Northland Forestry Awards 2018

1

Northland Forestry Skilled Professional of the Year Award

Dave Wilson

Rosewarne Cable Loggers

www.northlandwoodcouncil.co.nz T H U R S D AY, 2 6 J U LY 2 0 1 8

2

4 10

Contents 3

Third annual Northland Forestry Awards

4

Winner’s reputation leads him to skilled professional of the year for 2018

6

In honour of my father

7

Northpine's commitment to training

10

Robust company drug & alcohol policy crucial

12

The awards

14

Joel and Tyson Niha

15

Wood Processing Excellence Award Winner - Shane Mansell

An industry that takes you places T

15

he Northland forestry industry can be very proud of itself, according to awards judge Brett Jobe. In his three years of judging, he has never known the calibre to be as high as it was in 2018.

“This year was certainly the hardest for us judges, with all the categories well represented,” he said. “In most categories it came down to the smallest of things that separated the winner from the rest. As a judge its really pleasing to see this as it means more and more of your top people are getting the exposure they so rightly deserve.”

Forestry has been a way of life for Mr Jobe, who is an account manager for Competenz. He started at just 16 when – by his own admission – he was almost unteachable at school. But a switch flicked and after time in silviculture he moved on to complete a diploma followed by 16 years in forest management, mostly with PF Olsen.

It is a story he tells often when speaking at schools.

“This is one of the only industries in New Zealand where it doesn’t matter where you start

and it is up to the individual as to where they end up. There is my own story, but also others who are owning or running multi-million dollar crews and yet they didn’t even get to year 11 at school. It is up to the individual to build a career to wherever you want to go – especially if you are good at what you do.”

One of the stand-outs for the 2018 Northland Forestry Awards for Mr Jobe and his fellow judges Jacqui Coyne-Apiata and Mike Goodison was the emerging talent category. Such strength underlined just what Mr Jobe was talking about.

“I congratulate all the nominees for being selected for the areas they excel in,” he said.

“Having worked in forestry for the past 28 years I can appreciate just how hard it is for you to put yourselves out there – I applaud you all.”

The awards dinner attracted 540 people, all there to celebrate the industry.

“I saw crews who didn’t even have anyone nominated and businesses who saw the evening as a chance to network – that’s great to see.”

He is looking forward to see what the next awards will bring.

3

Third annual Northland Forestry Awards

By Wendy Roelants

K

evin Ihaka, Director of Forest Protection Service, has won the Outstanding Health & Safety Management and the Contractor of the Year awards at the 3rd annual Northland Forestry Awards 2018.

This years’ awards ceremony marks a coming together of the entire forest industry, with over 540 members gathered to acknowledge the vital role they play in Northland’s economy, to celebrate the skilled people among them and highlighted the bright future Northland’s forestry industry has.

Ihaka entered the forest industry “by accident” 35 years ago while working as an agricultural contractor – and hasn’t looked back.

“I started off on a land-clearing operations for plants which we’re now logging. So, it’s with a real sense of achievement that I watch a forest being planted here, for the second time around.”

Ihaka’s passion for the forest industry, combined with his knack

for problem solving, has led him to developing better Health & Safety processes. Health and Safety wasn’t always at the forefront of how things were done in forestry, but thanks to people like Ihaka, that’s all changed, with far-reaching positive effects.

In 2015 he was one of the founding trustees of the Forest Industry Safety Council, for which he is still a member, and has worked to improve safety right across the forestry industry.

“Forestry can absolutely be done safely.” Ihaka confirms. “When you put safety at the front of forestry processes, rather than thinking of it as something separate, you get better outcomes all round. The staff become more engaged, and the cultural impact on the industry as a whole is significant. We’re moving more towards mechanised safety procedures, which also has made a huge difference.”

Winning both the Health and Safety Award and the Contractor of the Year Award is something Ihaka takes great pride in, commending everyone at

Forest Protection Services for their dedication and hard work.

“We want the public to know that their men will come home at the end of the day.”

Ihaka enthuses about the

FPS Forest Protection Services were proud to receive the following awards at the 2018 Northland Forestry Awards: Contractor of the Year Outstanding Health & Safety Management of the Year

positive buzz created by the awards ceremony, stating that the atmosphere demonstrates how positive the future is for forestry in Northland.

“The forestry industry has come a long way, offering well-paid job

opportunities along with a great career path. Long-term, things are looking positive for us. The Government’s One Billion Trees initiative is also a boon for the industry, effectively doubling jobs in Northland over the next 10 years.”

