NZ Logger July 2025

July 2025

ISSN 2703-6251

d n a d Soli e l b a i l re

Team approach to timber harvesting

+ t s e T e l b Dou

s s e l t Effor g n i g g lo

Farewell to a forestry stalwart

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FOREST TALK Restricting farm-to-forest conversions; Clearer, consistent national forestry regulation in the offing; Export revenue on track to break records; Collaborating to meet EU requirements; Major dealership transition underway; Gisborne Council awarded $51k from forestry company; Legal experts sue climate Minister over Emissions Plan; Giving back to the soil; New forwarder with 25 tonne load capacity.

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SHAW’S WIRE ROPES IRON TEST It’s a double test for our Iron Test team at A&R Logging this month – the Madill 124 upgraded by i.Log and Shaw’s, and the new 50 tonne Sany SY415HGW Pro running a Woodsman Pro 850 processor. Impressive all round.

BREAKING OUT Working together as a team to meet collective goals and going home safely at the end of a shift, are top priority at S&S Logging in Canada’s New Brunswick.

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TALL TIMBER NZ Logger writer, Jim Childerstone has passed away. A man of many talents, he always said that social justice and the environment go hand in hand.

DEPARTMENTS 2 editorial 46 fica 50 top spot 52 Greenlight New Iron 54 classifieds

July 2025 | NZ LOGGER 1

from the editor July 2025

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ISSN 1176-0397

PHOTO: TIM BENSEMAN

Solid and reliable

Double

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Test

Effortless logging

Team approach to timber harvesting

Farewell to a forestry stalwart

The i.Log Madill 124 and the Sany SY415 Pro working at A&R Logging near Gisborne.

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2 NZ LOGGER | July 2025

On mortals and machines AS WE GO TO PRINT, FIELDAYS HAS JUST WRAPPED UP AND, IF THE atmosphere there was anything to go by, forestry and those who fuel it are as enthusiastic and innovative as ever.

The Fieldays Forestry Hub returned for its fourth consecutive year, bringing together players from across the forestry and wood processing sector. The popular forestry simulator was back too, immersing job seekers into a virtual reality experience placing them in the operator’s seat.

Showcasing the diverse range of careers the sector has to offer is more important than ever, with the need to attract new people and new energy to take our industry into the future.

Displays of innovative uses of wood, machinery, the latest in forestry robotics, a roving tractor called GOVOR and even Scion’s 3D printer using forest-based biomaterials to print pinecones, gave a taste of what that future holds.

Perhaps the technological age has come around just in time to draw young blood into the nitty gritty of forestry. Not forgetting a bit of fun.

And there was an impressive display of forestry machinery on display at Fieldays as always too. Keeping in mind, as one of our Iron Testers this month, John Reid says, “Paint don’t pull wood and it’s the belly of the beast that impresses”.

Yes, you read right, we have two Iron Tests for you this month as our Iron Test team spent some time at A&R Logging’s PātŪtahi site testing both the Madill 124 recently upgraded by i.Log and Shaw’s, and the new 50 tonne Sany SY415HGW Pro running a Woodsman Pro 850 processor. Lucky enough to pick one of Gisborne’s sunny days, the team liked what they saw on both fronts.

And teamwork is what it’s all about in our Breaking Out feature at S&S Logging, as Canadian, New Brunswick contractor, Sean Storey says the key to productivity is about the team meeting collective goals and, of course, that tough and dependable iron.

Speaking of tough, yet fair, on a more sombre note, this month we say a sad goodbye to one of our regular writers, Jim Childerstone, who passed away recently. Never one to mince his words, he always held the industry to high standards but also gave praise where it was due. He had a strong sense of social justice and established a forestry consultancy, advocating in particular for the correct management and use of wilding trees.

His voice will be missed in these pages.

Until next time, stay safe.

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forest talk

g n i t c i r t s e R t s e r o f o t farms n o i s r e v n co NEW LEGISLATION THAT WILL PUT A STOP TO LARGE-SCALE farm-to-forest conversions was introduced last month.

“The Climate Change Response (Emissions Trading Scheme – Forestry Conversions) Amendment Bill will restrict wholesale conversions of farmland to exotic forestry by stopping LUC 1-5 land from entering the ETS and capping new ETS registrations on LUC 6 land,” says Forestry Minister, Todd McClay.

“It will also protect farmers’ ability to diversify – allowing up to 25% of a farm to go into trees, while stopping the kind of blanket ETS planting that’s been gutting rural communities in places like the East Coast, Wairarapa, the King Country, and Southland.”

As previously announced the new restrictions will take effect from 4 December 2024. The law will: • Restrict farm conversions to exotic ETS forests on high-to-medium versatility farmland (LUC classes 1-6) • Allow a limit of 15,000 hectares per year for exotic conversions on medium versality farmland (LUC class 6) • The annual limit of 15,000 hectares for LUC 6 farmland will be allocated by a ballot process, including a reserved quota for small block holders, with the first ballot proposed to be held in mid-2026.

• Allow for up to 25% of a farm’s LUC 1-6 land to still be planted in exotic forestry for the ETS, ensuring farmers retain flexibility and choice.

• Protect specific categories of Māori-owned land, in line with Treaty obligations • The Bill proposes time-limited transitional exemptions in rare cases for people who were in the process of afforestation prior to these changes originally being announced on 4 December 2024.

• To be eligible for a transitional exemption, applicants need to show sufficient evidence that they made a qualifying forestry investment between 1 January 2021 and 4 December 2024.

• Transactions that commenced after this date will not be eligible to register in the ETS. • The applicant will need to demonstrate that the investment relates to the specific Land Use Capability (LUC) class 1–6 land they are applying to register in the ETS. • Registry of 25% of LUC 1-5 land will be registered against the properties title to restrict further planting as a result of subdivision.

“Labour’s careless ETS settings turbocharged the sell-off of our farming base. They let speculators put short-term profits ahead of 4 NZ LOGGER | July 2025

long-term food production. That was careless – and it ends now,” Mr McClay says.

“This Government is backing farmers, restoring balance, and making sure the ETS doesn’t come at the cost of New Zealand’s rural economy.

“This policy is pro-farming, pro-food production, pro-commercial forestry and pro-rural New Zealand.”

The legislation is now before Parliament and is to come into force in October 2025.

Conversions ongoing Meanwhile, according to a new report released by Beef and Lamb New Zealand, whole farm-to-forest conversions continue.

The research, carried out by Orme and Associates on behalf of Beef and Lamb, found close to 40,000 hectares of sheep and beef farms had been sold for forestry since September last year.

The report also confirmed 29,518ha had sold in 2023 and 30,483ha in 2024.

It brings the total amount of farm-to-forestry conversions since January 2017 to more than 300,000-ha. Beef and Lamb estimates this has resulted in the loss of more than two million stock units since 2017.

Chair, Kate Acland, says the data underpins longstanding concerns about whole farm-to-forestry conversions.

“The numbers show whole-farm sales for conversion to forestry for carbon credits are continuing at pace,” she says. “What we’re really concerned about is whole farms, really good productive land getting planted into trees.”

The research shows Hawke’s Bay, Wellington and Wairarapa remain preferred locations, while Southland had also seen a notable increase.

There has been a significant slowdown in the Gisborne region, likely due to the environmental impacts of adverse weather events and tightened harvesting conditions being set by regional councils.

Acland says they are not against incorporating forestry within farms, adding if most farmers planted 10% of their least productive land in trees, they could still maintain production.

“We’re very supportive of incorporating trees within farms. and I think there’s a real opportunity here for farmers to be part of the solution.” NZL

forest talk

Clearer, consistent national forestry regulation in the offing PROPOSED REFORMS TO THE NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL Standards for Commercial Forestry (NES-CF) will go some way to addressing the challenges forest owners face due to variable and unjustified local council rules, says the New Zealand Forest Owners Association (NZFOA).

The reforms look to tighten and clarify the conditions under which councils can impose rules more stringent than the NES-CF and review forestry operations requirements for management of harvest debris.

FOA Chief Executive, Dr Elizabeth Heeg, says the forestry sector has long called for clearer, nationally consistent regulation that provides certainty for growers.

“Forest owners have been subject to a growing patchwork of conflicting council rules that contradict national policy,” she says. “Over time, these local variations have disrupted forestry operations, jeopardised long-term investment and undermined confidence in one of New Zealand’s most sustainable and regionally significant industries.

“The NES-CF was originally designed to ensure national consistency in how forestry is managed. It’s hoped that, from our initial reading, these proposed changes will help restore that intent and recognise the vital role forestry plays in New Zealand’s economic and environmental future.”

Ms Heeg emphasises that forestry is not looking for a regulatory pass, but a fair, science-based regulatory environment that reflects forestry’s important contributions to sustainable fibre production, biodiversity and climate outcomes and regional employment.

“It’s critical that the reform strikes a careful balance between enabling operational efficiency and strong environmental safeguards by remaining rooted in scientifically supported change.”

She says the proposed introduction of a mandatory Slash Mobilisation Risk Assessment could be a constructive, practical tool for the industry that will reinforce the work the sector is already undertaking to mitigate climate-induced risk.

“We want to be good neighbours and we want to operate to high standards,” she says. “But we need a framework that’s predictable, proportionate and nationally coherent. That’s what these changes could offer.”

