Southern North Island Forestry Awards - 10 May 2024

SouthernNorthIslandWoodCouncilForestryAwards2024

A chance to gather and celebrate together

Erica Kinder

CEO Discover Forestry New Zealand / Southern North Island Wood Council

It was a well-timed event for our Southern North Island Wood Council to hold the Forestry Awards in Palmerston North. Somne 310 members of our forestry community from across the lower North Island came together to finally find something to celebrate and have a good catch-up over a buffet dinner, drinks and entertainment that are provided as part of this event.

Twelve trophies were awarded from a pool of 52 nominees that were collected from our forestry members right across the lower North Island. The Forestry Awards are in the seventh year now, and gaining the recognition with either a nomination or trophy is a proud moment for an individual or forestry company.

This year the focus of the evening was on the nominees with slideshows playing during the evening showing every nominee out in their workplace, and spot prizes handed out as part of the awards.

The forestry community needed a night to get together, celebrate and send their attendees back out as advocates for the sector, with some good stories to tell.

Forestry has seen a slew of negative media in previous months, and many contractors and businesses are under pressure with the damaging comments persisting.

These have affected the health of our forestry workplaces and it is the Wood Council’s responsibility to counter these often-inaccurate and aggressive styles of

reporting misinformation with examples of what is really happening in forestry.

It remains a goal of Southern North Island Wood Council to provide insight into the hundreds of people working in forestry, good-news stories of their workplaces, and shine a spotlight on the giant contribution forestry has to our local economies and the environment.

Southern North Island Wood Council is proud to hold these awards every year and continue to provide accurate information about ourforestryworkplaces to the public. This is how we can oppose the pessimism and misinformation about our sector. We’ll show people how it really is; a fantastic, vibrant, growing sector employing more than 40,000 people and contributing to clean water, decreased erosion, offsetting our emissions, providing more than $6 billion to the economy while ensuring our country has enough wood for all our needs.

Congratulations to all the winners in their categories and we look forward to seeing you out in our workplaces, contributing to the success of forestry

The 2024 Southern North Island Wood Council Forestry Awards attracted 310 members to celebrate the great work the forestry industry does.

Woman in Forestry Award of Excellence – Caitlyn Thomsen

Caitlyn Thomsen has been in the forestry industry for four years in total, three of those with one of John Turkington Forestry’s highest-production crews, Manawatu-based NAB Logging.

She comes from a family involved with machinery in some shape or form, including brothers working in the mechanical and engineering trades as well as another also working as a logger

She now drives some of the biggest log-loading machines in the business and after only three years, her skills have seen her shine in this role.

Caitlyn is highly skilled at log loading and fleet, sort, and stack duties. She is a consistent and dedicated high performer and a staple within the NAB logging team where all training for driving these machines is done on the job.

Caitlyn believes it is so important not being afraid to fail. Staying true to this philosophy, Caitlyn participated in the inaugural Golden Loader competition at the Ford Ranger Rural Games in Palmerston North

Her dedication, consistency, and drive to further improve her skills on the loader and also other machinery is what SNIWC feels, embodies the best qualities of the next generation of forestry workers, and makes her a perfect fit for the Woman in Forestry Award of Excellence

This award was proudly sponsored by Forest Enterprises, and CEO Bert Hughes presented the trophy on the night.

Emerging Talent of the Year –

Jaden Clifford-Marsh started work with Wairarapa-based Keenan Forestry in 2022 as a trainee breaker out.

In a short time he became a respected member of this experienced crew and is now working his way through a forestry apprenticeship while looking at a long future in the industry. Forestry training is all completed on the job, and Keenan Forestry believes it is lucky to have such a hard-working young talent enter the sector

Congratulations Jaden, you have a bright future ahead of you! This award was sponsored by Juken New Zealand.

SouthernNorthIslandWoodCouncilForestryAwards2024

Silviculture Excellence –KTM Contracting Troy and Kelly Mason

Masterton-based Troy Mason provides an organised and talented silviculture crew of up to 30 in the field that are a pleasure to deal with.

