Northland Forestry Awards 2017

Northland Forestry Skilled Professional of the Year Award

Shayne Maxwell Kohurau Contracting

www.northlandwoodcouncil.co.nz

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Northern Advocate

Thursday, July 20, 2017

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Contents Page 3

Award winner Shayne Maxwell impressed judges

Page 4

The environment is a priority

Page 5-7 The winners of the Northland Forestry

Awards 2017

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Page 8

Charles Logging Limited – Forestry Family of the Year

Page 9

The growing need for people in forestry

Page 10

The Drug Detection Agency for on-site testing

Page 11

Stokes Transport – Contractor of the Year

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Thursday, July 20, 2017

Northern Advocate

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Northland Forestry High Calibre Awards Multi-skilled Impressed Judges Winner – J Shayne Maxwell udge Jacqui Coyne-Apiata felt Mr Maxwell had the morals

and character required of a leader within the local industry.

Jacqui Coyne-Apiata has been involved with the forestry

industry for a long time, so is well placed to talk about the

evolution and the future of the Northland awards.

As a judge again this year, Ms Coyne-Apiata says the level of

nominations for the 2017 awards has gone to a new level.

The Northland Forestry Skilled Professional of the Year, Shayne

Maxwell, had been a stand-out amongst a very strong field, and rightfully celebrated before nearly 500 of his peers at the annual awards.

Judges Ms Coyne-Apiata, Brett Jobe and Mike Goodison faced a challenging time in some divisions where it was very difficult to separate nominees.

The new categories – the Faller Excellence Award and the Breaker Out Excellence Award – and both had been very well supported

ABOVE: Judge, Jacqui Apiata

with an extremely high calibre of entrants. The Harvesting Excellence Award had a number who could have “stood on the stage and owned it”.

“That is really exciting for our region and the industry,” said Ms Coyne-Apiata. “It is great to see the calibre of the nominations and the number of contractors and individuals showing pride in their workmanship and leadership within the industry– especially in the health and safety and environment categories.”

She says that all workers within the industry are having to apply both skill and wisdom to undertake their tasks safety and to do this they also need to be supported by sound and intuitive management system.

“The awards is a chance to recognise these skilled workers and contractors. It is a chance to celebrate together, as an industry, in their achievements and develop a shared pride amongst our people within the Northland forest industry.”

The awards are one of a number of initiatives developed by the Northland Forestry Health and Safety Group and key to the progression of the positive safety culture within the Northland forestry industry.

ABOVE: Winner, Shayne Maxwell

T

he Northland Forestry Skilled Professional of the Year, Shayne Maxwell, works as a health and safety manager and company trainer for Kohurau Contracting, but still keeps his hand in as a faller, breaker out and hauler driver. He grew up in the central North Island,

starting his forestry career in ground base and hauler logging before moving his family to

Northland.

He’s known for his integrity, morals, character and values, which he integrates into his work days.

Mr Maxwell is also part way through a bachelor’s degree in psychology, which he is already putting to good use out in the forests. He works on mindfulness and other platforms to motivate people to

Tom & Mandie from Skipps Logging Ltd wish to congratulate all winners at the Northland Forestry Awards this year.

maintain safe practice.

Mr Maxwell’s employers say that he brings mana to their company and as an expert hauler faller, can truly walk in the shoes of others he works with.

He was nominated in three categories for the 2017 awards – for health and safety, felling and harvesting, and en route to the supreme award, took out the Individual Harvesting Excellence Award, and was joint winner of the Outstanding Health and Safety Management award.

Mr Maxwell developed the health and safety systems, with a particular focus on falling and breaking out, for Kohurau Contracting. He pioneered the use of video and photographs for the company, recording faller behaviour and techniques and using them to teach crews.

He has also helped develop the company’s use of scanning technology and smart phones to record and share vital information. His peers say the much-improved safety record of the company is a huge credit to Mr Maxwell.

COYNE & Co. OHS

A SPECIAL MENTION TO OUR OWN DWAINE CHASE FOR WINNING EXCELLENCE IN BREAKING OUT

Other nominees from Skipps Logging who were finalists: James Wilson Chase Corkery Shannon Job

(PROUD OF YOU BOYS!)

