Nelson Weekly Locally Owned and Operated
03 548 2770
41 Nile Street East, Nelson
03 548 2770 03 548East, 2770 41 Nelson 41 Nile Nile Street Street East, Nelson 41 Nile Street East, Nelson
Wednesday 26 July 2023
LIFTOUT
Let the battle begin
2023 RUGBY Page 4
Job losses as forestry hit hard ANNE HARDIE Some forestry contractors are “up against the wall” as the industry goes through a major downturn, forcing layoffs and sending skilled workers overseas. The downturn is the result of China’s economic woes creating less demand for logs for its construction industry. At the same time, costs have sky-rocketed in the past few years and with reduced revenue, forest owners are reducing their harvest operations. PF Olsen Nelson branch manager Sam Nuske says many small-scale harvest contractors have stopped work completely and larger-scale contractors have slowed down, meaning many have been forced to reduce hours for employees or lay them off. “Many contractors are up against
the wall. The question is how much equity they have and whether workers can find alternative jobs. “The worry is the loss of talent going to Australia, and when work cranks up again we will be operating from a smaller pool of workers,” Sam says. He says that has led to some contractors creating initiatives to keep employees in work, such as turning scrap wood into firewood, joining planting crews or pruning. Sam says lending institutions are working with contractors to help them through the downturn and a look on TradeMe shows the financial hit on businesses. “TradeMe sales for logging machinery is massive, but there are no buyers.” However, he says people working in forestry tend to be resilient and
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LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED
DRAW
Kia Kaha kickboxing
Page 20
Joelle Noar is tossed in the air at the South Island Show Offs on Sunday. The event saw 500 athletes and 1000 spectators at the Trafalgar Centre, with 210 locals competing. Photo: Barry Whitnall/ Shuttersport.
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