4

Winner’s reputation leads him to skilled professional of the year for 2018 D

ave Wilson has walked away with the top prize at the Northland Forestry Awards in a record year of entries.

As well as being awarded the Northland Forestry Skilled Professional of the Year, Mr Wilson also won the Harvesting Excellence Award.

He is known as one of the most professional crew managers in the region. He’s worked for Rosewarne Cable Loggers since 2013 and thrives on the challenge of running an efficient harvest crew in often challenging terrain using a 90-foot tower.

While he has high expectations, he leads from the front. Mr Wilson has 11 national certificates, a testament to his quest to be the very best he can and with a keen eye to health and safety.

He is a meticulous planner who is always looking to do a job better.

Growing up in Tokoroa, he always knew his work would be in forestry, and looked forward to following his father into the industry. For 13 years he was in the Waikato, working his way up from breaker out to crew foreman.

He and his family fell in love with Northland and decided to move.

Since he started with Rosewarne Cable Loggers, he has been based in the Karaka Forest – an area with huge hills, long pulls, blind spots and open

to the elements. Forestry companies he has worked for say he is the best around, and the longevity of his own crew highlights just that.

Judge Jacqui Apiata-Coyne says Mr Wilson’s passion and expertise had helped him develop into a highly skilled professional and an authentic leader.

“He is a man whose reputation precedes him,” says Ms ApiataCoyne. “He leads a team who work in a demanding and complex environment.”

Introduced to the awards this year was the Newey Transport Emerging Talent Award, which was won by Channing Green in a tightly-fought section.

Ms Apiata-Coyne said the calibre of entries this year had been particularly high.

“The competition within the Emerging Talent Award, Harvesting Excellence and Roading Excellence, was incredibly strong this year. The awards are becoming very difficult to judge, there is a high calibre among professionals within the industry and many of those recognised in our awards would be equally recognised on a national platform.”

The awards are one of many initiatives developed by the Northland Forestry Health and Safety Group,

aimed to recognised and grow excellence within the industry.

“The Northland Health and Safety Group have a specific focus in developing a healthy and sustainable future for workers and the environment in the region and are making an active contribution to the work plan of the Forestry Industry Safety Council.

“The awards are important as it is a rare opportunity for the whole supply chain to come together and be proud of who they are and what they do,” says Ms Apiata-Coyne. “It also provides an opportunity for the rest of Northland to learn more about the industry and its people.”

This is the third year the awards have been held and organisers are now looking for an industry partner to help take it to a whole new level.

“It’s a chance to celebrate the high achievers and players who hold mana within the industry,” says event manager Prue Younger.

The event has grown each year in both entries and attendance, and she’s confident that will continue.

The 2018 awards were celebrated at the ASB Stadium in Whangarei, with more than 540 on hand to toast the best of the industry. Poi Terei was master of ceremonies.

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

Give us a call for our FREE 30 point

“Financial Warrant of Fitness” See us for a solution packaged to your needs Freephone 0508

376 0092 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 Kevin Ihaka Blackburne Group congratulate Kevin Ihaka and the Forest Protection Services team on being awarded the 2018 Contractor of the Year at the Northland Forestry Awards.

Kristy Kewene our Northland Manager 40 Kamo Road, Whangarei

09 974 8800 or 027 5566 674

Grow stronger.

Work with Northpine.

If you like the idea of working with wood, a career in the timber industry could be yours with Northpine. We manufacture a range of timber from our sawmill in Waipu.

We process only Northland-grown pine, because it is proven to be the strongest, densest and stiffest pine in New Zealand.

We believe a job worth doing is worth doing well. That’s why we also invest heavily in staff training – to build a team of skilled and productive people who all add value to our operation.

Want to know more? Look us up online, email your CV, or make an appointment to visit.

Te Ruana Pene grad ing timber in

the sawmill.

ating the Ed W ilson oper

e sawmill. twin resaw in th

tt strapping Callum Har ne y store. timber in the dry

Jared Dobs on filleting ti mber in

the yard.

Richard W il son operatin g the headrig in the sawmill saw .

er wrapping Charlene Hav y store. timber in the drry

Paul Carr, ‘PC’ – team leader for the yard..