Jacqui Coyne-Apiata has worked alongside the Northland Forest industry for many years and continues to play an active role within the Northland H&S Group and Northland Forestry Awards.

COYNE & Co. OHS is here to provide you with trusted support and advice on how to govern and manage health & safety within your business.

Call or email Jacqui Coyne-Apiata to have a chat about how COYNE & Co. OHS can help you.

P 0204 127 1309

|

email. jacquiapiata@outlook.com | visit: coyneandco.info

“Everyone home safe everyday”

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Thursday, July 20, 2017

Environment a Priority RCL currently has 10 logging crews, averaging 600,000 tonnes of

adverse effects on the environment.

timber a year and clearing 1200 hectares of land.

Always on the lookout for ideas to improve what they do, RCL

The company has been applauded for their harvesting works that

extended an arm on a digger to assist with slash recovery around

have a strong focus on ecological considerations as well as erosion

landings. The aim was to safely pull back as much slash and bin

and sediment control.

wood onto landings to minimise the risk of birds’ nest moving or

Their efforts came under the watchful eye of a wider audience when

slumping. The end result if better slash management, which helps to

they logged Arawapawa Island, which is surrounded by a very busy

re-establish vegetation on the landings post harvest.

waterway, in the Marlborough Sounds.

The company’s latest innovation is the remote operated bulldozer.

Key for the crews were to not only log it productively for the owner,

While initially designed with safety in mind for mechanical falling on

but also not to leave anything that had the potential to go off the

steep slopes, it has brought a substantial gain in the environmental

hillside and into the pristine waterways of the sounds, which are

impact their machines have on the hills.

frequented by many recreational fisherman and tourists, but are also

The remote operated bulldozer is used for directional tethered

company with a very holistic approach to its work and

home to mussel and salmon farms.

shovelling, which has led to greater protection of riparian native strips.

surroundings were deserved winners of the Outstanding

More recently the crews have been working with Fletcher

The two stage trucking method used by RCL has helped eliminate

Environmental Management Award at the 2017 Northland

Construction and Acciona Joint Venture on the Puhoi to Warkworth

the 50m x 50m landings, minimising the need to move tonnes of

Forestry Awards.

Motorway extension – one of the biggest infrastructure projects in

earth and again, having a positive flow on effect for the environment.

New Zealand.

The company encourages all its workers to always work in an

Fiona Rosewarne when the couple put forward a proposal for a key

It’s a hugely challenging task, and they have had to work closely

environmentally acceptable manner, and are required to hold

supplier contract to Carter Hold Harvey. They became one of 14

with the Auckland Regional Council and had to work under a

the necessary certification (NZQA United Standard 17772) that

suppliers to the company throughout New Zealand. When Carter

TP90, meaning no mud on the ground with all pathways covered in

demonstrates the knowledge of environmental requirements in

Holt Harvey sold its forests in 2006, RCL continued with new owners

corduroy and slash daily.

forestry operations. Each crew must also have at least one person

Hancock Forest Management and Rayonier NZ, splitting their crews

The company prides itself in using logging techniques and methods

who holds the certification covering environmental management to

between the two companies.

specifically aimed at minimising soil disturbance, ensuring minimal

harvesting trees (NZQA Unit Standard 6964).

A

Rosewarne Cable Loggers was established in 1997 by Lars and

Growing the Trees domestic and export markets.

“You only need to go over the Auckland Harbour Bridge and count the number of cranes in the skyline,” he says. “It’s good to see!”

There had been a clear upswing in the New Zealand building market, which included the ongoing rebuild of Christchurch.

There was also some exciting collaboration going on between the region’s training providers and the industry, as well as groups who were seeing the potential of Northland and investing now.

“We have seen a real upswing in employment opportunities in the past three to five years thanks to the current harvest level.