Troy Mason is the KTM Contracting managing director supporting and managing field work, and Kelly Mason leads the administration

Over the past 12 months in particular, KTM has grown from strength to strength in efficiency and productivity, providing a high standard of workmanship. Health and safety is paramount to KTM's philosophy, along with creating a positive environment for staff to work in

During the last planting season, the company planted 2.86 million trees for five

different companies and has an ongoing working relationship with councils and government bodies throughout the region

The investment in crew culture has been outstanding with a constant drive to incorporate family and professional values in all that they do KTM supports the community as a major sponsor of local sports clubs and has been a proud gold sponsor of Masterton’s Pioneer Sports Club for many years.

Kelly and Troy have worked hard to make KTM the company it is today and the whole crew should be very proud of achieving this award. Congratulations!

Ernslaw One is the proud sponsor of this award with regional manager Steve Couper presenting the trophy.

Training Excellence –Keenan Forestry Ltd

Keenan Forestry was founded in 2017 by Gavin and Janice Keenan. With over 44 years of experience, Gavin oversees operations while Janice manages administration, health and safety, and training.

They employ 16 staff, split evenly between harvesting operations and truck driving for cartage.

Keenan Forestry prioritises health and safety and is very deserving for this award.

What sets Keenan Forestry apart is its proactive approach to training. Despite industry challenges, it invests in specialised training programmes and often takes on young people with little to no experience and will actively ensure they receive training and mentorship.

This has included working with schools in Gateway programmes where students will start with one day a week onsite. The team’s ability to work with young people has usually led to these students developing a passion for forestry and staying with the crew.

This proactive attitude not only helps them to have competent staff, but also contributes to the growth and sustainability of the forestry industry as a whole.

Training competent staff who will stay in the industry long term is essential for the forestry sector and training provider

Competenz is the proud sponsor of this award for Keenan Forestry, which has won this trophy for the second year now. Well done team!

Contribution to the Forestry Sector – Adam Gresham

Adam Gresham has been an integral part of Kiwi Lumber, a privately owned New Zealand company operating four modern sawmills strategically located in the North Island.

These mills, situated in Putaruru, Gisborne, Dannevirke, and Masterton, collectively produce 250,000 m3 of sawn timber annually.

Kiwi Lumber's presence in the regions where it operates has a significant economic impact Beyond providing employment opportunities at its processing sites, the company's activities support local

businesses, contractors, and forest managers, stimulating economic growth and fostering vibrant communities.

Adam Gresham's leadership at Kiwi Lumber has been instrumental in driving growth, sustainability, and excellence in the timber industry.

His contributions to Kiwi Lumber's success, coupled with his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to community engagement, make him a standout nominee for the Forestry Awards and we thank him for his significant contribution to the forest sector.

Winner Outstanding Environmental Management –

Owner Chris Wise and Havendale Logging are a Swing-Yarder crew based for over 10 years in the Wairarapa region where they have consistently shown great environmental consideration in their harvesting.

This starts from the ground up where they have configured their machines in such a way as to minimise impact on the land, reducing the amount of surface erosion that occurs during harvest.

Over the last five months HDL has been working in a forest with high visibility from

the public driving to Castlepoint. Chris and his crew have made an impressive job of the cutover, with members of the public commenting how tidy the harvested forest looked, and praise from local landowners for their care of the environment.

In forest operations crews are often working around native reserves, sensitive areas such as rivers, and archaeological sites. HDL has shown particular care and owner Chris Wise was proud to accept the award this year sponsored by Forest360 and presented by Blake Jones.

SouthernNorthIslandWoodCouncilForestryAwards2024

Harvesting Excellence

- Allan Clapperton

Allan Clapperton is a sixth-generation logger who left school at a young age but has always been drawn to the bush.

He is currently the foreman of Brolly Logging's ground-based crew based in the Wairarapa, and boasts exceptional skills in operating machinery, particularly the felling machine.

His advice, rooted in 30 years of forestry experience, has proven pivotal in enabling the harvesting of challenging areas

Under Allan's leadership, the crew prioritises health and safety, with meticulous management, paperwork, and reporting.

Demonstrating environmental consciousness, Allan operates machinery with minimal impact in sensitive areas.

His mechanical expertise allows him to

troubleshoot and repair machinery on-site, maintaining optimal crew performance.