34 Cove Road, Waipu Phone: 09 432 1155

www.northpiine..co.nz office@nortthpine e.co.nz

Winner, Training Company of the Year, 2016 Northland Forestry Awards

2016

6

In honour of my father

N

ewly-crowned Northland Forestry Skilled Professional of the Year Dave Wilson never had to look far for inspiration and guidance.

To those who know the Wilson whanau, and Dave’s late dad Jim, it is no surprise he was awarded the top prize at the annual awards.

It was on Dave’s first day in the forestry industry, as a teen just out of school, that he was taken by a supervisor to a crew on a job site.

“They were having smoko and I was introduced as Jimmy Wilson’s young fella. There was a big old fella there – well, I thought he was old then – who said if I turned out to be half the man my old man was then I would be a gun

. . . I always remember that.”

And it still brings tears to his eyes.

“My father is the one behind everything I have done,” says Dave.

“He would be so proud. He was a meticulous man – everything was always tidy and sharp, right down to his gardening tools. He was like that not just in logging, but his life in general.”

Unsurprisingly, those in the industry today have similar things to say about Dave, but he is quick to share the glory.

“All of the guys who have worked with me deserve a lot of recognition too,” he says. “Without them, my job wouldn’t run. I can’t do this on my own.”

Dave works with Rosewarne Cable Loggers, running an efficient harvest crew and using big towers and haulers.

He has been with the company fiveand-a-half years and has nine in his crew.

“Rosewarne deserve lots of recognition too. They run a very professional operation which makes it easier for me to do my part.”

And while Dave works with very modern machinery these days, he draws so much from his father Jim who came from native logging, using an axe and hand saw.

“I just followed him into the industry as soon as I could leave school.”

As night follows day, so too has Dave’s son James followed him, working in Gisborne as a certified tree feller. His late son Richard was also involved with logging, and his nephew Johnny is a head breaker out for a 100-foot tower hauler in Tokoroa . . . all three men were started by Dave.

“I like to train the young fellas up to get them up to scratch so they can be left to do the job on their own.”

Dave grew up in Tokoroa, and worked for 30-plus years in logging.

He worked his way up from the very bottom to crew foreman before moving to Northland.

Those who work with him say he is the best in the business, and the longevity of his own crew highlights that.

Dave had no clue he was going to win the big award of the night – nor the

Harvesting Excellence Award either.

“When I saw who I was up against in the harvesting award I thought one of them would win – they are pretty good loggers. It was stiff competition,” he says.

“I guess winning is recognition for all that I have achieved throughout the years.”

His love of the industry is palpable.

“I like being outdoors and the challenge of running these big towers and haulers. Some of the country we

have to log is steep and tough . . . and the weather can get to you too. But whenever I get down, I think about my old man, and that keeps me going.”

There’s a saying the Wilson whanau like to use ‘better to have tried and failed than to have never tried at all’.

“It’s something I take to heart – it’s better than sitting back and not giving things a go.”

It seems apt when talking about a man who is known for always looking to improve what he and his crew do.

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.

www.eltecforestry.co.nz

Forestry machines built by Loggers for Loggers

Mobile 0274891005

7

Northpine’s commitment to training

One thing that Northpine understands well is the power of strong roots. The Waipu-based timber manufacturer prides itself on having a foundation built on high training standards for its entire team.

H

aving taken out the NFA Training Company of the Year award in 2016 and 2017, Northpine has proven credentials in its training initiatives - resulting in a superior product, increasingly efficient processes and operations,

and a high level of customer service.

Northpine’s training covers everything from personal and career development for its 50 plus team members, to unit standards for various aspects of the wood processing industry from boiler and kiln operations, to grader and timber manufacturing.

Other training at the sawmill includes hydraulics and machine safety, and of course, health and safety for all reps and staff – with further training in first aid, fire extinguishing and fork truck

operation.

There is also management training for senior staff, skills training for the team accountants and governance skills.

Certificates and awards are celebrated at Northpine’s monthly team barbecues and staff engagement is monitored and improved regularly.

Bruce Larsen, general manager of Northpine, says the company places such a high priority on training because “it keeps staff engaged and motivated, enhances their personal

and professional growth, and ultimately enables to satisfy our customers by producing better quality products more efficiently”.

Northpine also has three apprenticeship placements on the go, and monthly external assessor visits.

Recognition of the training and achievements is all part of the process, which demonstrates its value in the team members and their efforts.

Northpine has also provided further training around numeracy and literacy skills, plus budgeting, health and

wellbeing courses.

