, has the potential for unintended impacts on the environment, rural communities, and regional economies.

“We’re seeking feedback on options for giving local councils more control over which land can be used for afforestation including both plantation and exotic carbon forests, through the resource consent process. Councils would be able to decide based on social and economic factors which are specific to their areas and communities,” Mr Nash says.

“Uncontrolled planting of permanent forestry undermines the sustainability of rural communities. That’s why the Government has expanded Labour’s Manifesto commitment, and wants to give local councils the ability to determine where and to what extent exotic carbon forests can be planted across all land classes,” Associate Minister of Local Government Kieran McAnulty adds.

“Local councils know their communities best, and I encourage everyone, rural and urban, to submit to allow their council to permit exotic carbon forestry in a way the community wants.”

Combined approach

Minister of Climate Change, James Shaw, says that it is crucial to make sure the National Environmental Standards for Plantation Forestry and the Emissions Trading Scheme work together to deliver Government priorities on climate action and biodiversity.

“Planting trees is no replacement for reducing gross emissions. Even so, the NES-PF and the Emissions Trading Scheme still have to work together to make sure the settings are right for restoring and replanting native forests. It will take some time to get this right, but that is what we are working to achieve.

“Right now, the rules put in place by previous Governments are not working. A rising price for carbon credits has created a strong financial incentive to establish new exotic forestry plantations. At the same time, the NES for Plantation Forestry doesn’t apply to permanent exotic forests.

“Now we have New Zealand’s first ever plan in place to cut climate pollution in every part of the country – backed with $4.5 billion of investment – we need to make sure forestry is done in an environmentally sound way. The forestry sector needs to contribute to emissions reduction, better environmental outcomes, and a resilient rural economy,” says Mr Shaw.

Ministers also confirmed that the Government will maintain its long-term goal of enabling permanent forests to transition to natives over time. Further work will need to be done to determine the best way to achieve this. To allow time for this work to be completed, and following consultation, the permanent forest category will remain unchanged for now and come into effect on 1 January 2023.

“Exotic afforestation is a key component of New Zealand’s response to climate change. However, increasing carbon prices in the NZ ETS may lead to higher-than-expected levels of exotic carbon forestry,” Mr Nash says.

A group of Māori and other technical forestry experts will help redesign the settings of the ETS permanent forestry category so it better supports long-term indigenous carbon sinks, he adds.

“For decades, successive Governments have tried to deal with our biodiversity and climate crises separately. But the reality is, neither will be successfully resolved unless both are tackled together. This is why we need to make sure we are genuinely reducing emissions, while also enabling restoration and replanting of our native forests, in which our indigenous wildlife can thrive – and that we are doing so in a way that works for tangata whenua,” says Mr Shaw.

These changes are intended to come into effect from 1 January 2025. NZL

Heavy fines for “careless” harvest

CONVICTIONS AND FINES HAVE BEEN IMPOSED FOR

Environmental damage caused by a “highly careless” pine woodlot harvest and associated earthworks on a farm in northern Waikato, totalling more than $100,000.

Forestry company, Glenn Martin, and forestry harvest contractor, Radiata Harvesting (2017) and staff were convicted and sentenced in the Auckland District Court last month on a total of 11 charges against the Resource Management Act.

The prosecution taken by the Waikato Regional Council related to activities from April 2019 through to January 2020 that resulted in over four kilometres of poorly constructed forestry tracking, along with numerous stream crossings. These actions negatively impacted streams in the area through the discharge of tree waste material and sediment.

Glenn Martin and Radiata Harvesting (2017) were each convicted of four charges and sentenced to fines totalling $45,000. Auckland resident and harvest foreman, Frederick Hunia, was convicted of two charges and sentenced to fines totalling $5000. Pōkeno earthworks contractor, Peter Arnet, was convicted of one charge and fined $9750.

In sentencing in Auckland, District Court Judge, Melinda Dickey, characterised the forestry harvest as “highly careless, bordering on reckless”.

Waikato Regional Council’s Regional Compliance Manager, Patrick Lynch, says: “The environmental effects of forestry activities are regulated through a national environmental standard. This standard has now been in place for some years, and the forestry industry will notice an increased focus by us on compliance with it.