Back in the driver’s seat Forestry Minister, Todd McClay says, “These changes are about getting foresters and wood processors back in the driver’s seat and stopping councils from using their plans to rewrite the rules on forestry through the back door.

“The current NES-CF was designed to provide a nationally consistent framework for managing the environmental effects of plantation forestry. However, recent changes have allowed councils to bypass that intent by imposing more stringent rules without justification – a trend that is now undermining investment and confidence in the sector.”

Key proposed changes include: • Clarifying regulation 6(1)(a) to tighten the conditions under which a council can impose rules that are more stringent than national direction.

• Repealing regulation 6(4A), which currently gives councils broad discretion to override the NES-CF for afforestation without justification.

• Strengthening slash management by requiring a Slash Mobilisation Risk Assessment as part of all harvest management plans, and considering refining requirements to remove all slash above a certain size from forest cutovers.

• Tidying up the NES-CF with minor amendments to remove duplication and improve clarity for foresters and councils alike.

“We are hearing loud and clear from the forestry sector – and from regional New Zealand – that the current rules aren’t working,” Mr McClay says.

“Too many councils are starting to use vague discretion to block or delay forestry operations that meet national environmental standards. That’s not what the system was designed for, so we’re fixing it.”

The forestry sector has been vocal about the need for a consistent regulatory environment that enables long-term planning and sustainable growth. These proposed changes are intended to support that vision while still managing environmental risks, including from storm events and slash.

“This Government backs the fibre sector – and that means making sure regulation is clear, practical, and nationally consistent,” Mr McClay says.

“Whether you’re planting trees, harvesting them, or processing them into world-leading products, you shouldn’t be subject to a different set of rules just because of which council you happen to fall under.”

Consultation on the proposed changes to the NES-CF is now open via the Ministry for the Environment’s website and will run until 27 July 2025. The FOA encourages all those with a stake in the future of forestry in New Zealand — including landowners, wood processors, regional communities and iwi — to engage with the consultation process. NZL July 2025 | NZ LOGGER 5

forest talk

Export revenue on track to break records FORESTERS, FARMERS, GROWERS, fishers and primary processors are driving New Zealand’s economic recovery with export revenue on track to surpass $60 billion for the first time, says Forestry Minister, Todd McClay.

“The latest Situation and Outlook for Primary Industries (SOPI) report forecasts export earnings of $59.9 billion for the year ending 30 June 2025, $3 billion higher than projected in December. This momentum is expected to continue, with exports reaching $65.7 billion by 2029,” he says.

“These figures reflect the hard work and resilience of the men and women of provincial New Zealand. Strong global demand and healthy prices across key markets are positioning our high-quality, safe and sustainable food and fibre exports for record growth.”

Forestry export revenue is expected to increase by 9% to $6.3 billion in 2024-25 led by stronger log prices and increased sawn timber export volumes as supply-side disruptions in processed wood products ease.

Looking ahead to 2025-26, forestry export revenue is forecast to increase to 6.4 billion.

Weak demand from China for logs due to lower construction activity and uncertainty around global trade policy are headwinds for the sector over this period.

Other growth highlights include: • dairy export revenue lifting 16% to reach a record $27 billion, 6 NZ LOGGER | July 2025

• meat and wool export revenue increasing 8% to $12.3 billion, • horticulture export revenue growing by 19% reaching $8.5 billion, and • seafood export revenue lifting 2% to $2.2 billion.

“The numbers speak for themselves, but Government remains laser-focused on doubling the value of exports in 10 years, driving higher farm and forest gate returns, and backing the long-term capability, resilience, and health of rural New Zealand,” Mr McClay says.

New developments Meanwhile, Mr McClay has announced a new Cooperation Arrangement between New Zealand and Vietnam that will grow timber exports and remove potential trade barriers for the forestry sector.

The arrangement will see New Zealand’s radiata pine recognised under Vietnam’s evolving timber construction standards, opening more opportunities in this growing market.

“This will grow our $2.68 billion two-way trade and significantly bolster the $48 million worth of sawn timber we currently export into Vietnam,” says Mr McClay.

“Vietnam’s economy has more than doubled in the past decade and is expected to see some of the fastest global income growth over the next. That means more construction, more demand for sustainable products – and more opportunity for New Zealand timber.

In addition, he recently announced both inbound and outbound forestry trade missions with India this year, aimed at strengthening trade links, deepening industry ties, and unlocking greater value for both countries’ forestry and wood processing sectors.

“India is one of the fastest-growing markets for our forestry exports and we’re focused on turning that growth into longterm opportunity for New Zealand exporters.

New Zealand’s wood exports to India have surged from $9.5 million in 2023 to an estimated $76.5 million this year. Pulp exports have more than doubled, from $20 million to $45.6 million.

“Increased engagement with India is already delivering results. We’re now building on that momentum with a targeted sector focus – including hosting an Indian delegation in New Zealand and planning a Minister-led mission to India later this year.”

The inbound visit, supported by industry partners, will showcase New Zealand’s world-class forestry systems and sustainable management practices.

While the outbound mission will continue to open doors for deeper commercial and government partnerships.

“Our relationship with India is a priority, and forestry is a key part of that. The goal is clear: to grow the market, remove barriers, and drive better returns back to New Zealand’s foresters and processors.” NZL

forest talk

Collaborating to meet EU requirements THE EUROPEAN UNION DEFORESTATION REGULATIONS (EUDR) will require wood product exporters to the European Union and other countries to implement robust traceability processes to demonstrate that their products do not contribute to deforestation – for example, to Asian manufacturers who buy New Zealand wood products/logs then remanufacture and on-sell to Europe.

Although this is an added cost to business, exporters view compliance with the EUDR as essential to maintain and grow export of value-added wood products to the EU market, which currently sits at around $100 million per annum.

To support wood product exporters and growers, the Wood Processors and Manufacturers Association (WPMA) has established a cross sector Working Group. With the EUDR rules starting to apply from the 30 December 2025, good progress in terms of advancing their due diligence obligations, to ensure export of wood products sold in the European Union and other relevant countries are deforestation-free, is being made by the industry.

“A central part of the progress has been the collaboration of forest growers, wood processors and government via the joint Wood Products EUDR Working Group. Some issues, such as sourcing the correct data from small block owners and working through the geolocation file requirements, are still needing further work, but overall companies are reporting that they are reasonably confident that they will be in a good position to meet the EUDR requirements come December 2025,” says WPMA Chief Executive, Mark Ross.

On a positive note for our forest industry, recently the European Commission classified New Zealand as “low risk”, which means the benchmarking process concluded there is “sufficient assurance” 8 NZ LOGGER | July 2025

that the production of wood products within New Zealand is not linked to deforestation or forest degradation.

To make the EUDR process easier to navigate, an Interactive Starter Toolkit designed to assist wood product exporters and foresters affected by the EUDR is being developed. The toolkit, funded by industry, will provide a clear and accessible pathway for businesses to understand what EUDR entails, where to start, and how to implement the necessary data, systems, and processes for compliance. The toolkit will be delivered as a digital package featuring informative content, practical templates, visualisations, and embedded links to key resources. The final design will include a feedback loop to ensure both content accuracy and user-friendly design.

“Understanding the EUDR requirements will support EU market retention and growth in wood product exports, which will benefit all the forestry supply chain. In some cases, if the correct harvest data cannot be provided by the forest plot owner, then wood processors may need to adapt their sourcing strategies, prioritising log suppliers who can provide verified deforestation-free materials quickly and efficiently,” adds Mr Ross.

“At first glance the EUDR appears complex, but the best way to overcome any risks associated with the legislation and to ensure that our wood product exporters remain compliant, is for the forestry and wood processing industries to continue to work closely together on fulfilling the EUDR requirements. By taking the necessary steps to comply with EUDR, the New Zealand wood products industry can gain a market advantage in Europe and globally, which will further enhance our positive sustainable forestry and wood products reputation.” NZL

forest talk

Major dealership transition underway

IN A CHANGE IN AUTHORISED DEALERSHIP, effective this month, Tigercat distribution rights for its purpose-built forestry equipment in New Zealand is transitioning from AB Equipment (ABE) to CablePrice NZ (CPL).

This decision comes as part of a strategic realignment by both ABE and Tigercat regarding their respective futures in the New Zealand market. Since being appointed as Tigercat’s authorised dealer in 2010, ABE has played a pivotal role in building and supporting the Tigercat brand across the country. Despite facing challenging market conditions in recent years, ABE successfully maintained a strong market share.

“Tigercat deeply appreciates the strong partnership and collaboration shared with ABE over the past 15 years. The success of this relationship has been driven by the commitment of ABE’s sales and support staff,” says Tigercat District Manager for Australia and New Zealand, Glen Marley.

“As Tigercat moves forward with CablePrice, we are confident that this new partnership will continue to provide exceptional service and support to our

valued customers in New Zealand.

“Tigercat has enjoyed a terrific and fruitful partnership with the whole team at AB Equipment over the past 15 years, and we can only wish them all the best in their future direction. We’re all very much looking forward to working with the team at CablePrice to push hard on long-term growth and further success in the future, along with strong customer support going forward.”

CablePrice brings over 70 years of industry experience supporting New Zealand’s forestry, construction, transport, agriculture and mining sectors. The company specialises in importing and distributing industrial machinery along with sales of commercial vehicles, backed by comprehensive parts and service support. With a network of fullyequipped workshops and highly-trained service personnel, CablePrice is wellpositioned to deliver the top equipment and

customer service Tigercat customers have come to expect.