• Northland has 151,800 hectares of planted forest area • The region has the third largest standing volume and fifth largest area in forest in NZ • Forestry contributes an estimated $270 million to the region’s GDP • 2,200 people are employed in the forestry and related wood processing sector in Northland – excluding the support services • Harvesting in Northland has grown by 8.4% per annum over the past decade and by 12.4% per annum over the last five years

We have seen a strong operating environment for the sawmills which has given them the confidence to invest in additional

important forestry is to Northland – from the employment it

capacity. It is all taking advantage of the current environment

offered, to the families it supported and the flow-on effect for so

while appreciating it will be harder in the future.”

many businesses.

ndrew Widdowson is keen to encourage more

Mr Widdowson says the region can expect a tightening of the log

“We have been blown away by how successful the awards were

investment in the Northland forestry industry.

supply that will create a more difficult operating environment for

this year,” said Mr Widdowson. “We have gone from a standing

“We’ve seen some big investment in recent years in

down stream wood processors.

position to almost 500 people attending the awards and that

harvesting technology and mechanisation, which has

“The new planting in the region is probably 23 years away from

really highlights the support we have for this whole event –

resulted in a real improvement in health and safety performance

maturity. The big plantings of the mid to late 1980s are peaking

from sponsors to the industry to an increase in the quality of

and productivity,” says the Hancock Forest Management

and there was a downturn in planting post that period that is

nominations. It is all very positive to see.

northern area manager and chair of the Northland Forestry

driving this forecast reduction in mature harvest.”

“For me it is indicative of the industry’s desire to get together in a

Awards organising committee.

There was no short term fix to the problem, but a definite need to

way that recognises our contribution to the region and celebrate

The confidence had come on the back of strong trading

get more trees in the ground now.

our professional people.”

conditions with a demand for wood products from both the

For Mr Widdowson, the 2017 awards underlined just how

A

ABOVE: Andrew Widdowson

NORTHERN FOREST PRODUCTS LTD Gold sponsors for the Northland Forestry Awards 2017 congratulate Charles Logging, winners of the Northland Forestry Family of the Year Trophy.

A family owned local company, Northern Forest Products is well versed in the importance of preserving local content in this sector. NFP are pleased to be sponsors of the Forestry Family of the Year Trophy and acknowledge the vitality of local families working together as one. This year’s winners, Charles Logging packed their bags in Nelson in middle of 2013 and shifted north to work bringing with them a total of 22 family members, eight of whom are still actively involved in the family harvesting business in one form or another.

Since then they have developed and adapted systems and processes to allow them to succeed in Northland, most of this must be attributed to the family involvement in the business.

Charles Logging are 100% committed to each other, 100% committed to their business, 100% committed to their employees and employer and 100% committed to Northland.

Chris Auchlin (far right) Northern Forest Products Harvesting Manager presenting trophy to Kevin Charles of Charles Logging

In the area of Health and Safety they bought video technology for grapple hauler extraction and with log value recovery, they consistently perform above expectations, having the ability to work with complicated cut plans to achieve market mix, customer satisfaction and maximum forest owner returns.

www.nfp.co.nz A solution for harvesting forests and woodlots.

Sell your trees direct at an agreed price, paid in advance.

FOR AN OBLIGATION FREE OFFER Phone Chris Deal 027 446 2227 Email enquiry@nfp.co.nz

Thursday, July 20, 2017

Northern Advocate

2017 Winners Trainee of the Year Award

Michelle Harrison Received by Wise on Wood Foreman

5 Congratulations to you all‌ Training Company/Contractor of the Year Award

Northpine

Roading Excellence of the Year Award

Bill Ringrose JSB Construction

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Forestry Excellence of the Year Award

Jonathan Tukaki Silviculture Contractors Ltd

Harvesting Excellence of the Year Award

Shayne Maxwell Kohurau Contracting

Awards photos to the credit of Stephen Jones Photography

www.northandwoodcouncil.co.nz

Total and Oil Intel Whangarei - supporting Northland forestry.

Call us on 0800 868 256 to find your nearest stockist. www.oilintel.co.nz

Energising performance.