With an on-site skills trainer three days a week, Northpine boasts the additional benefit of facilitating timber grading and verification training to builders as part of its Licenced Building Practitioner (LBP) training though merchant stores.

And operating in the heart of beautiful Waipu, Northpine opens its doors to the community to help the locals get a better understanding of the small, boutique sawmill with deep community roots.

Tom & Mandie from Skipps Logging Ltd wish to congratulate all the winners and nominees for the 2018 Forestry Awards

“Everyone home safe everyday”

201 Winners Congratulations to you all‌

Trainee of the Year Award

Training Company/Contractor of the Year Award

Forestry Excellence of the Year Award

Brendon Sander Douglas Logging

Grimmer Contracting

Hoani Te Taaki Poinga Silviculture Contractors

Roading Excellence of the Year Award

Harvesting Excellence of the Year Award

Distribution Excellence of the Year Award

Tom Ringrose

Rosewarne Cable Loggers

Dave Wilson

Daron Turner Kaitaia Transport

Rosewarne Cable Loggers

Awards photos to the credit of Stephe

Wood Processing Excellence of the Year Award

Breaker Out Excellence of the Year Award

ShaneNorthpine Mansell

Rosewarne Cable Loggers

Jake Bryant

Emerging Talent of the Year of the

Faller Excellence of the Year Award

Pepe Paniora

Douglas Logging

Forestry Family of the Year Award

Contractor of the Year Award

Subritzky Clarke Logging

Forest Protection Services Kevin Ihaka

Outstanding H&S Management of the Year Award

Outstanding Environmental Management of the Year Award

Northland Forestry Skilled Professional of the Year Award

Forest Protection Services Kevin Ihaka

Michelle & Nigel Harrison

Wise on Wood

Rosewarne Cable Loggers

Channing Green Lloyd Logging

credit of Stephen Jones Photography

Dave Wilson

www.northandwoodcouncil.co.nz

10

Robust company drug & alcohol policy crucial

D

espite the introduction of stringent new Health and Safety Work Act legislation that came into effect 2016 many businesses are still unprepared for the challenges that drugs are causing in and around the workplace and how to deal with it.

The Drug Detection Agency (TDDA) CEO Kirk Hardy says that this leads to the temptation for companies to ‘do it themselves’. “This is particularly so in New Zealand where we have a DIY mindset.

“People who are not aware of the complexities of the issues, and who are not informed about the growing maturity of the drug testing industry, can be excused for thinking that DIY is the right approach - but it isn’t.”

A cheaper cost option will always mean that employers will look to do their own testing using cheap and readily available testing devices. “At

the risk of stating the obvious, we’re not trying to find out if a teenager is smoking dope in his bedroom,” Kirk says.

“We’re talking about people who are driving heavy vehicles on our roads, or forklifts in our warehouses. People using machinery, or interacting with members of the public, people with access to company money, or bank accounts. Or, just as importantly, people in white collar jobs who are giving advice to others or making decisions on our behalf.”

Kirk says that using employees to test their work colleagues is inappropriate and the processes is totally unacceptable and will almost certainly lead to further action against the company doing the test itself, this has been highlighted in case in Australia which operates under the same drug testing standards as New

Drug and Alcohol Management Programs in the workplace

Zealand.

The Australian FairWork Commission recently ruled against a diagnostic services company, citing disciplinary process flaws, in a case with DIY drug testing.

The company conducted a drug test on a female employee after being informed by her neighbour that she was under the influence of drugs.

When asked to give a urine test the employee became agitated, claiming she had spent the morning trying to gain an Apprehended Violence Order against her neighbour.

The employee left the building saying she would come back after lunch and never did. She was later called into a disciplinary meeting for failing to return for the test and her employment was terminated for serious misconduct.

The FairWork Commission

determined that while the company did have reasonable grounds for requesting a drug test, it was not best practice to take a drug sample from a person they work with and manage.

Nor was the process to take the sample in line with Australian and New Zealand Standards.

It reinforces the importance of using an independent and accredited tester when conducting drug and alcohol testing, best practice and knowledge of international standards is critical.

It protects the interests of the employer and employee and guarantees accurate outcomes in a professional manner that will hold up in a court of law.

“There is then the absolute need to ensure that the policy, the independent testers and the approach, are all developed and conducted in a way that conforms to best practice and

international standards. In short, you can’t afford to take short cuts when people’s lives and livelihoods - as well as the company’s reputation - are on the line,” Kirk says.