Aidan Mahony, Managing Director of CablePrice (NZ), adds, “We are excited and proud to be partnering with Tigercat – an industry leader in forestry innovation and performance. This partnership represents a significant opportunity for CablePrice to further expand our presence in the forestry sector. We are committed to ensuring a smooth transition and delivering the highest levels of customer support to Tigercat owners and operators across the country.” NZL

DIAGNOSE • DESIGN • DELIVER

forest talk

Gisborne District Council office.

Gisborne Council awarded $51k from forestry company GISBORNE DISTRICT COUNCIL HAS RECOVERED HALF OF JUST over $100,000 spent on what its legal representative described as “avoidable” legal costs in an Environment Court decision against a Chinese-owned forestry company.

The case followed several recent enforcement actions taken by the council across several forests, including Kanuka, West Ho, Te Marunga, and Wakaroa, which the council says have resulted in forestry operators reducing risks and improving compliance.

Environmentalists said they were pleased with the legal outcome but believe these issues should be addressed through stronger regulations.

The council spent $101,175 on legal and expert witness costs associated with a four-day hearing in July last year.

The hearing concerned enforcement orders related to woody debris and sediment migrating from commercial forestry activity in the Kanuka Forest in the Upper Waimata River catchment.

According to the court decision, the council argued that the conduct of the forestry groups, China Forestry Group (CFG), and management company Wood Marketing Services (WMS), “unnecessarily lengthened” the hearing process through conduct before and during the hearings, which included the New Zealandbased director of China Forestry Group NZ, Mr Yuxia Sun, resigning 10 days before the hearing.

Council’s Resource Management Compliance Manager, Gary 10 NZ LOGGER | July 2025

McKenzie, says the council has a responsibility to uphold environmental standards and protect public welfare as a regulatory authority.

“While some costs can be recovered through the courts, full cost recovery is not always possible. Like other regulatory agencies, we rely on public funding to fulfil these statutory obligations,” he says.

He confirmed the costs awarded by the court had been paid to the council by the respondents.

“The council will continue to monitor forestry activity across the region and, where necessary, pursue legal action where environmental risks are not adequately managed.”

During a council meeting last year, Council Chief Executive, Nedine Thatcher Swann, said that for every $1 million spent on legal and investigation fees for forestry prosecutions “you may get $250,000 back“.

This is the fifth enforcement order application against forestry companies, four of which have been successful and one of which is awaiting an outcome.

The court decision, enforced China Forestry Group NZ, its New Zealand Director at the time, Mr Yuxia Sun (who has since resigned), and management company Wood Marketing Services to pay the council $51,000 and MTT $8500.

The council sought half of its expenses incurred in its application, which the court rounded up to $51,000. NZL

forest talk

Legal experts sue Climate Minister over Emissions Plan A COALITION OF LEGAL EXPERTS HAS LAUNCHED MAJOR LEGAL proceedings against the Minister of Climate Change, alleging that the Government’s emissions reduction plan fails to fulfil basic requirements of the law.

“Under the Climate Change Response Act, the Government has to put in place a credible emissions reduction plan for New Zealand that will meet our climate targets and set us up for success,” says Lawyers for Climate Action NZ Inc Executive Director, Jessica Palairet.

“Yet, in the face of warnings from our Climate Change Commission that there are ‘significant risks’ around whether New Zealand will meet its climate targets, the plan misses the mark. It takes a high-risk, forestry-led approach to emissions reductions. Our law requires more.”

Lawyers for Climate Action NZ and co-applicant the Environmental Law Initiative (ELI) allege the Government’s plan fails to meet key requirements of the Climate Change Response Act. “As it stands, the Government’s emissions reduction plan will carry huge consequences for our country. We don’t take this step lightly, but the plan needs to be challenged,” says Ms Palairet.

Under the Climate Change Response Act, governments must set an emissions reduction plan every five years. These plans outline economy-wide policies and strategies for meeting corresponding emissions budgets – which are stepping stones towards achieving the 2050 net-zero target. In 2024, the Government published the second emissions reduction plan, which will be operative from 2026-2030.

Lawyers for Climate Action NZ and ELI challenge decisions relating to both the first emissions reduction plan (2021-2025) and the second emissions reduction plan (2026-2030).

ELI’s director, research and legal, Dr Matt Hall says, “The

Government cancelled 35 climate policies and actions which were part of the first emissions reduction plan – without consulting the public first, as required by law. It then put in place a second emissions reduction plan which is almost devoid of actions or policies for reducing emissions at their source.”

The NGOs allege that the second emissions reduction plan is unlikely to ensure emissions stay within the budget, has an unrealistic approach to risk management, and assumes that 95% of the planned emissions reductions will occur by themselves without policies or strategies.

Instead of focusing on reducing emissions at source, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts instead relied heavily on offsetting the country’s emissions with forestry plantations, they say.

“This was despite warnings from the Climate Change Commission that tree planting is no substitute for reducing emissions at source.

It locks-in vast pine plantations for future generations, and runs up against our obligations under the Paris Agreement. The science is clear that forestry is important, but it’s not a substitute for reducing our combustion of fossil fuels,” says Dr Hall.

“The Government’s plan does not give confidence; in our view, it is neither credible nor capable of achieving the purpose, which is to reduce emissions”.

Lawyers for Climate Action NZ’s Jessica Palairet says, “The Minister has made the pathway for achieving the third emissions budget incredibly difficult. Left unchallenged, it will be a huge burden for the future.”

“We believe it is necessary to take this case to protect the interests of the public now and in the future, and to test these important legal provisions for the first time.”

The application for judicial review has been filed with the High Court and is awaiting a court date. NZL

Giving back to the soil THE GOOD CARBON FARM IS TEAMING UP with Tolaga Bay Heritage Charitable Trust to deliver its first project in Gisborne.

Supported by Air New Zealand’s Every Corner Project fund, the project will produce and distribute biochar made from forestry slash displaced during Cyclone Gabrielle.

“We’re delighted to bring The Good Carbon Farm to Gisborne”, says The Good Carbon Farm Co-founder, Joany Grima. “Our climate action model is simple and circular: taking organic matter that would otherwise go to waste, upcycling it into biochar, and putting it back into the ground, for good, in a school or community garden. The Trust is the perfect partner for this project.”

Devastated by the impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle on their community, the Tolaga Bay Heritage Charitable Trust initiated the Slash for Cash project, repurposing forestry

debris into biochar to be used to regenerate productive farmland.

“This project will be the first big order for the Slash for Cash team; allowing us to start giving back to the soil,” says Slash for Cash Coordinator, Thabiso Mashaba. “Since establishing Slash for Cash, the team has been specially trained to heal the land, an empowering and mana enhancing process for those involved.”

Biochar produced by the team in the second half of the year will be shared among Tairāwhiti schools and community groups to dig into their food growing gardens.

Forestry slash is rich in carbon, so when it decomposes, carbon is re-released into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide and methane. Converting slash into biochar is a circular system, capturing up to half the carbon that would otherwise have been

emitted, while also creating an organic soil enhancing product.

“We think of what we’re doing as the opposite of mining - returning resources to the earth, rather than extracting them. The addition of biochar to gardens creates a safe, long term carbon sink, and triggers a reaction that makes soil more resilient,” Ms Grima says. NZL

The Slash for Cash project repurposes forestry debris into biochar to be used to regenerate productive farmland.

July 2025 | NZ LOGGER 11

forest talk

New forwarder with 25 tonne load capacity THE KOMATSU 898 TAKES THE NEXT STEP IN THE DEVELOPMENT of larger forwarders adapted for plantations in South America as well as final felling in Australia, New Zealand, North America and Europe.

A new powerful engine, robust transmission and a large load space with many options give the advantage to the Komatsu 898 to meet the demands in the larger market segment.

Powerful engine and stronger transmission The Komatsu features a new generation, powerful 7.5 litre AGCO engine with high performance and good fuel economy, and the new CORE platform – maximum power of 250kW and maximum torque of 1450Nm.

The engine has a larger radiator with hydraulically driven fan and oil cooler with electrically controlled thermostat for improved control of oil through the cooler. Overall, providing high cooling efficiency at high power output, with ability to reduce fan speed to save energy. A reversible cooling fan is an option.

The new engine requires AdBlue regardless of emissions legislation. The engine has exhaust gas treatment that meets MAR 1, Stage V and Tier IV Final.

The Komatsu 898 has a larger transmission than the 895 to handle the higher load capacity with larger bogie rear axle and wheels; the rear wheels are 30.5 and the front wheels are 28.5.

The strong powertrain ensures the machine moves effortlessly with

Large crane for 20 tonne forwarder The new Komatsu 895.3 comes fitted with a powerful 205F crane and new large G88H grapple and rotator. It is complemented with a redesigned frame, upgraded load space and bunks with optional telescopic functions.

The 205F is a new Komatsu crane with 205KNm lifting torque and 51.9kNm slewing torque. It has been developed with a focus on increased productivity in final felling, especially in forest plantations. The crane has a robust welded crane pillar which,

together with the inner and outer booms, provides good lift capacity and lifting geometry. It has optional reach of 7.5-8.5 metres with single telescopic or 10 metres with double telescopic booms.