“Where landowners or forestry contractors deviate from these national regulations, resulting in adverse environmental outcomes, they can expect enforcement action to be taken.”

He adds: “The forestry harvest management was very poor in this instance. Sediment is one of the main pollutants that adversely affects water quality, in this case the headwaters of the Ohaeroa Stream and ultimately the Waikato River.” NZL

EXCLUSIVE EXCLUSIVE NEW ZEALAND NEW ZEALAND DISTRIBUTOR OF DISTRIBUTOR GB FORESTRY PRODUCTS GB FORESTRY PRODUCTS

EXCLUSIVE NEW ZEALAND DISTRIBUTOR OF GB FORESTRY PRODUCTS

EXCLUSIVE NEW ZEALAND DISTRIBUTOR OF GB FORESTRY EQUIPMENT

EXCLUSIVE NEW ZEALAND DISTRIBUTOR GB FORESTRY PRODUCTS

" "

PITCHGAUGE

3/4

PITCHGAUGE

EXCLUSIVE NEW ZEALAND DISTRIBUTOR OF GB FORESTRY PRODUCTS

A monopolistic market?

FOREST OWNERS ASSOCIATION (FOA) PRESIDENT, GRANT

Dodson, says the suggestion by Climate Change Minister James Shaw to centralise buying carbon credits in central government, and decoupling the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) from forestry, is a message that trees are irrelevant to fighting climate change.

Speaking to media, Mr Shaw said the Government was exploring forestry’s place in the ETS and “One option was the Government became a buyer – or even the exclusive purchaser – of units from forest owners.”

Mr Dodson says while he agrees that forest planting should not delay any actions to reduce the overall output of greenhouse gas emissions, there is a limit to how much gross emissions can be reduced, either by 2035 or by 2050, without “knee-capping” the New Zealand economy. If we had started earlier, with greater commitment by successive governments, we might not be in this position, but we are.

“Forestry can buy us time to meet those targets. Countless independent studies have all concluded we must plant fast-growing trees because the need to soak up carbon is now very urgent. Or we don’t meet our targets.”

The Climate Change Commission has stated forests are the only option available now for removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere at scale.

It has assessed an additional 380,000 hectares of exotics must be planted by 2035 to meet five-year carbon budgets.

Mr Dodson says planting is at about that level: “But now the government is floating ideas to drive the planting rate down again. This will happen if the government decides it will be the sole purchaser of forestry units and thus control price. It’ll be as successful as when the government took over meat exports through the Meat Board in the mid-1980s.”

The President of the Farm Forestry Association, Graham West, adds that integrating farming and forestry on the same property can make for a more profitable farm operation.

“Many members of the Farm Forestry Association have been planting trees on 10-20% of their farm. With the right policies and encouragement, farmers will make a major contribution to meet our carbon targets and earn timber income as well,” he says.

Mr Dodson points to the report just issued by the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, Simon Upton, which raises concerns about the volume of agricultural methane, which will remain in the environment after 2050, even if methane reduction goals are met.

“Mr Upton directly says huge areas of exotic forestry need to be planted just to offset this methane. Other than de-stocking, he doesn’t see alternatives to using trees to offset.”

Both say that it will be hard for New Zealand to meet its international targets.

Mr Dodson adds, “Changes in technology, business practice, and land-use are all vital and all way beyond tinkering at the margin.

“But what we have right now is yet another signal to would-be forest investors that the government is weak on the real means to fight climate change.”

Sowing doubt

As always, the New Zealand Institute of Forestry doesn’t mince its words. They had this to say in a statement titled, ‘Don’t trees remove carbon from the atmosphere Minister?’:

“New forest planting is no excuse for polluters to delay reducing their emissions, however we agree with the Climate Change Commission: the nation needs time in the quest to reduce carbon use. Recent studies show planting new forests (exotic or native) helps to buy the valuable

time needed to achieve real change planned for 2035 and 2050. “Countless independent studies have all come to the same conclusion; we must have more tree planting because the need to soak up carbon and cool the planet is now very urgent. Failure to have these new forests will result in New Zealand buying units from offshore, in other words the taxpayer will pay an overseas entity to plant trees or reduce carbon, FOA President, Grant Dodson. rather than invest the money here in New Zealand. “If Government suddenly becomes the sole purchaser of forestry units, as suggested by Minister Shaw, this sends a very strong message to potential new forest investors they will only have a monopolistic market in which to sell. Removing the free market mechanism for forestry units would slash investor confidence. A lack of investment would drive New Zealand towards a certain failure to meet the Climate Change Commission target: to plant an additional 380,000 hectares of exotic and 300,000 hectares of native forest estate. “Meeting our international targets is a huge challenge for New Zealand. We are concerned Government tinkering with rules and policy changes creates additional uncertainty in the market. The changes required in business practices as well as land use are not tinkering at the margin. Business-as-usual is not an option. Abandoning or falling short of our targets is an option, but we should expect an unsympathetic response from our export markets if we do. “If Minister Shaw believes there are too many NZU’s in the market, then we suggest they stop providing ‘hot air’ NZU’s each quarter to auction to polluters. These NZU’s are equivalent to the Government printing cash. “We agree if the level of planting exceeds what the Climate Change Commission recommends then planting can back off and the policy levers may need adjusting but we see no evidence to suggest we are anywhere near that happy place. “What we have with Minister Shaw’s proposal to nationalise Forestry units is yet another signal to long-term investors the government is having a re-think about the ETS rules. If the plan was to sow doubt and slow down planting then it has probably achieved its aim.”

Last word

Māori Climate Commissioner, Donna Aware Huata, adds that Climate Change Minister James Shaw’s admission that the Government is considering becoming the exclusive purchaser of carbon units from forest owners ‘highlights a clear plan to nationalise the earnings from the Māori green economy and force owners of whenua Māori into a new dependence on the Crown”. She says whether this is dangerous speculation designed to soften the market for change or a clear plan to nationalise the earning of foresters around the country, the assertion should be a wakeup call for every Māori forest owner. “Shaw’s proposal would see the Government take total control over the carbon market,” says Commissioner Awatere Huata. “They would set the price, control the volume and ultimately take any real profit from the credits earned by Māori landowners and foresters for themselves – effectively reducing any real opportunity Māori have to build on the opportunities of the green economy.” The potential impact to Māori in terms of lost investment and earnings is estimated to be up to $16 billion, she says. NZL

“Trees are the solution”

THE FOREST OWNERS ASSOCIATION (FOA) SAYS THE

highlighting of biogenic methane discharges, in a report recently issued by the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, is alarming and urgently calls for forest planting solutions to buy New Zealand time.

The report, issued by Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, Simon Upton, is titled: ‘How much forestry would be needed to offset warming from agricultural methane’.

FOA President, Grant Dodson, says the report reveals that the warming effect of New Zealand’s livestock methane since 1850 is greater than the combined effect of both of New Zealand’s other major greenhouse gases – carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide – in the same period.

“It obviously cannot be swept under some metaphorical carpet as a short-lived gas, if we are to meet warming emissions reduction targets. Ongoing emissions create a new problem.

“The report says if the Climate Change Commission’s demonstration path of reducing greenhouse gas emissions were to be met, including the highest methane target reduction of 47% from 2017, by 2050, then methane would be responsible for threequarters of all our warming emissions by 2100.”

Mr Dodson says the forestry industry has no issues with Simon Upton’s statement that other means of reducing methane emissions at source, such as vaccines or breeding low emitting stock, are vital first options.

“We agree with farmers that they need access to CRISPR technology for gene editing to lower methane emissions, just as we need it to solve the wilding conifer problem by selectively turning off seeding fertility in some minor species.

“But we also agree with Simon Upton that until these other options are sufficiently advanced, taking carbon out of the atmosphere is something New Zealand does have the ability to do through tree planting.

“A formula for planting plantations of pines at scale, is also essential. The Parliamentary Environment Commissioner has correctly concluded that native trees are nice, but are too slow at building a carbon sink to be used for this purpose, even though there are other reasons for wanting an increase in native tree planting.

“He also dismisses riparian strips and woodlot areas as ‘minimal’.”

Simon Upton says new planting of 26,000 hectares a year through to 2050, would only manage to offset 10% of remaining methane emissions.