“Imagine a girl riding her bike to work who is hit and killed by a recreational drug user driving a truck who wasn’t tested before being employed. Or imagine the same scenario involving a driver who had been tested, and yet, that test was not conducted properly, and as a result the imminent danger was not identified. This is a reality that our industry needs to be aware of, and that businesses must take seriously.”

TDDA has ISO15189:2012 accreditation for workplace drug testing (see NATA and IANZ websites for further detail). TDDA is considered to be a leader in its field with more than 50 locations throughout Australasia. www.tdda.com

•

Policy, Education and Testing i

•

Accredited Locations Nationwide, Mobile, Onsite

•

Market Leaders in the industry

•

Mitigating Risk

To find out more visit www.tdda.com or phone 0508 DRUGTEST RUGTEST

11

Congratulations to the nominees of the 2018 Northland Forestry Awards Ray Nicholls Stokes Logging Ltd

Kevin McFarlane Douglas Logging

Zielinski Family Silviculture Contractors

Josh Hunter Wilson Earthmoving Group

Shane Mansell Northpine

Darryn Hill Stokes Logging Ltd

Ryan Richards Stokes Logging Ltd

Sullivan Family

Tom Ringrose Rosewarne Cable Loggers

Channing Green Lloyd Logging

Jake Bryant Rosewarne Cable Loggers

Stacey Heke Stokes Logging Ltd

Kevin McFarlane Douglas Logging

Joe Lamborn Stokes Logging Ltd

Forest Protection Services

Nathan Edge Stokes Logging Ltd

Northpine Bruce Larsen

Veka Naidu Stokes Logging Ltd

Shelley Pattison IK & SM Newey Transport

Jason Te Wake Stokes Logging Ltd

Grimmer Contracting Grimmer Contracting

Jerry Te Wake Stokes Logging Ltd

Gareth Bourke ISO Limited

Kevin Ihaka FPS Forestry

Pep Paniora Douglas Logging

Dave Wilson Rosewarne Cable Loggers

Brendon Sander Douglas Logging

Hoani Te Taaki Poinga Silviculture Contractors

Joel & Tyson Niha (twins) Niha Contracting

Wise on Wood Wise on Wood

Subritzky Clarke Logging Dave Paton Rosewarne Cable Loggers Stokes Logging Ltd Daron Turner Kaitaia Transport Curtis Hawkins Rosewarne Cable Loggers Kyle Mason Douglas Logging

www.northlandwoodcouncil.co.nz

WINNERS OF THE FORESTRY EXCELLENCE AWARD 2018 (Silviculture, Establishment and Fire)

The Team At Silviculture Contractors Are Proud Of Winning This Award For The Third Year In A Row And Would Like To Say To All The Companies And People That Made It Possible "Thankyou" Excellence through highly skilled and productive employees providing professional services for all your silviculture and establishment requirements

Metro Direct for your Forestry Industry Glazing needs!

WE COME TO SITE TO MEASURE & INSTALL!

Mention this advert to get upto 4 chip repairs for FREE, with the ďŹ rst glass replacement job we do for you!

CALL NOW AND ASK FOR JUDE!

28 Porowini Ave, Whangarei Mon - Fri 8am to 4.30pm P: 09 438 9399 E: wha@metroglass.co.nz www.metrodirect.co.nz

SILVICULTURE CONTRACTORS LTD Phone 09 405 3970 MANAGING DIRECTOR Craig Zielinski 0275352274

OPERATIONS MANAGER John Zielinski 0275352272

Offer ends 31st October 2018. Free chip repairs valid with the same site booking as the glass replacement & will be completed at the same time during the same job.

12

The awards Training Excellence

Trainee of the Year: Brendon Sander – Douglas Logging Training Company/Contractor: Grimmer Contracting

Skilled Professionals

Forestry Excellence: Hoani Te Taaki Poinga – Silviculture Contractors Roading Excellence: Tom Ringrose – Rosewarne Cable Loggers Harvesting Excellence: Dave Wilson – Rosewarne Cable Loggers Distribution Excellence: Daron Turner – Kaitaia Transport Wood Processing Excellence: Shane Mansell - Northpine Breaker Out Excellence: Jack Bryant – Rosewarne Cable Loggers Faller Excellence: Pepe Paniora – Douglas Logging

Special Award

Emerging Talent: Channing Green – Lloyd Logging

Industry Development Awards

Forestry Family of the Year: Subritzky Clarke Logging Contractor of the Year: Forest Protection Services – Kevin Ihaka Outstanding H&S Management: Forest Protection Services – Kevin Ihaka Outstanding Environmental: Wise on Wood – Michelle & Nigel Harrison

Northland Skilled Forestry Professional of the Year 2018: Dave Wilson, Rosewarne Cable Loggers

Check out our website at: www.northlandwoodcouncil.co.nz for full results.