The machine’s reinforced frame system, including articulating frame and bearings has been designed to handle the increased crane capacity and new load space. The more robust frame provides improved durability in tough environments.

A n updated hydraulic system is equipped with a new, larger hydraulic pump adapted for the new crane. It is electrically controlled for improved response and control, resulting in smoother pressure levels and improved efficiency. A larger hydraulic tank developed for a single filter instead of double filter, simplifies maintenance.

The HD Transmission, redesigned frame, large load capacity, new 205F crane and G88H rotator take the machine to another production level.

The 895.3 is expected to be available on our shores soon.

The Komatsu 895.3 in action.

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heavy loads with a maxium tractive effort of 345kN. The new generation transmission has dual hydraulic motors and a larger hydrostatic pump than the 895 which provides similar characteristics to 895’s XT transmission, but higher traction force. The new hydrostatic motors are designed to handle higher pressure and speeds, when combined with the engine, providing a more powerful machine with high productivity.

Robust crane and generous load space The new Komatsu 205F crane is specially designed for the largest forwarder models.

It has a lifting torque of 205 kNm and a swing torque of 51.9 kNm. The crane pillar has a robust welded pillar which, together with the main and outer booms, provides good lifting height and geometry.

The 205F has the largest grapple model, G88H with a tip to tip area of 0.55m2 and a powerful rotator. The crane was developed with an emphasis on increased productivity in final felling.

The Komatsu 898 load space has the same concept as the 895 but is larger to accommodate 25 tonne loads.

It consists of a robust gate that can be telescopically adjusted with new robust bunks with telescopic widening and optional height adjustable stakes. This increases productivity during loading and unloading as well as contributing to reduced fuel consumption.

The Komatsu cab is classified for a higher ROPS weight to handle a fully-equipped machine and tracks. The new, larger AdBlue tank offers the option of a larger fuel tank with 500 litre capacity. The new design cab entry provides easier and safer access with a ladder and larger platform.

The Komatsu 898 was released last month and is expected to arrive in Australia and New Zealand in the first quarter of 2026.

To see the machine in action visit: https://youtu.be/4YKsNkmQkjo. NZL

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The Komatsu 898 hard at work.

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Modular winch assist attachment for log loaders and excavators FIND OUT IF YOUR EXCAVATOR IS SUITABLE TODAY Contact Tom Simpson

NZ Customer & Sales Support 027 316 0228 tom@logger.co.nz

Iron Test

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WHEN WE ARRIVE AT A&R LOGGING’S PĀTŪTAHI SWING YARDER operation, the recently upgraded i.Log Madill 124 is pulling logs downhill. We are testing two machines today, the Madill upgraded by i.Log and Shaw’s, and A&R Logging’s new 50 tonne Sany SY415HGW Pro running a Woodsman Pro 850 processor.

I don’t know a heck of a lot about yarders, being a shovel logger but I do know if you’re going to haul downhill you’d better have good gear, and if you’re doing it in steep ground with big Gisborne stems then you’d better have great gear. As usual it looks like Arana Kuru has the operation running smoothly with plenty of good strong machines on hand.

What looks like a four-tonne tree is gliding smoothly down to a waiting Tigercat skidder which short hauls it and some others to the processor about 50 metres away. Everything looks well under control and crew co-owner Arana is happy to leave this crew to manage alone while he is further up the coast setting up his fifth harvesting crew – but we will catch up with him over the phone a bit later in the day.

Our host for this visit is Quality Controller (QC), Grace who is a great ambassador for the crew and logging in general as she puts her gear aside and signs us in, before taking us through the processing area and around to the Madill.

A solid plan Grace says she left school early to take this job despite doing well academically and she has her future well planned: “I intend to complete my Diploma in Forest Management but keep working in

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the crew for a good 10 or 15 years or so yet. Then when I have had enough of getting dirty every day I’ll move into a forest management role.” Solid plan. And just the sort of experience and work ethic we need in forest management. Talking to Arana about this, he agrees, saying Grace is a solid employee and is the daughter of his fuel truck driver, also a solid individual, both hailing from Mahia further south on the coast.

Up close, the Madill is looking like new after its recent upgrade and is sporting some good improvements and modifications.

While the Madill was trucked up to the Cambridge branch of Shaw’s for this upgrade, the local Shaw’s branch and workshop in Gisborne is one of the things that also impresses Arana.

“Shaw’s has a good backup team here, good service trucks and keen mechanics. They look after the gear really well and if you need help they get onto it. Whether it’s the haulers or the Sany machines, which I now have a few of, they are solid and reliable which is what we need.”

Regular Madill 124 operator, Reuben Takoko, started out logging as a breaker out with an American crew further north on the Gisborne coast run by Gary Jones and his FutureLog company a bit over 20 years ago.

“As soon as I saw the yarder, from young… 20 years old, I knew that’s where I wanted to be,” he says. (It’s Great to see these plans come together as he is now obviously a maestro on the Madill.)

“That first yarder was a pole yarder at the time. Eventually better technology arrived in New Zealand… swing yarders came out,

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The lay of the land around the Madill 124 working at A&R Logging’s Pātūtahi site.

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The Madill 124 ready for work at A&R Logging.

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From left: Iron Tester John Reid, Madill operator Reuben Takoko and QC Grace.

processors came out. I eventually ended up in a yarder at 30. So 10 years on the ground and I finally got my chance in the yarder.

“I did a bit of work for Sunrise Logging and various other crews running pole yarders and then I was sent up north to try out a swing yarder that the then boss was looking at buying. As fate would have it, the guy running that was my old boss from the American crew and we got on well. He showed me all his tricks over a week and I have really enjoyed operating swing yarders ever since. I have run pole yarders since then a few times and that’s fine but it’s not really what I wanted to do.

“I was running a 009 before this. Then I saw the job with A&R Logging advertised and decided to give it a try. It’s good here. I like the culture of the crew, I like Arana as a boss and he has got tidy machinery. That’s what I notice. That is what makes your life easier when the gear is tidy and running nicely and people are inspired to look after it. I take pride in the Madill as my work vehicle and sweep it out and look after it, not just because you guys are here, that’s just the way that I am.”

Reuben shows us what is behind the various doors on the upgraded machine as we walk through taking photos. The charging unit for the grapple, the Dyneema spool etc… All looking straight, clean and reliable.

A nice layout on the felling face by A&R Logging’s manual tree faller.

Grunty Detroit Listening to the grunty new Detroit 60 Series 450HP engine chugging away and the heavy chain links clinking as the grapple settles over some logs on the landing to arrange them for a photo, it’s easy to imagine you’re in the Pacific Northwest on some Oregon logging site where this rig was designed for, even though this is the first 124 made in New Zealand by Brightwater in 2012. i.Log’s installer, Brett Henderson, says they have three hauler upgrades on the books so far this year and things are a bit quiet due to current industry challenges: “We possibly saturated the market by installing so many in such a short time. To date, we’ve upgraded 49 swing yarders and 14 tower haulers to the i.Log control system, one of which, a 255, was shipped to Oregon.

“We also recently upgraded one of the early systems in Progressive

The grapple camera view.

Regular Madill operator, Reuben Takoko.

SERIOUS POWER FOR BIG TIME LOGGERS

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ALWAYS SWING A BIG STICK

EST EST 1909 1909 | TOCALL WWW.SHAWS.CO.NZ JONNY EDWARDS 021 944 894 THE THE SUPPLIER SUPPLIER NEW TO NEW ZEALAND ZEALAND HEAVY HEAVY INDUSTRY INDUSTRY July 2025 | NZ LOGGER 17

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Clockwise from top: 1 & 2: Tidy drums on the Madill.

3: Part of the i.Log Control system.

4: The new Detroit Series 60 engine.

5: Iron Tester, John Reid, with the Madill’s boom.

6: The view from the Madill operator’s new seat.

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Harvesting’s hauler for owner, Snow, after 14 years of reliable service.

We are pretty happy with the longevity of the system and so was Snow.

14 years is a long time for a computer control system to be enduring the rigours of a log hauler. We really only started out controlling the three drums. Now we can put all the controls on touchscreen – wipers, lights, slew brake and travel controls.

Catching up with i.Log’s designer, Tony Taylor, we get the lowdown on how things are going from his angle: “The current i.Log concept is basically the same as previous years but expanded to more areas of the machine such as remote control travel off and on transporters, making loading and unloading much safer because the operator is out by the tracks eyeballing exactly where on the truck deck it is and needs to go, plus this feature can be used around tight hauler pads without needing a spotter.

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“We supplied an i.Log rewire kit for A&R Logging’s swingyarder.

This is a Plug and Play full rewire system which Shaw’s then installed.

This included the i.Log maxivalve, so we took out all the old manual air valves and replaced them with electro-pneumatic valving. For this machine, Arana also spec’d the i.Log remote travel option as well as the remote guyline control.

“The next generation of i.Log (Gen 3) is what we are working on now. Shaw’s will be putting it on a Thunderbird, so that will be a good machine to Iron Test in the near future.”

“Overall the i.Log system is much tidier now that it’s all pre plugged and streamlined. There has been a big improvement in ease of installation now, so we rip out a lot of the old wires and overhead consoles and replace them with a much tidier, faster, more user-friendly and more useful system.”