Every day

LUBRICANTS

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Thursday, July 20, 2017

2017 Winners Distribution Excellence of the Year Award

Frances Leslie C3 Limited

Congratulations to you all…

Wood Processing Excellence of the Year Award

Nathan Jacoby Northpine

Faller Excellence of the Year Award

Buck Reihana Kohurau Contracting

Breaker Out Excellence of the Year Award

Dwayne Chaise Received by Skipps Logging

Forestry Family of the Year Award

Charles Logging

Awards photos to the credit of Stephen Jones Photography

www.northandwoodcouncil.co.nz

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Thursday, July 20, 2017

Northern Advocate

2017 Winners Contractor of the Year Award

Stokes Logging

7 Congratulations to you all…

Outstanding Environmental Management of the Year Award

Outstanding H&S Management of the Year Award

Lars & Fiona Rosewarne Rosewarne Cable Loggers Ltd

Lars & Fiona Rosewarne Rosewarne Cable Loggers Ltd

Northland Forestry Skilled Professional of the Year Award

Shayne Maxwell

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Kohurau Contracting

Shayne Maxwell Kohurau Contracting

Awards photos to the credit of Stephen Jones Photography

www.northandwoodcouncil.co.nz

SPONSOR OF THE CONTRACTOR OF THE YEAR NORTHLAND FORESTRY AWARDS

FORESTRY AND CONTRACTING SPECIALISTS Providing specialist solutions to forestry contracting for 30 years including Harvesting, Trucking, Roading, and Silviculture

Our experienced team can help you with: • Management Reporting, KPI analysis • Sourcing Finance • Logging costings • Asset Protection • Succession Planning • Industry specific employment and subcontractor packages • Review contract terms • Financial Reporting • Tax compliance and planning • ACC and insurance solutions • Assistance with Non Taxable Allowances

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info@blackburnegroup.co.nz www.blackburnegroup.co.nz Mark Blackburne (ext 821) or 021 288 6662 Sonya Elmiger (ext 835) or 0273 730 910 Kristy Kewene of Blackburne Group Chartered Accountants presents the Contractor of the Year award to Steven Stokes and Joseph Lamborn at the Northland Forestry Awards.

Blackburne Group congratulate Steven and Melody Stokes of Stokes Logging Ltd on being awarded the 2017 Contractor of the Year at the Northland Forestry Awards Ceremony.

Kristy Kewene our Northland Manager 40 Kamo Road, Whangarei

09 974 8800 or 027 5566 674

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Thursday, July 20, 2017

Forestry Family of the Year

ABOVE: The Charles Logging Team at The Northland Forestry Awards

C

harles Logging Limited started in business 29 years ago

This level has been maintained since 2003. Mel joined the family

as a partnership by Kevin & Jill Charles.

business as H&S Manager in 2011. Bringing her passion for H&S

Over the years, we have been joined by our son Ben

and innovative thinking has seen the company implement many

who is the Operations Manager. Melanie our daughter in law is

H&S System changes and this ensured that we retained Tertiary

the H&S Manager while Ricky Sutton, our son in law is 2IC and

Level of ACC Achievements with accreditation. The utilization

operates the felling machine.

of our machinery and hauler by eliminating unnecessary Roads

Nelson was our home town and with the big windthrow events

and Skids has real benefits for environmental issues and for the

in 2004 and in 2008, we knew that times would be changing

Forest Owner. We have the capability of working on the side

within Hancock Forests and there would be casualties for logging

of roads instead of building extra skids at a cost to the Forest

businesses. We needed to act quickly to survive as a forestry

Owner.

business.

The Far North and Nelson are completely different areas and

We approached Summit Forests in Northland to help us find

we have had to change our way of logging. The introduction of

volume and stability for our crew.

excavator’s instead of wheel loaders for fleeting and loading out

We bought our company and families up to start a new venture

in 2013 was the first of many investments. We run the motorized

four years ago. In total, 22 persons arrived in Kerikeri. The

grapple carriage and this also minimizes the use of breakerouts.

continuation of Charles Logging Limited succession plan will

Next in 2014, the felling machine to minimise the feller on the

expansion of 3 hauler crews, become the crew foreman of

now continue. Our succession plan was to always have Charles

ground was purchased and in 2016, the building of a Safe Cage

Charles 1. He is 2IC and operates the Felling machine.