“This additional planting rate is above the new planting average for the past five years of about 22,000 hectares a year, so is quite achievable,” Mr Dodson says.

“But if 60% of the remaining methane were to be offset, a planting rate of 77,000 hectares a year would be needed.

“Trees are clearly the solution we need here and now, while technology evolves to tackle emissions at source. But the problem remains that every time the tree solution is suggested we get voices campaigning against land use change.

“New Zealand is rapidly running out of time to meet its emission targets for 2030 and those farmers opposed to change need to realise that the alternative is severe carbon-based tariffs for their products exported to key European markets in particular.

“This is already written into trade agreements. There is no hiding under the daggs for farming and the problem needs addressing. Forestry is the only practical solution until technology catches up.

“Forest growth in the long term is well proven to deliver an on average higher economic value than sheep and beef farming. But in the short-term, we agree, care needs to be taken to maintain communities through the transition.

“Fortunately, the just released Forest and Wood Processing Transformation Plan does have a focus on developing timber processing in just the regions which are economically struggling at present.

“Not only can forestry offer a climate solution, but it offers a viable rural industry bringing proven employment and wealth to New Zealand,” he says. NZL

Prototype log grabs impress

NAPIER PORT’S NEW LOG GRABS ARE A

significant safety improvement for log loading operations on port and are set to enable operational efficiencies with an increased throughput of logs, says CEO Todd Dawson.

“Not only is it a boost in productivity for vessels calling to Napier, loading logs onto charter vessels also represents a new service offering and revenue stream to Napier Port.”

This follows a successful trial in which the Port’s senior crane operators safely loaded logs onto the Norse Mobile bulk cargo vessel using log grabs custom-designed and built for use on the port’s existing mobile harbour cranes.

“Alongside our new log debarking facility, and other infrastructure projects in the pipeline, we are continuing to develop and invest in efficient cargo solutions for our customers and create greater value right across our operations,” says Mr Dawson.

The port’s bulk cargo and crane teams worked closely with Page Macrae Engineering to develop the prototype log grabs to suit the specific operational requirements at Napier Port. Introducing log grab infrastructure to port operations reduces the need to rely on a ship’s own smaller cranes to load logs and will also allow Napier Port to welcome log vessels that don’t have cranes at all. NZL

Grooved Drums and Sleeves

Growth despite challenges for CentrePort

WHILE CENTREPORT ACHIEVED A SOLID RESULT FOR FISCAL

Year 22 (FY22) the COVID-19 related impacts that emerged in 2020 continued into a second year, with global and local supply chain disruptions.

Chief Executive, Anthony Delaney, says: “That contributed to budgeted growth in the main trades – containers, logs and fuel – not being achieved with volumes slightly down on the previous year. Vehicles bucked the trend with record volumes for the Port.

“Container volumes of 89,892 TEU were 25 down on last year. Global and local supply chains continued to be significantly disrupted as a result of the ongoing pandemic.

“Log export volumes of 1.74 million JAS (Japanese Agricultural Standard) was 65 down on last year’s record total. Log exports were impacted by decreased demand and high inventory levels in the Chinese market during the year.

“Fuel import volumes of 885k tonnes was 55 down due primarily to lower aviation fuel demand,” says Mr Delaney.

Nonetheless, CentrePort recorded an underlying net profit after tax (NPAT) which excludes Kaikōura earthquake-related items, changes in fair value, abnormal items and the tax impacts of these items – of $8.0m compared to $7.2m in FY21.

Revenue was $84.2m compared to $80.2m the previous year. The increased revenue and good cost management resulted in a 20.7% increase in net cash flows from operating activities.

A dividend of $6m (FY21: $5m excluding a special dividend of $15m) was paid to shareholders Greater Wellington Regional Council and Horizons Regional Council.

Chair, Lachie Johnstone, says the Health and Safety of CentrePort’s people, and those they work with and who use the port facilities, is integral to the port’s operations.

“Employee engagement and empowerment has resulted in continuous improvement in our health and safety culture over a period of years.

“In May CentrePort welcomed the joint Health and Safety at Work Act (HSWA) assessment by Maritime New Zealand and WorkSafe and supports the Tripartite Ports Health and Safety Leadership Group, including the development of a Code of Practice.