MADE IN CANADA FOR NZ CONDITIONS

EST EST 1909 1909 |TO CALL WWW.SHAWS.CO.NZ JONNY EDWARDS 021 944 894 THE THE SUPPLIER SUPPLIER NEW TO NEW ZEALAND ZEALAND HEAVY HEAVY INDUSTRY INDUSTRY 18 NZ LOGGER | July 2025

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Iron Tester: John Reid

Upcycling at its best armrest controls for operator comfort and efficiency. Thoughtfully placed for headsup operation is an i.Log swing yarder control system with touch screen controls.

This displays the full array of information required. We are pulling downhill by the head, something of a nightmare at any time for an operator, but the controls are intuitive and smooth with the control of the drag a breeze, as the beefy stems are trickled down the hill into the chute.

The new transmission is designed for automatic power shift, specially calibrated for logging applications. The shift is quite fast, so no cable unwinding occurs during the yarding cycle but just in case, there is a drum camera so an eye can be kept on the drums which is always a good thing when fishing about for a drag.

Adding to the luxury, the aircon venting has been upgraded, a decent stereo pounds out the beats and there is also new shelving to keep all the bits and pieces tidy.

This upgrade is more than cosmetic.

The gantry and boom mounts have been rebored and bushed to tighten things up. Behind all the bling in the cab, new wiring has been fitted throughout. The pneumatics have had an air oiler system

Some of the wood pulled by the upgraded Madill.

Iron Tester, John Reid. added to keep things running smoothly.

All the radiators and coolers have been out for a full service and even the chain case has been upgraded with new seals.

But, of course, at the heart of the beast is the renowned Madill winch set with its smooth-running helical cut gears and brawny clutches and water-cooled brakes, reliably doing the mahi, drag in drag out.

Overall, the upgraded 124 is impressive.

Adding the latest technology to a proven chassis and new powertrain is a win all round for ease of operation, productivity and reliability. This is a case of upcycling at its best.

SPEC S IFICATION

THE FIRST SIGHT WE GET OF THE hauler, perched on a pad midface, it looks bright and shiny new.

Once we get up close, it is obvious this is no ‘Dulux overhaul’. The 124 has had a full blast and paint and, up close, the quality is obvious with new signwriting, handrails, kick panels and grip tape adorning the upper deck… there are even new serial plates. The side door has been modified and more venting added to keep things running cool. It is a showroom finish.

However, paint don’t pull wood and it’s the belly of the beast that impresses.

A new Detroit 60 series engine is coupled up to an Allison HD4060 transmission through an Allison hydraulic torque converter, providing high torque multiplication for maximum line pull and speed.

There are a host of other improvements and upgrades but let’s get in the seat and pull some wood.

The cab has been completely reupholstered, and the brand-new seat has

MADILL 124 4-450

ENGINE Detroit Series 60, 14 Litre Turbo Diesel 450 Horsepower CONTROL SYSTEM UPGRADE i.Log Swing Yarder Control System with 10” touch screen. i.Log Remote Travel Control System. i.Log Remote Guyline Control.

Yarding Boom height 60ft or 18.3m

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SERIOUS POWER BIG TIME LOGGERS

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LG35192

EST EST 1909 1909 |TOCALL WWW.SHAWS.CO.NZ JONNY EDWARDS 021 944 894 THE THE SUPPLIER SUPPLIER NEW TO NEW ZEALAND ZEALAND HEAVY HEAVY INDUSTRY INDUSTRY

NEWLY RELEA MK4 HARVESTL

NEWLY RELEASED MK4 HARVESTLINE • • • •

• • •

Greater machine stability without the need for guy lines.

Fully interlocked drums for both uphill and downhill log extraction.

Three operator selectable working modes.

Skyline mode with improved Skyline winch power and braking performance for Shotgun settings.

Improved line speed for quicker cycle times 15% increase in maximum line pull Swinging mast sheaves for swinging wood and simple machine moves.

For all sales enquiries conta Jono Cuff on 021 611 483.

For all sales enquiries contact Jono Cuff on 021 611 483.

LG35192

For all sales enquiries contact Jono Cuff on 021 611 483.

Iron Test

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Built For

New Zealand loggers Story & photos: Tim Benseman

The Sany 415 Pro and Woodsman Pro 850 processing near Gisborne.

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The Sany 415 Pro first seen on arrival.

WE HEAD ABOUT 20 KILOMETRES UP THE ROAD PAST THE Eastwood Hill Arboretum to another of A&R Logging’s crews, this one ground based with another young woman running Quality Control on site. In this crew we are testing A&R Logging’s new Sany SY415HGW Pro This is easier ground here, not quite rolling but good enough for the six-wheeled Tigercat skidder to drag big stems to the Sany which is running a Woodsman Pro 850.

Dave Curtis is the regular operator for the 415 Pro. He started out in the industry as a log truck driver: “I really wanted a change and the loader driver position looked good. A mate of mine was retiring and he got me the job a bit over seven years ago. I’m in my second year on processors, this is the second one I’ve driven.”

Sany and Ensign build Catching up with Jonny Edwards, AKA Woodcutter, from Shaw’s, he is enthusiastic about this build developed with Ensign: “This machine has been built up with New Zealand Loggers in mind.

We’ve got a high and wide undercarriage, full length track guards, straight boom and arm, full harvester cab and gullwing bonnets plus extra cooling. In the cab we have push-button start, touch screens for the base and the Woodsman Pro 850 and three removable windows to cover all emergency exit bases.

“Right behind the cab we have clamping bar storage, chain

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storage, toolbox rack and two 9kg fire extinguishers, plus a small door for hitting your kill switch at the end of the day so you don’t need to open a bonnet for that. There are lift out panels for the radiators so it’s easy to keep clean and there is another auxiliary cooler on board as well.

“Up on top we have the Isuzu 257kw engine linked to some Kawasaki pumps. We have a big exhaust guard which the gull wings come over to protect it a lot more. We have a big boom mat to keep the boom mount area clean and all the piping is protected under there right up the boom.

“Over on the right-hand gull wing at the hydraulic bay we have all the Woodsman filters and all the Sany hydraulic, engine oil and fuel filters accessible from there. Up front on this side we have a grunty corner post and in behind that we have inbuilt storage for two 20 litre containers then another 2x 20 litres under the step.

There’s more room for storing grease cartridges or whatever you need there. The floor of the bonnet on this side is all grip tread panelling, so nice and safe to walk and work on for your regular access to fill up with diesel and hydraulic oil. Around the back there is a rub rail to protect the counterweight, reversing camera, full underbody guarding and a little hatch for dropping the oil out so you don’t need to drop a whole panel.”

POWER BIGPro TIME The SERIOUS hydraulic pumps on FOR this 415 are LOGGERS monstrous. There are 2x200 series Kawasaki pumps producing 600 litres at 150

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Above from left: Regular Sany 415 Pro operator, Dave Curtis; Staunchly built and well-guarded by Ensign; The monstrous hydraulic pump and the filter bay. bar. The base machine was designed for mining and comes with serious piping out to the stick for a breaking hammer, so is ideal for setting up as a processor with strong hydraulic flow out there.

There’s also an enlarged radiator system with 20% more cooling capacity and on the hydraulic pump bay side, five large vents have been added to increase airflow and dissipate heat.

Sany has improved the lifetime of this machine by 30% on previous models, stating the longest designed lifetime can reach 25,000 hours and has also headed down the route of synchronising engine, valves and pumps for increased fuel efficiency.

Halving maintenance costs Maintenance costs have been reduced by 50%. Sany has taken hydraulic fluid cleanliness to the next level reaching NAS7 (National Aerospace Standard) and surpassing competitor brands

and the industry standard. Hydraulic oil service life is 4000 hours and engine oil life is 500 hours. Fuel and engine oil filter changes have also extended to 500 hours.

The 415 Pro is all set up to go harvesting on the tether if required, so makes a good latent capability in the supply chain for A&R Logging.

Dave says the balance on this machine is good and solid with impressive power, while being comfortable and quiet to run.

He likes the Woodsman Pro 850 head, much improved on his previous processor head. Dave also notes this one has big single bar grousers and we suspect he will have a bit of steep slope harvesting in his future on this rig.

He gets busy processing the surge pile again as it is building up constantly via the skidder. Denis Todd then steps in for a test drive which you can read about on the next page.

DIA DG I ANGONSO E S•E D•E D S IEGS N I G•N D•E D L IEVLEI V RER

Iron Tester: Denis Todd

Effortless logging GOT LUCKY ENOUGH TO PICK ONE of Gisborne’s famous sunny days this time around, to head over to A&R Logging’s site to try out the new Sany SY415HGW Pro running the Woodsman Pro 850.

A&R Logging has this shiny new beast processing on the landing. Bit of a shock coming from the Bay of Plenty region where skids and soil aren’t too bad to work on, to pulling up and seeing this small spot on the side of the hill made out of real sticky papa soil. But operator, David Curtis, assures me that this is one of their better skids .

The processor is taking up most of the back end of the skid alone. This is David’s eighth year in the bush, the last five with A&R mainly on the loader, with the last two years on the processor which he says he’s rapt to be doing, saves getting up early to load. This is the first time I’ve seen a Sany up close and a nice looking set up it is with the Ensign cab boom and guarding package.

David gives me a walk around the machine which has the nice gullwing opening bonnet providing a good, stable platform to walk on. A nice feature is the steps built by the diesel tank which just makes climbing around that bit easier for getting up to do the daily checks .