Logging involved in forestry and this meant that at least one

on the skid for the logmaker (QC) to ensure his safety from Chain

Charles Logging saw a need in Northland for a safety equipment

of our children would carry on the business. Ben & Mel have

Shot while being close to his job. It also acts as shelter from the

& supply business to support local industries in farming & forestry

stepped up to this plan by taking over the day to day running

weather.

so a shop was opened in Waipapa and run by Rob our daughter

of the crew while Kevin manages the workshop, keeping the

Kevin has been in forestry for over 45 years, first as a bushman

Carissa’s partner. To maintain a positive relationship within the

machinery running but still being available for mentoring.

and then working his way up to crew boss. In 1988, Carter Holt

community Charles Logging has supported the local Netball

After a rough start to find local personnel, we now have the most

Harvey restructured Nelson and we were given the opportunity to

team by the sponsoring of team uniforms and suppling prizes

professional hauler crew consisting of 6 employee’s and this

start our own ground base crew with 6 staff. Over 15 years, this

for the local Clay Target Club. Ben is also a part-time coach of

is reflected in the quality of their end product. Charles Logging

grew to 3 hauler crews plus a ground base, a total of 40 staff. In

Ripper rugby while Bobbie, another daughter and Ricky’s wife is

has just employed a new trainee, bringing the staff number to 7

1997, Kevin gained National Certificate in Harvesting with LFITB.

a Primary School teacher at Kaeo School. Kevin & Jill are both

and after several meetings to determine if he would fit into the

That year, he became NZ Logger of the Year. With the move to

members of the Kaikohe Clay Target Club. Kevin has represented

team environment of our culture, H&S values and value -added

Northland, Kevin is now the workshop manager, keeping the

Northland at National level, while Jill is Club team selector, range

recovery, we believe he will be a valuable member of the team

equipment running while Ben does the running of the crew.

officer & referee for the local clubs of Kaeo, Kaikohe, Whangerei

Charles Logging Limited has been a member of Workplace

Jill has been the administrator since day one, Mel has a forestry

and Dargaville.

Safety Management Practice since ACC WSMP inception and

back-ground as well first working as administrator and then

was the first small business to gain Tertiary level at our first Audit.

H&S co-ordinator. Ricky joined the team in 1999 and with the

WE UNDERSTAND TREES Creating value by growing People, Products, Partners and Prosperity

Ko ta¯ ma¯tau tino wha¯inga, ko te tino tiaki i te whenua me te waihanga wa¯teatanga mo¯ nga¯ uri katoa, ka whai ake

Looking to sell your forest, or to have the harvest professionally managed?

Talk to Summit for a flexible and profitable solution Summit Forests, a subsidiary company of Sumitomo Corporation Japan. An integrated trading company, operating as part of the Sumitomo Group. In business for 400 years and counting.

David O'Rourke, Business Development Manager +64 274 968 609 • david.orourke@summitforest.co.nz • www.summitforests.co.nz

The mark of responsible forestry

Thursday, July 20, 2017

Northern Advocate

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Growing Need For People In Forestry

T

here has never been a better time to launch a career in the forestry industry in Northland.

New Zealand’s third largest industry is crying out for people to employ in Northland but according to local forestry industry veteran, Andy Warren, it is falling on deaf ears.

Warren, who has been in the industry for 44 years, the last 25 years of which have been with Rayonier Matariki Forests where he is currently regional manager for Northland, says there are so many opportunities, not just for a job, but for a career within the sector.

“The exciting times continue in forestry. We are witnessing significant growth as plantings from the late 1980s and early 1990s require harvesting. Innovation is driving technological developments that are changing the face of forestry. From mechanised harvesting and drone surveying to the science of

MONEY

DOES GROW

ON TREES

growing bigger, stronger, better quality trees, there is something for everyone.

“You can start out as a crew member and end up owning your own contracting business. Or use your scientific, technological or engineering degrees across many different facets of the business,” says Warren.

Forestry and logging contributes $1.39 billion to the national gross domestic product (GDP) which is equal to 0.6 percent of GDP. That figure is 20 percent greater than the sheep meat/ wool sector and 45 percent greater than the beef sector.

The Northland forestry sector directly accounts for 0.6 percent of GDP or $1,389 million and forestry and logging GDP in Northland is three times larger than horticulture and fruit growing.

Forestry production is hugely important for Northland injecting $377 million into the local economy and is a significant employer in the region. It also provides jobs in associated industries such as wood processing, transport and stevedoring.

Warren views forestry as a dynamic industry providing plenty of opportunity for the area and its people.

“Northland forests are unique in the fact they produce a very high quality wood for engineering grade products and very strong structural products which are in demand both locally and internationally.

“Log values in both domestic and export markets are steady.

Currently our logs are in high demand and the industry is in great shape.”