Allan dedicates significant time to training and coaching crew members across various roles.

He fosters a positive crew culture, emphasising hard work and rewarding effort, while leading by example.

Allan uplifts team morale through recognition, and appreciation and promotes the forestry industry through his social media.

He knows his way round a forestry harvesting machine and was nominated for his outstanding performance and skill in harvesting.

Sponsored by New Forests, this award was presented on its behalf by Forest Enterprises CEO Bert Hughes.

Wood Processing Excellence - Tamate Clayton

During Tamate Clayton’s career of seven years, he has excelled from starting out as a table hand, to becoming a senior operator of the Kiwi Lumber Masterton sawline.

Operating this modern sawline requires exceptional skills and extensive experience of the sawmill processes.

Not only has Tamate achieved this level of skill in such a relatively short period, but he also continues to share this knowledge and train his colleagues.

His remarkable leadership skills make Tamate an exceptional member of the Kiwi Lumber Masterton sawmill team.

He is physically a hard worker who

works long hours to ensure that the sawmill team achieve their targets.

He was nominated for being a true role model to colleagues and managers, with a strong commitment to the success of his team, to health and safety, and to quality and productivity.

And he’s just a good bloke! Despite having achieved all this, Tamate is an inspiration to his team but remains humble.

This award was sponsored by INKA Investments and the award was presented on its behalf by Blake Jones from Forest360.

SouthernNorthIslandWoodCouncilForestryAwards2024

Outstanding Health and Safety Management – Anton Wichman

Anton Wichman has been employed in the forestry industry from a young age, and currently shares the management of Wichman Silviculture LTD with his father, based in Masterton.

He has recently implemented a shift from a paper-based health and safety system to an electronic version.

Having seen some of the systems currently available from professionals on the market, Anton decided to create his own reliable and comprehensive system from scratch.

His new system shows how easy health and safety management can be and has

resulted in greater buy-in from crew members and staff who have appreciated the new style of App.

Anton's commitment to health and safety in the field of silviculture is impressive, and he has exceeded expectations for his employers.

The implementation of his HSE system absolutely stunned those that saw it for the first time and we think Anton’s innovation is commendable.

Sponsored by the Forest Industry Safety Council and SAFETREE, the award was presented by John Lowe.

Distribution Excellence Award – Clinton Buller

Clinton Buller has been driving trucks for over 47 years. He has been involved in the forest sector for over 30 years and runs a successful log cartage company, Dalefield Transport, out of Carterton in the Wairarapa.

Working closely with his youngest son, he has also built a successful firewood company.

Dalefield Transport has been in business for over 29 years. Clinton has carted logs for client Farman Turkington Forestry since the company’s inception over 10 years ago.

A first-time winner of this category, Clinton prides himself on his health and safety standards with members of the public

often calling to compliment them on their safe driving.

Clinton has trained and chosen drivers and trucks that are not only safe on the roads, but also operate with respect for the areas they work.

Clinton is always approachable and willing to help and offer advice on trucking and roading.

Clinton Buller represents the best in log cartage standards, from the consistent safe driving, emphasis on health and safety, and wealth of knowledge he offers.

This award was sponsored by Kiwi Lumber with the award presented by site manager Blair Watson.

John Turkington Forestry Limited(JTL) is an establishedfamily company, with strong ties to thecommunity.

JTLsponsorsa varietyofgroupsand individuals, with agoalofremovingbarrierstoenablean increaseinyouth sportparticipation andhelpelite athletes achievetheir potential. JTLis dedicatedtosupportingindividualswho are excellingattheir chosen passion,and enablingthem tostrivefor excellence,often on theworld stage.

JTL is passionate aboutthe community, andthistranslatesacrosstoforestry, wherethe focusto achieve thebestoutcome forthe landownerand theenvironment oftenrequiresout of thebox thinking. Harvesting

Arecentproject involved theoffsetting of overseas flight generated carbonemissionsfor an internationalWomen in SportAotearoa Conference held in Auckland.Approximately2,000 trees were plantedina Reserveadministeredbythe Manawatu District Council. Over 100 people turnedupfromthe community, localschools,Iwi alongwithseveral high performance sportswomentoachieve an outstanding outcome.