“Overall, CentrePort performed well in the assessment, with documented procedures consistent with practice and vice versa. This reflects CentrePort’s philosophy of engaging with our workers and giving them full support to stop work if it looks or feels unsafe, or for them to stop others. Our people are empowered to develop and review the way we operate including investment into our critical risk,” he says.

Mr Johnstone adds that CentrePort introduced new capacity into, and enhanced resilience of, the New Zealand logistics supply chain system. This will help alleviate pressures for shippers and shipping lines being experienced in other ports.

“The new partnership with Port Marlborough announced in June creates supply chain solutions for customers in the Marlborough region. This will see the creation of a cargo hub, operational by 2024, with road and rail links to Port Marlborough.

“The catastrophic weather that hit the Nelson/Marlborough region this year reinforced the need for greater resilience in the supply chain, and wider options for importers and exporters which this new venture will provide.

“We continued investment in the existing inland hub network including the joint venture with Direct Connect in Whanganui and the log hub at Waingawa.”

CentrePort continued implementation of its energy strategy with the goal of the port being carbon neutral by 2040. This included the first full year of operation of the seven electric container movement vehicles, and the continued rollout of LED lighting towers. NZL

Cargo Unit FY22 FY21 Change %

Logs JAS 1,737,422 1,841,877 -6% Containers TEU (20-foot equivalent unit) 89,892 91,900 -2%

Vehicles Units 29,098 24,501 +19% Petroleum Tonnes 884,905 934,451 -5%

Proven harvesting head control

THE TIGERCAT D7 CONTROL SYSTEM COMBINES A SOLID AND

field-proven hardware and bucking control system with a Tigercatdeveloped head control and user interface. The system offers powerful functionality, simplicity and intuitive operator navigation, says Tigercat.

There are two types of bucking control available for the D7. Priority-based bucking logic utilises a list of operator-entered log specification sizes to determine how best to process the tree. D7 Optimisation level uses a value-based logic. Using multiple layers of matrices correlating price, demand, and production limits to each log size under each tree species, the control system optimises each processed tree to achieve the best value. These matrices are usually programmed by the timber buyer.

Both Tigercat D7 Priority and Optimisation levels offer StanForD Classic, StanForD 2010, and PDF production reporting based on contracts, operators, species, and product groups. The reports provide total quantity and volume, as well as per species and product group quantities and volume. Reports can be viewed on screen, or exported for later analysis. D7 also sends production volume data to RemoteLog, Tigercat’s optional telematics system.

D7 can be equipped with a GPS receiver and the GeoInfo software. This provides an active navigation application using the machine’s current position on a georeferenced map. Work site maps can be viewed on the in-cab display screen, allowing the operator to easily view the site layout, track the movement of the machine, and view production information. Restricted areas can be marked with boundary alarms.

D7 is currently available for the Tigercat 534 harvesting head. NZL

Forestry hub for Fieldays

VISITORS TO FIELDAYS 2022 WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO

learn about the forestry sector from more than 40 sector organisations and companies under one roof.

Under the theme of ‘Wood – our low-carbon future’, the Fieldays Forestry Hub will be a dedicated space at this year’s Fieldays event, giving visitors the chance to explore the many facets of the forestry and wood processing sector and its role in mitigating climate change.

At the hub visitors will discover information on forestry growing, climate change, wood products, timber construction, biosecurity and biodiversity. There will also be two forestry simulators on site for visitors to experience what it’s like to operate machinery in a forest.

The hub is a collaboration between Fieldays and an advisory group comprising of Te Uru Rākau – New Zealand Forest Service, Forest Growers Levy Trust, Scion, the New Zealand Forest Owners Association, Red Stag, the New Zealand Farm Forestry Association and Future Foresters.

Hub spokesperson, Alex Wilson, says: “We’re entering an exciting phase in forestry and wood processing, which is creating huge employment opportunities. People of all ages and abilities can find great careers in this sector – from planting and managing native forests and looking after the forest environment, to managing people and resources and working with state-of-the-art technology.

“We’d also like to open people’s minds up to the possibilities of trees – anything that’s a fossil fuel today can be made from a tree in the future. We’ll have bioplastic vine clips, leather shoes tanned with pine bark tannin, biofuel insights and a showcase of how drone technology is a game changer.”

