Forestry in Wairarapa

Our winner was chosen for this category by the Forest Industry Safety Council and trophy awarded by John Lowe. Nik showed innovation and care with harvesting one of the most signiÿ cant archaeological sites in New Zealand at the “Cross Site” at Cape Palliser. This site was one of the ÿ rst sites occupied by M°ori and is described by archaeologists as “prehistoric”. Unfortunately, this area was planted with trees in the

WAIRARAPA FORESTRY AWARD WINNERS

FORESTRY IN WAIRARAPA

AwardSpecial–andHealthSafety Champion

1980’s and these had grown into very large trees. Local Iwi required the trees to be removed, which set in motion a very complicated harvest plan. The ground could not be disturbed at all, all slash had to be removed and tree felling had to avoid the numerous archaeological features. Nik rose to the occasion and achieved the best result that earned him the gratitude of local Iwi and an untouched signiÿ cant site.

McCarthy Transport provide innovative distribution solutions to New Zealand's forestry industry. For over 70 years we have proudly supported our community and provided the very best of service to our valuable clients. Our people and customers are number one. 06 370 0085 Masterton@mccarthytransport.co.nz www.mccarthytransport.co.nz

Mark has been a constant and visible leader in the log transport sector for more than 50 years. He is included in the road transport hall of fame and has proven his in˛ uence on many national boards and committees.

Under his guidance McCarthy Transport has grown into a hugely successful business and contributor to the lower North Island economy. They employ 100’s of sta˝ and mobilize a ˛ eet of

Outstanding Environmental Management Contribution to the Forestry Industry

100’s of logging trucks.

Mark has been greatly involved in community events, and more recently you will see him a locally run “Wood is Good” school days, showing children around log trucks and inspiring the next generation of drivers. Duncan Oakley from Kiwi Lumber were proud sponsors of this prestigious award.

Josh has been working in forest operations for just over 4 years, but in that time has produced outstanding results for his company. Josh is the inventor of the “Blazek Bridge”, a unique design that can be lowered into a watercourse to lesson environmental damage and was instrumental in the Oterei River restoration project which is the only one of its kind in New Zealand. He has brought

innovation and dedication to successful environmental outcomes for his company who consider him a key asset to their team. In a sector struggling with environmental risks, he has been called “a legend” and a “master of his profession”. Josh is someone who cares deeply about the environment and Juken New Zealand Forestry Manager Sean McBride presented the award on the night.

Dave has been working within the transport industry for 10 years where he has worked his way from a truck operator to Dispatcher to now Head of Dispatch in Masterton. He is a dedicated and skilled professional and an instrumental member of the McCarthy Transport team. His attention to detail and commitment to quality have been critical in ensuring that customers receive the highest level of service possible. Dave is a true team player, and his positive attitude and willingness to collaborate

have been instrumental in building strong relationships with partners and customers. His professionalism and commitment to excellence have made a signiÿ cant impact this business and his ability to see projects through to completion will continue to beneÿ t forestry organizations for many years to come. John Turkington from John Turkington Forestry sponsored this award.

FOREST & WOODLOT OWNERS… • Harvest management or lump sum purchase • Resource consent and health & safety management • Roading & skid site construction • Guaranteed payment • Skilled & experienced contractors • Manage carbon emissions applications

WORKS • Harvest management or lump sum purchase • Resource consent and health & safety management • Roading & skid site construction • Guaranteed payment • Skilled & experienced contractors Call Rob Calder to discuss your requirements 027 283 6888 rcalder@nzforestworks.co.nz

STIHL MS 661

Forest sales assistance? E. info@forme.co.nz P. 04 232 7155 W. forme.co.nz/services/forest-sales-assistance STIHL SHOPTM Masterton 4 Chapel Street. P 06 377 5549

Distribution Excellence

Nik Bradnock Clearwood Contracting

Josh Blazek Farman Turkington Forestry

Mark McCarthy McCarthy Transport

Dave Cummings McCarthy Transport

WAIRARAPA FORESTRY AWARD WINNERS

Masterton forestry heroes from the recent SNI Forestry Awards in Palmerston North.