Email: office@jtl.co.nz

Office ph.: 06 3275263

Talk to oneofthe team aboutyourtrees andwhatwecan do to help youstrivefor success.

Contractor of the Year –

Moutere 2 Logging

Moutere 2 Logging was established in 2015 and is based in Karioi Forest near Wellington, working for Ernslaw One Ltd. Moutere 2 has previously received recognition for excellence in health and safety and is skilled at training new crew members and maintaining a positive work culture.

With meticulous planning and execution, Moutere 2 consistently delivers high-quality results and exemplifies excellence in production, safety, environmental standards, and human resource management.

The crew take pride in how they operate, and they certainly know how to get the job done and do it well. They are a crew that requires minimal input and management and they live by the principle of manakitanga, ensuring that every member feels welcomed, supported and valued Moutere 2 Logging is very deserving of the Contractor of the Year award, congratulations!

This award was sponsored by McCarthy Transport and as winners this crew also received a new chainsaw from Stihl Shop Masterton.

Winners of Forestry Family of the Year –McCarthy Transport

McCarthy’s fatherArthurMcCarthy started McCarthy Transport in 1949 in Raetihi with just one truck, and 39 years later Mark took over.

McCarthy Transport has since expanded the fleet to 150 trucks across the lower North Island.

The McCarthy family have been deeply rooted in the forestry sector for seven decades, playing a pivotal role in shaping the log transport sector through their dedication, passion, and innovation

The McCarthy family’s legacy in forestry began with a clear vision and determination. They are paving the way for future generations and have maintained a family

feel to the way they operate. Today McCarthy Transport is run by two of Mark's sons - Matt and Mike. Mark's other son, Bryan McCarthy, owns Mangoihe Logging, which was originally part of McCarthy Transport.

Congratulations to the McCarthy family who have been supporting the delivery of logs across the lower North Island and contributing to the local forestry economies for many decades.

This award was sponsored by John Turkington Forestry, and is always a favourite with the forestry community as multiple members of families work in many local forestry businesses.

Mark

MILLS ALBERT FORESTRYLIMITED

About Us

Mills Albert Forestry essentially started when Mills Albert Ltdwas firstestablished.

The company founders started logging trees in asmall capacity along with advancing the civil earthworks aspect of the business. Mills Albert then implemented asmallground-based harvesting crew which primarily did the smaller woodlot blocks or opened up blocks for subsequent earthworks and harvesting works by larger external crews.

In 2017 Mills Albert transitioned from aground-based crew into acable harvesting (hauler crew) and itsnumbers increased to between5-10 staff. This wasa major transitionfor Mills Albert with the new capabilityallowing the crew to operate on acommercial scale. This capability also leads the way for Mills Albert to transition into a90% mechanised crew which modernised the operation considerably.

In2022 harvesting transitioned into its own standalone company Mills Albert Forestry Ltd (MAFL).The harvesting crew hasastrong physical andspiritual mana associated withit. It is ahigh-risk industry that creates astrong ‘forestry brotherhood’ throughout the industry.Thisisalsomanifested in our harvesting crew who areproud Mills Albert loggers who workphysically hardevery day and almost never stop regardless of weather or ground conditions

Running alongside that but currentlystill on the civil side (atthis stage is the forestry roading (forestry engineering) aspect.Whilst not apart of theharvesting crew, this capability operates across the broader forestry community working alongsidemany external harvesting contractors and consultants.

The forestry roading compliments the harvesting and viceversa with both capabilities opening up opportunities for the other

21 Nikau Palm Road, Paraparaumu, 5032

Email: paul@millsalbert.co.nz

Phone: 04-905-8683

www.millsalbertforestry.co.nz

comingsoon.

returnsfroma carbon centredinvestment backed byproduction forest potential.

Youropportunity to invest in premium land and treeswith minimalcalls and annual income projectedfrommid-2030s.

Nomoneyiscurrentlybeingsought. Financial products cannotcurrentlybeapplied foror acquired.Whenthe offer is made,the offer will be made in accordancewiththe Financial Markets ConductAct 2013. Forest EnterprisesLimited is seeking preliminaryindications of interestand no indication of interestwillinvolve an obligation or acommitment to acquirethe financialproducts.