Farm Forestry Association (FFA) President, Graham West, says the FFA strongly supports the Fieldays Forestry Hub and has been heavily engaged in its design and development.

“We wish to reach landowners with the message that farm forestry is working well for our members and is an important option for future sustainable land use in New Zealand.”

Mr West says the farm forestry section of the hub will have practical experts and information available on multiple plantation species, with a focus on Redwoods, Eucalypts, Cypresses, Poplar and Willow, and Radiata pine.

“We also support and facilitate the ‘Grow-a-tree’ competition for children.”

Forest Owners Association President, Grant Dodson, adds that forestry is an excellent land use opportunity for farmers.

“The hub is all about sharing information, so that forestry is better understood and those farmers that want to can be better informed before investing.

“We see integrated land use, with trees on farms, as a real opportunity to increase overall long-term returns for farming, while improving environmental outcomes, especially around climate change.”

Peter Nation, CEO of the National New Zealand Fieldays Society says, “Plans are also afoot, through Te Uru Rākau’s Industry Transformation Plan, to add more value to our forestry sector by processing wood materials in New Zealand, which in turn will create even more career and job opportunities. Because of this, featuring a new hub centred around forestry and wood-processing at Fieldays was a no-brainer.

“This is the first time Fieldays has included something so specific to the forestry and wood-processing sectors, which is well-deserved as they continue to be such an important primary industry in our country,” says Mr Nation.

“There’s a huge need for workers of all kinds in the sector – the breadth of skill sets that can be used is astounding.

“We’re so lucky to have these companies and organisations here to showcase themselves and show how an interest in forestry can quickly become a career.” NZL

Compact and nimble

LIEBHERR IS EXPANDING ITS PORTFOLIO IN THE FIELD OF TIMBER

tractors with the new LH 26 M Timber Litronic which is available for New Zealand.

Designed for efficient timber handling, the LH 26 M’s compact design and ease of manoeuvrability are well-suited for work in sawmills and timber operations with limited space. The handling machine is low on fuel too.

The LH 26 M Timber Litronic extends the existing portfolio downwards with an operating weight of between 23,500 and 26,000kg.

The engine power of 125 kW provides the system with a high torque. This means that the machine can be accelerated quickly.

Thanks to the extremely small front and rear swing radius, the machine can be completely swivelled even in tight locations. The minimal contour of the right front in particular means that work can be carried out very close to the sorting string or pile, as this is always within the width of the undercarriage. This provides a prominent view of the working area, ensures additional safety and prevents collisions.

For high manoeuvrability, the LH 26 M Timber is equipped with all-wheel steering as standard. The all-wheel steering increases driving stability and thus improves directional stability. The automatic steering reversal, which is also standard, guarantees the correct steering direction at all times when driving forwards or backwards.

The electric swing angle adjustment in the traction motor provides more torque, maximum acceleration and higher tractive effort. This ensures a constantly high driving performance even on slopes.

For longer distances, the combination of timber tractor and trailer is the optimal choice. Thanks to the powerful drive and the robust axles, trailers weighing up to 60 tonnes can be towed. The new undercarriage concept with 2-point blade support significantly increases the handling performance in trailer operation. The 2-point blade support offers strong stability as well as high payloads when loading and unloading the trailer over the entire swivel range. This allows more timber to be handled per loading cycle and thus increases productivity. The blade can additionally be used for clearing work and thus increases safety in the timber yard. NZL

From Whangarei to Wanaka, Haulage to Horticulture.

For over 90 years FUCHS has been developing high-quality, OEM-recognised lubricants to support diverse fleets. FUCHS’ expertise gives customers confidence, knowing FUCHS Lubricants cover all aspects of equipment and maintenance requirements.

FUCHS’ TITAN CARGO UHPD SAE 15W-40 with CK-4 and CJ-4 approvals enables fleet operators to consolidate lubricant requirements when servicing a diverse range of vehicles.

FUCHS’ TITAN CARGO UHPD SAE 15W-40 can be used for hardworking commercial diesel engines in applications covering highway, construction and agricultural motors plus many more.