FORESTRY IN WAIRARAPA

Looking after forests ‘takes a village’

Forest Enterprises manages around 20,000 hectares of forestry in the Wairarapa. Working with our Masterton-based team are a range of contractors who carry out specialist forestry ÿ eldwork.

“It takes a village”, as they say, to look after the health and productivity of our forests.

Silviculture

D & T Silviculture Ltd

Damian and Tracey Kamo were nominated 3 times by di˛ erent parties in this category, showing how valued they are in the sector. Nominations included a range of endorsements for this hard working crew employing 21 sta˛ , but many mention the manner in which D&T Silviculture complete their operations. Quality of work is outstanding with operations completed to schedule or early.

Regular sta˛ get togethers take

place that creates a tight nit culture, similar to a rugby team, a sport Damian and a lot of the crew play. Some playing in the Wairarapa representative team where they live.

Tracey believes in upskilling the crew and regular training and assessments take place, another reason the team work so well.

Steve Couper from Ernslaw One were pleased to sponsor.

Keenan Forestry Ltd

Sam Keenan always ensures his sta˛ have training plans and are progressing with their pathways despite obstacles like bad weather, diesel prices or log prices. An example of Keenan’s dedication is ° ying in trainers at their own expense from the South Island as they progress into mechanized and tethered felling. As well as paying 11 full time sta˛ , Keenan Forestry from the Tararua region will often take on young people with no experience and will actively ensure they receive training and mentorship. This has

included working with schools in gateway programs where students will start with 1 day a week onsite. These students usually develop a passion for forestry and stay as full time sta˛ with training programs. Competenz Forestry National Manager, Christine Ewart consider Keenan Forestry to be a standout amongst logging crews in training and with their investment in future loggers and worthy winners of this award.

Silviculture is about establishing, growing and tending forest crops. Our contractors work all year round, in all weather!

Planting is a major exercise that ensures every tree is correctly planted to maximise the vitality of the crop. We plant in winter when the ground is softened by wetter weather and the seedlings are dormant. Planting is manual and

done in teams. One person can plant about 800 trees per day. We replant all forest land after harvest.

Pruning and thinning operations begin 3-5 years after planting.

Pruners select the best trees in the forest and remove the lower branches to promote the growth of knot-free (and highest value) timber.

Thinning is where whole trees are removed within a stand to promote growth from the remaining best quality crop.

Harvesting

We engage experienced, Safetree Certiÿ ed logging contractors and have a preference for fully mechanised operations which are safer and often more productive.

Most logging contractors are able carry out ground-based harvesting on ° atter country and hauler

harvesting on steeper slopes. Most forests are located in the hills so require a bit of both.

Building roads and landings (log processing areas) within the forest is a major part of our harvesting programme and are essential for accessing all the trees and transporting the timber to market.

Transport

Cartage contractors truck logs from the forest either directly to the local sawmill, or to the Waingawa Rail Hub if bound for export.

The Southern North Island Wood Council provides a collective voice for the forestry sector in Taranaki, Whanganui, Manawatu, Wairarapa, Tararua and Wellington. Members have a common interest in ensuring the long-term success of the sector. Membership is open to any company or individual with an interest in the local wood industry.

Erica Kinder, SNI Wood Council CEO, can be contacted for more information.

sniwoodcouncil@gmail.com

0273 290 498 sniwoodcouncil.co.nz/

Our export logs travel by train to CentrePort. Logs are ÿ rst measured and tagged for full traceability before being loaded onto the train.

Forestry ÿ eldwork

Other contractors are engaged to carry out pest plant and pest animal control, fencing and general maintenance. Specialists are also engaged to audit forest health as well as our management systems for the environment, rare native species, reserves and historic areas, plus health and safety.

Forest Enterprises proudly sponsors forestry awards Congratulations to Foxpine Logging from Bulls for winning the 2023 Contractor of the Year Award on Friday, which we sponsored. Thanks to Stihl Shop Masterton for sponsoring the winner’s prize. Congratulations also to Mark McCarthy (Contribution to Forestry) and Dave Cummings (Distribution Excellence) from local company McCarthy Transport for winning their respective categories.