For more information please contact – Prue Younger 2018 Northland Wood Council Forestry Awards Event Manager 021 276 5484

LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED, SUPPORTING NORTHLAND COMMUNITIES FOR OVER 50 YEARS

WINNERS DISTRIBUTION EXCELLENCE AWARD 2018

FILTER HQ We are a family owned business based in Whangarei.

Specializing in filtration and lubricants for automotive, commercial, industrial, agricultural, transport, forestry and marine applications.

OIL & FILTRATION SPECIALISTS

We also stock a wide range of related products and have access to hundreds of national and international suppliers. We’re dedicated to bringing you quality, reliable product at the best possible prices.

We stand behind every product we sell.

56 Rewa Rewa Rd, Whangarei

0800 4 FILTER

www.filterhq.co.nz

Check out our product range for more information.

13

14

Joel and Tyson Niha T

wins Joel and Tyson Niha are young men on a mission in Northland’s forestry industry.

The tree fallers were nominated for two sections in the recent Northland Forestry Awards, narrowly missing out in both the tree faller excellence and emerging talent.

Those who nominated them have nothing but praise for these young dads. Hancock Forest Management (NZ) harvesting and distribution manager Ray Hook says the young fallers continue to learn every day, honing their skills as professionals.

“They work together as a team as only twins can,” he says.

The two moved to contract felling last year and spend most of their time in Hancock-managed forests.

“They’ve gone from strength to strength, taking their business to another level. They realise for a tree faller, the stump left behind is a signature and that is a representation of their brand. These men are always searching for improvement.”

Over the past 12 months, they have been felling at Karaka Forest, some of the most difficult forestry terrain in Northland.

“They carefully and methodically go about their work, frequently helping with high-risk tasks – such as dangerous trees overhanging roads – ultimately making the forest safer for others,” says Ray. “They have now achieved Hancock Forest Management

tree-falling certification three times. Joel and Tyson are two very good fallers who I am confident will continue to develop over the next few years.”

Tyson was the first of the twins to venture into forestry, and Joel followed him not long after.

“I had done farming for a couple of years and then Tyson got on a silviculture crew and I jumped on too,” says Joel.

From there, the two were identified as workers with potential and they were offered the chance to go tree felling.

“They picked us out of the whole outfit so must have seen something.”

Turns out, they were right. Joel and Tyson love what they do.

“We are tight with the land and just love the whole thing about forestry – like being out in the bush.”

When they’re not working or hanging with their young families, the two are likely to be found back out in the bush pig hunting.

Joel and his partner Alex have three children under six while Tyson and Paula have two under seven.

“We are at a level with our work now where we have a lot of pride and mana in all of our work,” says Joel.

That’s something others notice too.

Hancock Forest Management New Zealand health and safety field officer Lance Hare says the two are sponges for learning.

“They are continually seeking

knowledge to ensure they are improving as contract tree fallers,” says Lance.

That covers all aspects of their business.

“They have demonstrated a desire to be open-minded when receiving advice and genuine in their attempts to adopt the advice into their day-to-day work activities.”

He praised their “faultless” stump presentation and directional falling achieved to ensure the best layout for productive extraction.

“Both Joel and Tyson treat tree falling as an art form and this is seen through their work.”

But the men themselves say much of their work ethic is thanks to those who have invested in them.

“Our old boss Colin Rosewarne, who we worked with for six years and also all the guys at Hancock’s and Rosewarne Cable Loggers – they all want to help us. We are really lucky like that,” says Joel.

The two are keen to grow their own business more.

“We want to branch out and do other things in the industry. At the end of the day it is up to us to chase it. This is a really good industry to work in – the hard work definitely pays off.”

They were very proud to be have been nominated for the awards and say it drives them to do better in the future.

“It makes us want to step up even more.”

GROWING OUR TOMORROW “Forestry offers diverse opportunities for people of all skill levels. 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.”