With that experience, FUCHS’ TITAN CARGO UHPD SAE 15W-40 is designed to extend engine lifetime and reduced downtime for maintenance.

MOVING YOUR WORLD

Spotlight on Northland’s forestry heroes

LUKE ROSEWARNE, FROM ROSEWARNE YARDING, WAS THE supreme winner of the Skilled Professional of the Year (sponsored by Northland Forestry Health and Safety Group) at the recent 2022 Northland Forestry Awards. He also walked away with the AB Equipment- and Tigercat-sponsored Harvesting Excellence award.

The Rosewarne family companies took other awards too, with Rosewarne Cable Loggers’ Sean Mete winning the Breaking Out Excellence category (sponsored by McFall Fuel) and Kerry Pellegrom, the Woman in Forestry Excellence (sponsored by PF Olsen). Kerry was also runner-up in Outstanding Health and Safety Management (sponsored by Summit Forest NZ) division

Judges struggled to separate the Wilson family from Northpine and the Zielinski family from Silviculture Contractors, jointly awarding them the Forestry Family of the Year award (sponsored by Northern Forest Products). On one hand was the pioneering Wilson family, with generations involved over many decades in the industry. They have worked across multiple regions and are still committed to all aspects of the wood processing industry.

On the other hand, was the Zielinski family who may not go back quite as far but in their decades of work have entrenched themselves as a huge asset to forestry. The company is led by brothers Craig and John, with the wider family also involved.

“Recognising our great workforce is so important,” says Head Judge, Mandie Skipps. “We were really pleased to see many woodlot contractors stepping up to put people forward and also the mid-sized companies putting their employees forward.

“The Health and Safety category had attracted several strong nominations which pleased judges immensely.”

Last year the awards were held virtually, due to COVID, so it was good news for the industry to be able to gather at McKay Stadium in Whangarei for this year’s ceremony. NZL

Skilled Professional of the Year, Luke Rosewarne.

The Winners

Skilled Professional of the Year (sponsored by Northland Forestry H&S Group): Luke Rosewarne (Rosewarne Yarding). Forestry Family of the Year (sponsored by Northern Forest Products): The Wilson Family (Northpine) and the Zielinski Family (Silviculture Contractors). Contractor of the Year (sponsored by ISO): LK and SM Newey Transport. Outstanding Health and Safety Management (sponsored by Summit Forest NZ): Aztec Forestry Transport Development. Runner-up: Kerry Pellegrom (Rosewarne Cable Loggers). Outstanding Environmental Management (sponsored by Wise on Wood): Duane Doughty (DOC Livestock). Forestry Excellence (sponsored by Northland Forest managers): Kim Kire (JSB Construction). Roading Excellence (sponsored by Fortuna): Dylan Read (JSB Construction). Runner-up: Scott Johnson (Scott Johnson Contracting). Harvesting Excellence (sponsored by AB Equipment &Tigercat): Luke Rosewarne (Rosewarne Yarding). Runner-up: Stan Houston (The Tree People).

Distribution Excellence (sponsored by PMG – Pacific Motor Group): Justin (Gus) Collins (Mike Lambert). Wood Processing Excellence (sponsored by Whangarei ITM): Paul Rupapera (Rosvall Sawmill). Breaker Out Excellence (sponsored by McFall Fuel): Sean Mete (Rosewarne Cable Loggers). Tree Faller Excellence (sponsored by Manulife Investment management): Edward (Blue) Lloyd (Lloyd Logging). Woman in Forestry Excellence (sponsored by PF Olsen): Kerry Pellegrom (Rosewarne Cable Loggers). Log Truck Driver Excellence (sponsored by Patchell Group of Companies): Wayne Thornton (Aztec FTD). Emerging Talent of the Year (sponsored by North Tec Tai Tokerau Wānanga and Te Pukenga): Journee Houston (Mid Northern Forestry). Runner-up: Harry Harrison (Wise on Wood). Trainee of the Year (sponsored by Competenz and Te Pukenga): Troy Wilson (Northpine). Training Company/Contractor of the Year: Wise on Wood.