There are good hand grips down the side for access on and off the machine. The

cab itself has an extra step for climbing up which is just a brilliant addition by the team at Ensign. And it’s solid too, which David tells me is a great feature for when you need to knock the papa off your boots.

Jumping in the cab, the surprising part is that the cab has very little in the way of buttons and switches, mainly the bonnet, door and two dials for the revs and stereo. Everything else is housed in the rather large computer dashboard – with an absolutely brilliant sized touch screen which is so simple to use. All the bells and whistles you’d expect on today’s machines, Bluetooth etc.

Mounted above is the Woodsman processing screen. Another easy to use touchscreen, nicely placed to see when log making. There’s a quick rundown on the cut plan and I’m into it.

This Sany has to have the lightest feel of any joysticks I’ve used in a long time, with almost no pressure behind them at all.

There isn’t much room to test the track power out fully but David assures me it has plenty of grunt in that department – no problems there.

Picking up one of the biggest logs I can find, the 50 tonner doesn’t skip a beat at all. And with the ever-powerful Woodsman 850 on the end trimming the extra-large branches off with ease. Swinging the log

Iron Tester, Denis Todd. into position on the tight skid, the Sany has plenty of slew power making the task easy.

One feature that David points out as one of his favourites is that the delimb arms don’t all close together at the same time on this head, just one arm closes a touch faster than the rest, making it nice and easy to flick a log out of the stack and fully into the delimb arms.

The saw is the usual Woodsman saw, tearing through the log with no signs of bogging down when using other functions.

Trimming is no issue for the 850 head – really ugly logs get just a couple of passes and they’re clean. And processing entails just a quick tap on the quality button and off it goes, expertly cutting logs to all the desired lengths, achieving the near 400-tonne a day target nice and effortlessly. NZL

From left: The view from the Sany 415 Pro operator’s seat; The engine bay; Eyeballing the Ensign toolbox and straightened boom.

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IFICATION

SPEC S SANY SY415H GW PRO – SPECIFICATIONS ENGINE Isuzu 6UZI 6 cylinder 9.8Litre diesel 257KW (344HP) Max walking speed Slew speed

5.3 km/h 8.3 RPM

REFILL CAPACITIES (LITRES) Fuel tank Hydraulic Tank Coolant

646 380 28

DIMENSIONS 11m

Ensign Boom Max Reach

Machine length Ground Clearance Width Weight with Processor

5320mm 900m 3610mm 51,000kg

PROCESSOR Woodsman Pro 850 Weight Max delimb knife opening Max delimb capability Feed force at 350Bar Feed Speed at 350L/m Max Cut

5263kg 874mm 800mm 60.6kn 3.5m/s 930mm

The Sany 415 Pro processing near Gisborne.

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Breaking Out

Team approach to t Story: George Fullerton

I

TELL OUR CREW WE ARE LIKE A HOCKEY TEAM,” SAYS NEW Brunswick logging contractor, Sean Storey.

“We don’t score goals or fill contracts as individuals – we all work together as a team to meet our collective goals, providing top notch service to our business partners, and go home safely at the end of our shifts. Then we come back for the next game or shift inspired to work productively and as a team.

I am so very fortunate to have such a great team. I’m convinced I have the best team of workers.”

Sean manages S&S Logging along with his wife, Sandra, from their home base in Storeytown, across the Miramichi River from

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the Village of Doaktown, New Brunswick, Canada.

S&S Logging works on Crown Licenses 7 (J.D. Irving), 3 (Interfor) and 8 (AV Nackawic). The operation supplies logs to 13 major mills across the province. S&S Logging also contracts some private land stumpage and cumulatively produces around 500,000 cubic metres of wood annually.

Sean started his forestry career working as a teenager on his father’s contracting operation. He bought his first skidder, a Cat 518 in 1987, establishing S&S Logging as a harvest contractor.

Through the years, he has worked with a wide variety of harvest equipment.

o timber harvesting

Those years of experience have convinced him that his favorite and most productive harvester is the Tigercat 855 tracked harvester, equipped with the LogMax 7000 series harvester head.

At the time of writing, S&S Logging’s equipment stable included 12 Tigercat 855 carriers with LogMax 7000C or XT heads plus a Tigercat 570 harvester head.

“Currently, I am witnessing a high demand for harvesting capacity,” explains Sean. “I feel confident that our operation can handle the growth.”

The S&S Logging fleet is rounded out with a Tigercat 855 feller

Opposite: Some of the S&S Logging team. From left: Harvester operator, Dalton O’Donnell, Sean Storey and Zachary Storey.

Above: New Brunswick contractor, Sean Storey, is a big fan of Tigercat equipment. His stable includes Tigercat 855 carriers with Log Max 7000C or XT heads, a new Tigercat 855 that sports a Tigercat 570 harvester head, a Tigercat 855 feller buncher with a Tigercat 5702 head, and three 25 tonne Tigercat 1085 forwarders.

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Breaking Out

buncher with a Tigercat 5702 head, three 25 tonne Tigercat 1085 forwarders and two 18 tonne Ponsse Buffalo King forwarders.

On some J.D. Irving operations, forwarding is handled by other contractors.

“We keep our 855 machines until they have about 20,000 hours on them. That is the sweet spot, I figure,” says Sean.

“They still have lots of life in them and their resale value is still good.”

He is quick to share that his wife, Sandra, has been an irreplaceable part of the S&S Logging business since they were married.

“Sandra is absolutely critical to our business. She manages all the business side, and I focus on keeping the crew (35 to 40 employees) and machines operating, and on dealing with the forestry companies we work for,” he says.

“I learned bookkeeping from Sean’s mother, using a ledger and filling everything in by hand,” says Sandra. “In recent years, I have evolved to working with a computer. There were more than a few challenges and anxiety making that switch, but now the books, payroll, remittances and bills get handled electronically.”

In addition to administrating S&S Logging, she is employed as an in-classroom Educational Assistant.

Handling harvesting Sean elaborates on the harvesting work they do: “We do limited work in managed stands, where thinning is required and zero tail swing machines might be better adapted. Our operations

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Above: Sean and Sandra Storey. Sean is quick to share that Sandra is a critical part of the S&S Logging business.

Below: All in a day's work at S&S Logging.

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Breaking Out

tend to be in ‘naturally developed stands’ with either a total clearcut or a partial retention type harvest, where retained trees are scattered or in groups and the 855’s can operate effectively from trails.”

On one summer day, two harvesters and a 1085 forwarder, the latter operated by Sandra and Sean’s son Zachary, were in operation just a couple of minutes from their Doaktown base.

Due to heightened fire risk, all operations in the Irving Doaktown District were shut down at noon, similar to restrictions right across the province while major fires ran wild in both New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.

“Our prescription here is to harvest hardwoods which will make a log today, while retaining those hardwoods (mainly yellow birch) which will make a log in the future. We are harvesting spruce and fir, but retaining hemlock,” explains Sean.

34 NZ LOGGER | July 2025

As a result, the harvest block retained a moderate stocking of large, intermediate and small trees. The retained trees will produce seed and their shading will encourage shade tolerant and warming climate adaptable species to regenerate the block.

“We have used LogMax 7000 heads for many years,” Sean says. “I feel it is one of the very best harvester heads available.

It has the capacity to handle small diameter trees and right through to real big and challenging hardwoods. The Moncton LogMax shop services parts right across the country, so we have excellent parts availability, just a couple hours away.

“We get a complete hose kit with every LogMax head, and there is lots of engine compartment room in the 855 for the hose kit and a few of the more vulnerable hoses on the 855 boom,” he adds. “Additionally, the 855 has room for tools and oil supplies, bars and chains. When an operator changes a hose,

Above: Tyson Underhill of TCU Trucking (left) and Sean Storey, with TCU Trucking’s Peterbilt truck.

Top right: Operations are well spread out with crews to match.

Bottom right: Harvester heads are as valued as the machines that run them.

July 2025 | NZ LOGGER 35

Breaking Out

Above left: The machines work as hard as the people at S&S Logging.

Above right: The key to productivity is tough and dependable iron. he either calls one of our mechanics to have a new one built, or if they are handy to our garage, they can drop it off after the shift and then pick up the new one for the next shift. Some operators are competent at building hoses, but some lack that skill set, and in that case, they have a couple of full-time mechanics, who will build the hoses.

“Our mechanics build hoses specifically following the manufacturers’ specs,” he says. “In the past, the guy building a new hose would often add a few millimetres to the length, ‘just to maybe make it a bit easier to install’.

“But after a few generations of adding millimetres, a lot of hoses have grown by centimetres and then it becomes a headache trying to squeeze those extra and unnecessary lengths into a confined space, creating increased maintenance/ non-production time. Keeping hoses to spec is a step to increased efficiency.”

S&S Logging has a contracted welder who works nearly exclusively for the outfit.

“Our mechanics have fully-equipped service trucks to get to our operations, which often are spread out across a lot of New Brunswick,” says Sean. “We do not operate with service trailers.

We built heavy-duty supply trailers which have a fuel skid tank in the centre, and parts and supply cabinets are accessible from both sides of the unit. The cabinets have certain parts, DEF, chains and bars and chain oil that operators use every day.

36 NZ LOGGER | July 2025

Top-notch crew “We are very fortunate to have an exceptional crew,” says Sean.