Forestry is in the spotlight now, more than ever before, and the future is bright.

Rayonier Matariki Forests, one of New Zealand’s leading forestry companies, has had a long history in Northland and a strong commitment to the local industry.

Rayonier Matariki Forests Northland Regional Manager, Will Steward, says regional development, employment and the environment are a major focus for the government and the forestry industry has a huge role to play.

“Forestry is a significant contributor to Northland’s economy. Our 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,” says Mr Steward.

However finding people to be a part of the industry is an ongoing challenge. “Northland continues to experience higher levels of unemployment while the forestry industry is crying out for more people to work in entry level through to highly skilled positions.

Rayonier Matariki Forests provides operational, technical and leadership training programmes with a strong focus on safety. Mr Steward said the training was not only a way the company could support learning and professional growth but it also served to keep the focus on safety and improve processes within the industry.

Rayonier Matariki Forests employs or contracts more than 100 people in the Northland region and also supports associated industries such as Marsden Point port, regional sawmills and engineering companies.

Mechanisation in the forestry industry is progressing with robotics and automation being considered across all facets, from planting, silviculture, harvesting and processing.

“The move towards greater mechanisation ensures better worker safety and also improves productivity, particularly when harvesting on steeper terrain.”

As well as the economy and employment, forestry also has a hugely positive impact on the environment. This ranges from carbon capture, assisting with water quality, through to stabilisation of soils, reduction in erosion and providing wonderful spaces for recreation and tourism.

Rayonier Matariki Forests plays an active role in a number of regional bodies focussing on improving water quality, reducing sediment

as well as predator control programmes in its forests.

“As a member of the Northland Wood Council and the Northland Forestry Health & Safety Committee, we want to drive change for the good of the whole industry.”

Northland’s forestry industry is encouraging regional economic growth and creating sustainable jobs as well as helping meet climate change targets. Mr Steward said the Northland Forestry Awards were an important way to acknowledge the industry and the region.

“Recognising and celebrating success is great for our people and for our industry. If we all strive for a stronger, safer more successful industry, it is not only Northland’s gain but a win for the whole country.”

15

Wood Processing Excellence Award Winner - Shane Mansell T

eamwork, staff encouragement, diligence and an insatiable curiosity about the industry, topped with a great attitude, have been the ingredients of a successful career for one of the winners at the Northland Forestry Award.

Shane Mansell of Northpine is this year’s winner of the Wood Processing Excellence Award.

Having started at Northpine in 2002, the Treatment Plant Operator says the investment of time for training, personal growth and encouragement of staff is vital in the industry as it’s all about having the right attitude and approach to work.

“All staff here are encouraged to not only look out for their own safety but for the safety of others. We are also encouraged to record any minor incidents and near misses, as well as obvious incidents that do occur, so that we can be more proactive in preing harmt to to people and plant,” Shane says.

“The people make Northpine what it is, so it only makes sense to invest in them.”

Team members having the right attitude encourages a less stressful environment with better productivity, “where team members can trust the systems and guarding and know they are more than welcome to come up

with new ideas”.

“We have the Florence Nightingale monthly award for such ideas.”

Mansell, who works the night shift at the Waipu sawmill, says being a part of the ‘FISH team’ has also been important to his - and his team’s success.

“The team is the initial group that started learning about the four philosophies of having a good attitude; making someone’s day; being present for others and finding challenges and getting away from the norm with play.

It’s all about looking out for the people that make up the Northpine whanau.”

Mansell says he loves the variety of his role.

“I started off in the sawmill and learned how to cut a log into different products. I then spent time in the planer, learning how to machine-saw timber into various lines of product.

Now I’m in the treatment plant learning how to create the finished product to preserve it for final use. I guess I just love learning and getting my head around how each area ticks.”

He says the Northland Forestry Awards are a wonderful asset to Northland as “there are so many people coming up through the ranks who I feel are going to make an impact on the industry”.

PMG PROUDLY SUPPORTING THE NFA 2016, 2017 & 2018 PMG is a silver sponsor of the 2018 Wood Processing Excellence Award Pacific Motor Group has Northland’s biggest range of new and used utility vehicles with accessory options to suit any job.

Whangarei P 09 430 4470

52-70 Porowini Avenue Whangarei 0110

Kerikeri P 09 407 4700

14 Klinac Lane Waipapa 0295

Building Professionalism in

forestry

SPONSORS 2018

www.northlandwoodcouncil.co.nz