Story: Joe Akari, CEO Safetree/Forest Industry Safety Council

From the boardroom to the bush

SEVEN DAYS INTO MY NEW JOB AS CEO OF SAFETREE/FOREST

Industry Safety Council (FISC) I had the privilege of attending a Health and Safety awards ceremony in Turangi, the Keeping It Safe Awards run by NZ Forest Managers for its local crews.

When I arrived in Turangi for the event, I had a real sense of my life coming full circle because we parked in the very same car park I used to go to every morning over 40 years ago when I first worked for the New Zealand Forest Service. Back then I was a 17-year-old trainee forest ranger, and the gang buses would pick up all the forestry workers from that car park and take us in to work in the forest.

Like most of the other trainee rangers and foresters on the bus I didn’t smoke – unlike most of the bushmen, who certainly did. But woe betide any trainee who tried to open a window to let in some fresh air! The ‘old-hands’ quickly told them to shut it.

That was one of my earliest experiences of how newbies in a workplace quickly learn to adapt to ‘how things are done around here’. They fall in line with the prevailing culture of the place pretty quickly.

Since starting this role with Safetree/FISC I’ve been struck by how forestry has evolved since my first days as a trainee. The crews I’ve visited in recent weeks have the same high work ethic as the old crews, but a greater sense of professionalism has evolved. They’re well trained with lots of flash new equipment, they take Health and Safety seriously, and you can see the workers are valued by their bosses. You didn’t see many containers on site back in my day – let alone with barbeques or microwaves in them!

As I watched those awards being handed out to workers in Turangi though, I realised one thing that hasn’t changed is the great characters you meet in forestry.

There was the ‘go-to guy’ – the person with all the knowledge and experience that everyone in the crew would go to when they had questions. There was the ‘cadence guy’ – the one who sets the rhythm of work for the day and that everyone followed.

There was the ‘story-teller’ – the one with the stories from the past that have important lessons for the newbies. And there was the laconic one – the one who didn’t speak often but when they did everyone listened!

These types existed in forestry 40 years ago when I started out, and they are still there today.

When I started my forest ranger traineeship I was the only South Aucklander of Samoan descent and I became good friends with the only two Māori trainees in my year. About eight years later the three of us formed our own silviculture contracting business – called Cousins Contracting – doing mostly woodlot work for PF Olsen. Being a selfemployed contractor can be high-risk and high-reward, but it’s not for everyone. It certainly gave me an understanding of the challenges contractors face every day – some of which they have little control over.

I moved away from forestry after that. I trained as a teacher, then moved into sports management, and eventually did a post-graduate management degree. But my first job after graduating was back in a forest-related industry – as a Human Resources Manager for Waipa Mill, now Red Stag Timber. As my career progressed I worked for other forestry-related companies – like Carter Holt Harvey and Norske Skog – in roles that included responsibility for Health and Safety.

I also gained experience working in other industries, including for the then operator of the Marsden Point Refinery, Refining NZ. Nothing focuses the mind on Health and Safety like working for a business whose critical risks deem it to be one of New Zealand’s most high hazard sites.

When I took on the role of CEO at Safetree/FISC I saw it as an opportunity to put to good use all the forestry, HR and Health and Safety leadership experience I’ve gathered during my career. Since FISC was created more than seven years ago, Health and Safety in forestry has improved significantly. But deaths and life-changing injuries are still occurring. That is unacceptable, so we all still have work to do.

The key thing I’ve learned about Health and Safety is that, while processes and rules are important, they aren’t sufficient on their own to keep people safe and well. The culture of an organisation, and people’s attitudes towards Health and Safety, are equally important. In my view, engagement in Health and Safety grows more strongly when people are being encouraged to look after each other, rather than when the approach is just about compliance to follow rules.

Forestry was a high-hazard industry when I started working in it – and it remains a high-hazard industry today. Over the years the industry has become more professional, particularly when it comes to formal processes and procedures for managing risks.

The opportunity I see ahead is to further develop the culture so it better protects the health and wellbeing of workers. This positive culture needs to be modelled at all levels – from the boardroom to the bush.

I’m looking forward to working with the industry to explore this opportunity. Over the next few months, I’ll be getting out and about to visit crews and businesses. But in the meantime, if you want to contact me please email: joe.akari@fisc.org.nz NZL