“We have a contingent of talented operators in their twenties and we have some middle-aged and some who are approaching or past the age that people generally retire. We have very little turnover. We have good equipment and provide full-year employment, which is very important for people with young families.”

Their operations are well spread out, and when an operation is distant, they can adjust crews so that the operators with family commitments can stay close to home and the operators with a more flexible lifestyle can take on long commutes, or in some cases, take accommodations through the week close to the operation.

Key to the productivity of their employees is, of course, the iron, which is tough and dependable.

“In my opinion, Tigercats are over-engineered in every aspect – and that’s a plus,” says Sean. “A Tigercat at 20,000 hours or even 40,000 hours works just as well as it did at five hours.”

Tigercats are well-engineered to fit their forest type, he adds. Traction is not an issue any time of year with the rugged F8 undercarriage. They operate with three hydraulic pumps – one pump for travel and boom, one pump dedicated to the harvester head and one pump dedicated to the cooling system.

They always have power when and where needed, he says,

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Breaking Out

and they are always ready to handle big trees – and also work productively in uniform trees.

“Engine cooling has never been an issue with Tigercats,” he adds. “We got behind on machine cleaning this year and I expected we would have calls about heating – but even with the temperatures nearing 40 degrees Celsius, we had no heating issues.”

Their fleet of 855’s means all operators are familiar with every harvester, and able to switch seats, if and when necessary.

Similarly, mechanics are also familiar with them, and are quick to analyse issues and make repairs or adjustments and get back to work keeping machine productive time high.

“We contract Carroll Enterprises to handle our float work, and we keep one of their trucks working pretty steadily moving our equipment,” says Sean. “Mike Warman, at 76-years-old,

operates the float and gives us excellent service. If a move happens to be on the weekend, Mike is there, no questions asked.”

He points out that the Tigercat 1085 has a 25-tonne capacity, which is important since their forwarding distances are getting longer. Five-hundred-metre hauls to truck roads are more common, so it’s critical for business sustainability that big loads are landed.

In addition to the iron, S&S Logging also keeps a small crew of chainsaw operators who follow on certain harvester blocks, to fell and buck oversize trees. These are most typically white pine, which are cut in the cold months to mitigate potential staining issues.

“When we get an accumulation of snow, we will run the forwarder through those blocks so chainsaw operators can

G W

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38 NZ LOGGER | July 2025

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Breaking Out

operate productively and safely. Our oldest employee, Leonard Peterson, who is 76, continues to be the most productive saw operator, and he looks out for and makes sure the rest of the saw crew are productive and safe.”

Team work Sean is responsible for attending separate safety courses provided by the three licensees he operates for, and to administer a safety programme to his employees. Additionally, S&S Logging provides St. John Ambulance First Aid courses for all employees. Employees also take safety and operating certification courses.

All parts of the operation must work together for success, says Sean.

“As a business, we are fully occupied harvesting wood and getting it to roadside. But in order for S&S to maintain its success, we have to rely on a dedicated wood transportation service,” he explains.

“For more than 10 years, we have relied on TCU Transportation to deliver wood to just about every wood-using mill in the province. Tyson Underhill operates with more than 16 trucks of his own, and adds brokers when required, to meet wood-moving demand. Tyson uses a couple of Cat tracked loaders as well as operating at least nine self-loading log truck units. The service from TCU is critical to keeping our business successful.”

Fuel is supplied by Robinson Fuels, a local Doaktown business.

“They provide reliable and consistent fuel delivery, which is a critical element in driving our business success,” he adds.

Wajax Moncton provides them with good sales and parts service. If Moncton does not have a part in stock, it can be shipped directly from the Tigercat warehouse in Ontario, overnight to Moncton.

All in all, S&S Logging’s team philosophy extends to a group of business and employer partners, in addition to their team of employees. In effect, they’re all on the S&S Logging hockey team. * First published in Logging & Sawmilling Journal. NZL

The results speak for themselves.

40 NZ LOGGER | July 2025

Tall Timber

FAREWELL TO A FORESTRY STALWART J

IM CHILDERSTONE, LONG-TIME COLUMNIST for NZ Logger, passed away recently at the age of 90.

Along with forestry and writing, he was a man of many talents – fencer, shearer, shepherd mountaineer, keen sportsman and tramper, environmentalist and ‘there wasn’t much he couldn’t shoot between the eyes with his trusty 303’, says his wife Margot.

His love of nature began at an early age when living with his aunt Jeannie and uncle Kim Ferguson in Arrowtown during the mid-forties. Kim was a keen fisherman, hunter and tramper. Raised in Arrowtown, Jim’s parents were Mary and Walter, and Mary’s father was well-known local doctor, William Ferguson.

When he was almost seven, Jim and his mother, joined his father, Walter, in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), where Walter developed tea plantations.

However, it was World War II, and as Japan was about to invade, they escaped by boat to South Africa. After staying long enough to learn rugby “the South African way” under a former Springbok, it was back to New Zealand.

In his book, Up the Rees Valley, Jim wrote about 60-plus years of local trips and tramps with friends including summiting The Remarkables with a schoolmate in 1952 during a challenging 16-hour day.

He received an agricultural diploma and post-graduate degree in soil and water from Lincoln College, near Christchurch. Margot says he paid for most of his books from gold panning in Arrowtown.

She adds that he stayed an extra two years to play on the college basketball team.

He started his journalism career at Auckland’s Herald newspaper, but had the opportunity to earn more as a pneumatic drill operator before a stint as a Sydney Morning Herald court reporter.

He later travelled to Europe, sleeping on beaches in Greece, then in Canada he worked on The Calgary Herald and was a part-time ski patroller in Banff.

He and Margot, who grew up in Argentina, met in a London pub and married close by, in Hampstead, in 1968.

Jim worked for the British government’s Central Office of Information which 42 NZ LOGGER | July 2025

relocated him to the Solomon Islands.

“We had two-and-a-half years, which was fantastic,” Margot says, “and Jim trained some young Solomon Islanders as reporters.”

They had a summer in Queenstown, with Jim working as an Earnslaw stoker, then returned to England.

They popped back for good in the mid-1970s and bought a 5.5-hectare Closeburn property, near Queenstown, which was some 70% covered in wilding pines.

They lived in their pantechnicon, Margot recalls, while Jim built a log cabin from Corsican pines.

“Visitors commented on its lovely smell,” she says. They later moved into a larger residence built of Douglas firs milled above One Mile Creek.

Jim operated a portable mill, cutting timber, mostly wildings, for houses in nearby Sunshine Bay and Fernhill but also over at Walter Peak, at the Arrowtown golf course and even Stewart Island.

He set up a timber yard in Industrial Place, then a larger one named Closeburn Timber Corner.

Meanwhile, he wrote his Five-mile Fred column in Mountain Scene over three years – named after Queenstown’s Five Mile Creek, not Frankton’s later Five Mile.

The column covered his and mates like ‘Twelve-mile Trev’s’ musings on topics of the day from “up on the diggings”.

His columns made a book, Of gold dust, nuggets & bulldust, accompanied by Garrick Tremain cartoons.

The Childerstones also developed the Closeburn Alpine Park campground, but were badly burnt in the 1987 share market crash.

The couple, who eventually paid off most of their debts, moved first to Arrowtown then, helped by Lotto winnings, bought in Hampden, North Otago, in 1994.

Jim still frequented Queenstown, staying in hotels with Margot when she’d bring through Spanish and Italian tours during her days as a tour guide.

Taking a stand Jim’s sense of social justice was cemented during those years he had lived briefly in South Africa as a young boy. Over

Long-time NZ Logger columnist, Jim Childerstone. Photo: Otago Daily Times.

the years, he took up a number of causes, including against the mining of lithium, which degrades lakes and rivers, sometimes taking away the livelihoods of indigenous people, says Margot.

While rallying against some of the initiatives to combat climate change, he was all for biofuels for transport, laminated timber beams for construction and wooden windmills, thus avoiding costly and environmentally unfriendly steel, she adds.

He established a forestry consultancy, and took a stand against the wholesale destruction of wilding ‘pests’.

“There are practical ways of attacking the problem rather than the gung-ho attitude of fundamentalist conservation groups,” he told Scene on the release of his book, The Wilding Conifer Invasion – Potential Resource or Pest Plant, in 2017.

Pointing also to the ugliness of sprayed Douglas firs on hillsides, he argued wilding trees could be harvested for high-grade building timber, and biofuels could be extracted from wood waste, while also applauding locals Michael Sly and Mathurin Molgat for tapping wildings for essential oil products.

Queenstown’s Kim Wilkinson, who recalls hiking in the hills with Margot and Jim on Sundays before enjoying their hospitality, says, “Jim was still hiking around the hills in his late eighties and even in his later years had the mental energy and enthusiasm of a young man in his twenties”.

Margot adds, “People are coming out of the woodwork saying ‘he did this for me’, nobody has a bad word to say about him”.

“A dedicated environmentalist, he always said that social justice and the environment go hand in hand.”

He will be missed. * Sources: Philip Chandler, Otago Daily Times (31/05/2025) and Margot Childerstone.

Top right: Jim Childerstone (front) setting up logs, working on Wilding Douglas fir at Queenstown Lakes District Council reserves, 1977-81.

Middle: Jim at the controls of the Varteg portable mill, 1977-81.

Bottom: Jim Childerstone with his book decrying wilding pine ‘fundamentalists’.