Warren also sees opportunities to grow the industry through identifying appropriate land for afforestation, reducing environmental impacts by land use change in critical catchments, delivering employment for local people and the potential to develop commercial ventures to benefit these groups

Woodbank has a proven track record of generating the best returns for your forest or woodlot We offer the following harvesting and marketing methods ! Managed forest sales ! Pay as cut stumpage sales ! Log grade sales ! Open book management contracts ! Lump sum purchases ! Health, safety and environmental tailored management ! Members of NZ Institute of Forestry

Darrin Collett 0274 310 159

darrin@woodbank.co.nz | www.woodbank.co.nz

and the community.

Forestry continues to struggle to attract the people and the skills required to keep up with the future of forestry.

The perception of many is that the forestry industry is the choice for low achievers or the job to take when there isn’t anything else. While there are highly visible jobs at the felling face there is a massive engine room behind the harvesting and replanting of trees. Speak to those actually working in the industry and it is clear the level of expertise and experience required is equal to some of New Zealand’s most successful industries.

Forest owners are committed to upskilling prospective employees for the industry through tertiary training institutions to provide forest management and skills training programmes as well as continually upskilling those already employed.

Rayonier provides scholarship, holiday and graduate employment programmes, all focussed on offering young foresters an opportunity to learn and launch their careers and Warren says his company, along with other organisations, invest in skills development to offer career pathways for those that want them.

As well as the economy, forestry also has a hugely positive impact on the environment. From carbon capture and providing the basic physical and chemical functions of nutrient and water recycling, through to stabilisation of soils, reduction in erosion and providing wonderful spaces for recreation and tourism.

Warren believes there is a great future for Northland forestry.

“The Northland Forestry Awards recognise some of the industry’s best and through continuing to foster the growing need for highly skilled, ambitious and forward thinking operators, our dynamic industry will continue to thrive.”

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Northern Advocate

Thursday, July 20, 2017

The Drug Detection Agency is New Zealand’s leading on-site drug testing agency D

rug and alcohol use in the workplace is a problem throughout New Zealand and Northland is no exception.

The Drug Detection Agency (TDDA) CEO Kirk Hardy

says, “There is a growing awareness about the dangers of

drug and alcohol use in the workplace and management are taking steps to address it which is a positive step forward”. This includes implementing an effective drug and alcohol policy and training management to recognise drug use, teamed with pre employment and random onsite drug testing.

Key behavioural indicators in employees that could point to drug use include patterns of lateness for work, an increase in sick days, lethargic poor work performance and displaying irritable and irrational behaviour. Sadly, in some instances management turn a blind eye. This not only poses a potential risk in the workplace to the employee but also other staff and even customers.

TDDA offers a range of services to address the use of drug and alcohol abuse in the workplace and strives to work together with clients to create drug-free environments. TDDA’s mobile drug

testing vehicles conduct drug and alcohol testing - including

address this at every possible level, whether it’s educating our

synthetic drugs - utilising oral fluid (saliva), urine and hair testing.

kids, together with resources to help people who are struggling

This is complemented with training for management around

with drug addiction. Workplace drug testing not only provides a

detecting possible drug use in employees and how to deal with

safe working environment but also provides early identification

these oftenvolatile situations.

giving people a chance to address their usage giving them a

Kirk says, “Saving lives is part of our company’s mantra –

better chance of giving up the drugs.”

our ultimate customer is the ‘girl on the bike’. An analogy we

TDDA is New Zealand’s leading on-site drug testing agency.

stand by whenever we do policy or education training, or testing

It has been operating for 12 years and now has 45 branches

within any industry.

throughout Australia and New Zealand with specialist on-site

Ultimately our work helping to ensure workplaces are drug and

testing vehicles and collecting and screening staff providing a

alcohol free to prevent accidents, extends beyond the confines of the business walls into the community and beyond, ultimately

truly international service.

For more information visit www.tdda.com

‘protecting the girl on the bike’ riding along in every suburb in New Zealand. As a community we need to stand together to

WE PROVIDE OUR CUSTOMERS WITH:

• Nationwide fully AS/NZS ZS 4308:2 4308:2008 2008 compliant service provider ovider • Expert legal advice on policy development, design ign and implementation • A fleet of fully equipped on-site testing vehicles, available 24/7 • Services include: on-site testing that is fully compliant with AS/NZS 4308:2008, Methamphetamine

detection for property buyers and landlords and hair testing • Education and training for managers/ supervisors on how to manage drug and alcohol risks in the workplace

• Employee drug awareness seminars conducted by people with real experience in the drug and alcohol culture • Immediate qualitative results and fast turnaround on confirmation results

The Drug Detection Agency | 11 Herekino Street, Whangarei

T: 09 438 4103 | E: deb.gurr@tdda.com | W: www.tdda.com

Thursday, July 20, 2017

Northern Advocate

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‘Stoked’ to be crowned 2017 Contractor of the Year.

By Steven Stokes

safety policies and plan the company’s growth. With very little

system which is based on 45% safety performance and 55%

logging experience but a vast knowledge of machinery, I knew

production. This has become a key part of our company; lifting

that success in this industry would be governed on how well I

the Health and Safety bar as well as creating some healthy

listened and how many questions I asked the people that new.

competition between the crews.

I surrounded myself with knowledgeable people and found out

Over the last 8 years we have trained a lot of operators, tree

what my strengths were.

fallers and breaker outs who have become some of our best

We then started work for Rayonier with two small crews working

workers. I take pride in my very low staff turnover. I respect my

in Northland. This was an awesome learning opportunity as all

men as being the most important aspect of my business as you

skills were put to the test with these jobs being environmentally

can have many million dollar machines on your balance sheet,

sensitive, steep and just not suitable for high production crews.

but without the good people to operate and look after them, the

I then set some pretty big company goals and found out what

machines are worthless.

was going on in the industry around me and outside of my

The company operates 5 Crews consisting of 2 Swingyarders,

own crews. It was then that all the cards were put on the table

1 70ft Pole hauler and 2 mechanized ground based crews,

and I knew I needed to invest heavily in mechanization and

producing around 1450 tonnes of cut to length logs per day.

tokes Logging Ltd was formed in October 2009, working

Modern equipment to compete and be a contractor that forest

Lastly as you don’t make the paper every day of the week I

small scale woodlot jobs for Woodbank ltd. Back

companies wanted to employee.

would like to take the time to thank all the other contractors that

then we consisted of 4 keen young men, a high track

In 2014, I started back up Metal Creations Engineering,which

have given me advice, my staff that do an amazing job day in and

bulldozer and a digger. I was also very lucky to have some very

was the company I ran in Auckland prior to logging. This was to

day out, the forestry supervisors/companies for their high level

S

good mentors with Darren Collet and my Father Craig Stokes

provide the logging company with timely and proactive onsite

of professionalism and forward planning which makes my job a

keeping a watchful eye on how were handling the situations and

maintenance to our machines. Metal Creations operates in Rewa

lot easier, My wife Melody who puts up with the good days, the bad days and every other day in between while bringing up our 4

challenges that logging presented to us.

Rewa Rd, and as well as our regular customers, business growth

In March 2011 we started a contract with Hancock Forest

has seen the team to begin bush guarding forestry machines for

children, and My father Craig who has given me great advice in

Management which was earnt after we completed a trial period,

Ab equipment.

all aspects of what it takes to run a successful business.

these were very trying times as Murray Stokes (my uncle who

I have invested in training heavily that enables my own staff to

Whilst I don’t see the company expanding further, I intend to

runs one of the mechanized ground base crews) and myself

undertake NZQA workplace drug screening, and my Manager

find out how far I can take the crews with new innovations and

travelled from Auckland weekly to do so.

Joe lamborn has recently gained his Certificate as a Competenz

technology. I am extremely proud of my Company and ‘stoked’

Assessor. I also developed an extremely successful bonus

to be crowned 2017 Contractor of the Year.

At last, with job

security, I could focus on updating my machines, my health and

SOLUTIONS FOR ALL YOUR HARVESTING REQUIREMENTS • teathered felling systems • log fowarder extraction reducing roading costs • hauler and ground base extraction The Forestry industry is a great career option which can suit all different types of people from the mechanically minded person to people that want be paid to keep fit. What other industry allows you to push machines of up to 500hp to the limit, burn 100,s of litres of fuel and get paid well for it.

stokeslogging@xtra.co.nz

Mobile 0274891005

Steven Stokes

Northern Advocate

Thursday, July 20, 2017

forestry

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