Photo: Otago Daily Times.

July 2025 | NZ LOGGER 43

Tall Timber

RESTORING BIODIVERSITY ON TE TAPUNUI QUEENSTOWN HILL One of the causes Jim Childerstone championed was the correct management and use of wilding trees. An update on the Queenstown Lakes District Council’s (QLDC) draft plan for the area, as well as Government’s approach, follows.

Q

UEENSTOWN LAKES DISTRICT Council (QLDC) is encouraging the community to share their thoughts on a draft Forestry Management Plan (FMP) for Te Tapunui Queenstown Hill Reserve which is now open for consultation. The draft plan proposes to remove all wilding tree species on the reserve and replant the site with a mixed native/exotic forest and scrub/tussock grassland.

QLDC General Manager Community and Services, Ken Bailey, says, “It’s important to understand if the community supports the proposed plan for this well-loved reserve, which is part of a wider plan to protect our district’s landscapes and native biodiversity.

“The draft FMP guides the staged removal of invasive wilding trees and supports the restoration of a healthy, diverse forest.

It assesses the current tree cover and site conditions, and outlines options for

harvesting wilding trees and the new plants that will replace them.

“The forestry plan developed in 2006 for Ben Lomond and Queenstown Hill is now outdated and no longer fit-for-purpose, so the Parks team has prepared a new plan which applies solely to Te Tapunui Queenstown Hill.”

Te Tapunui Queenstown Hill Reserve has become progressively dominated by wilding conifers over the past 60-plus years.

These trees are regarded as an invasive pest species, acting as a seed source and facilitating their spread elsewhere in the Whakatipu basin.

Parks Planning Manager, Briana Pringle, says that if left uncontrolled, wilding conifers impact the surrounding environment through loss of biodiversity, degradation of soil quality, increased risk of seed spread, changes to landscape and increased risk of wildfire.

“The draft plan proposes a staged replanting programme in three zones comprising of native trees, mixed native and exotic trees, and grey tussock and shrubland species,” says Ms Pringle.

“Restoring the central area of the reserve with a mixture of native and exotic species will enhance ecological diversity and ensure that much of the aesthetic is retained. Planting non-invasive exotics like redwood, cedar, elm and ash will ensure that canopy cover is achieved more quickly which, in turn, will minimise the risk of erosion and land instability.”

The removal of wilding conifers and the replanting on reserve land will affect recreational experiences, trails, the visual landscape, neighbouring properties and natural hazards; all while reducing wildfire risk and enhancing biodiversity, she says.

Mr Bailey adds, “While there’s no funding currently in the QLDC Long Term Plan (LTP)

Above: Coupe felling showing Douglas fir stacks at Bob's Peak.

Right: Some tall timber handled by logging crews taking out 50-metre high Douglas fir above bluffs.

44 NZ LOGGER | July 2025

ensign_g

2024-2034 to implement the draft FMP, it’s important that we have an agreed plan in place that reflects the community’s long-term vision and takes into account the impacts of the proposed harvest and replanting of the site.

“Ultimately the draft plan aims to help restore biodiversity and ecology in the Whakatipu basin, enhance how people use this space, and ensure it flourishes for future generations to enjoy. This aligns strongly with Council’s commitment in its draft Climate and Biodiversity Plan 2025-2028.”

The draft Te Tapunui Queenstown Hill FMP, a range of supporting material and a submission form are available to view online at https://letstalk.qldc.govt.nz, and in person at QLDC’s offices and library at 10 Gorge Road.

Submissions close on 6 July. Once they’ve been collated and reviewed and people have had the opportunity to speak at a public hearing on 21 July, all submissions will be considered by the hearing panel and used to make final changes to the draft FMP. This will then be presented to Full Council for adoption on 4 September. NZL

TACKLING WILDING PINES Government is tackling the spread of wilding pines and backing rural resilience with a 20% increase in funding this year – taking the total direct investment this coming year to $12 million.

Agriculture and Forestry Minister, Todd McClay, and Biosecurity Minister, Andrew Hoggard, say Government is focused on protecting the productive heart of New Zealand’s economy.

“Wilding pines cost the rural community significantly and are often the bane of farmers’ lives. We have an obligation to work with them to control their spread, and reduce on-farm burden,” Mr McClay says.

“This additional $2 million funding ensures those working to contain wildings over the next year can stay ahead of the spread. It’s a smart investment in rural productivity, land management and our long-term rural resilience.”

He says more than two million hectares are affected by wilding infestations, with untreated areas expanding by an estimated five percent each year. Left unchecked, the economic impact could reach $3.6 billion over 50 years.

Biosecurity Minister, Andrew Hoggard, says wilding pines threaten our farmland, water catchments, native biodiversity and increase the risk of wildfires.

“They take over productive land, drain vital groundwater and choke out native species.

“Since 2016, Government has invested more than $150 million into the National Wilding Conifer Control Programme, alongside more than $33 million contributed by partners and communities,” Mr Hoggard says.

“This year’s investment continues to support the people doing the work – regional councils, iwi, farmers, researchers and volunteers – who are making a real difference across ten priority regions.

“We’ve pushed back some of the worst infestations and protected key landscapes.

This funding keeps that momentum going and gives landowners the tools to protect and restore productive land.”

The programme is led by Biosecurity New Zealand and delivered in partnership with councils, landowners, iwi, industry and community groups.

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your voice The voice of forestry contractors since 2002

National Environmental Standards for Commercial Forestry (NES-CF)

PACKAG E

Discussion document Have your say on propose d changes to national direction

2

Primary sector

Proposed regulatory change continues to come at us. The Resource Management Reform consultation commenced on 29 May 2025 and will close on 27 July 2025.

The Government is seeking feedback on whether changes should be implemented under the existing Resource Management Act (RMA) or under new resource management legislation.

From an earthwork and harvesting contractor’s perspective, the proposed changes to the National Environmental Standards for Commercial Forestry (NES-CF) introduce key amendments to stringency provisions and slash management regulations.

SEE MORE HERE

FICA is currently assessing how to respond to this and is exploring options to jointly submit with the Forest Owners Association (FOA). FOA has a dedicated environment committee with specialists/experts in environmental management and we have successfully worked with FOA on other submissions including the ACoP.

sav e the date

SPOTLIGHT on SAFETY AND FI CA AGM

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REGISTER AT FICA.ORG.NZ

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See our website to learn how: www.fica.org.nz/logger-mag

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Steady at the helm Gisborne-based Ange McEwan is known for her chilled, down-to earth demeanor. She’s worked alongside husband, Wayne at Blackstump Logging since they started in 2010 and says backing Wayne and working together as a team has made the company a success.

Husband and wife team, Ange and Wayne, have been working together since 2010.

“At the time, Wayne was working as a contract faller when he had the opportunity to go into partnership as Blackstump Groundbase with David Joll,” says Ange.

“About a year later we bought out David. It was a lot easier back then than it is now. Health and safety wasn’t as stringent and it was just a lot simpler to go out on your own.

“At first we had a pole hauler, which then increased to two pole haulers before we decided it was safer to have a swing yarder and not have any guys on the ground,” she says.

Blackstump Logging now runs two crews in the Gisborne area – the swing yarder crew and a ground base crew with a total team of 15.

Son, Jack, operates one of the self-levelling falling machines, and daughter, Brooke (pictured) was doing the on-site Health and Safety, auditing and general day-to-day running around for the crews but has just taken up a new role as a supervisor working for Ernslaw One. “It’s been good to have the kids involved,” says Ange.

“Brooke worked closer with Wayne than I did, she was a good sounding board for him – she knows a bit more about the working side of things than I do, so that’s been cool for Wayne.”

Ange runs the finances and payroll, focusing on the back-office side of the business.

“I handle the finances, Wayne leaves that up to me. I let him run the jobs and I worry about the books,” she says.

“There are a lot of women who don’t have anything to do with the business. The men have got a lot of stress in their lives, so you’ve got to be there, and you’ve got to back your partner.”

That support from Ange extends into the crew as well. She says, “You’re not just their boss, you’re family”.

“The guys have a lot on their minds so you’ve got to be there to support them and help them where you can.”

Ange says that while they have “robust” conversations as a couple at times, she and Wayne share a similar approach to stay calm and just keep their heads down. They try not to get involved in any of the drama that can come with logging.

“We’re steady as she goes people. Wayne has never been one to go in and lose his shit. He’s had conversations about things, but he’s never completely lost it. We’re just not like that,” she says.

Ange says logging has been good to them overall, but it’s also had its ups and downs.

“I’ve been able to do things and been a lot more active in our kids’ lives than if I’d had a nine-to-five job,” she says.

“But, it’s come with a lot of headaches as well and a lot of debt. A lot of people only see the shiny stuff, but they don’t see the debt and the wondering whether you’re going to be able to pay the bills each month.”

She says working on the East Coast has had its challenges, especially in recent years.

“The Council has made it hard – the wait time for consents seems to be so much longer than in other areas of the country. Having two major weather events in the last few years hasn’t been good for this area either.

“A lot of crews have left the East Coast or closed down in the last few years which is sad. Everyone’s struggled and people have disappeared which has been hard for so many,” says Ange.

“You’ve just got to try to keep on going.”

“Having things like FICA and Women in Forestry (WIF) helps – you know you’ve got that support network. We’ve made a lot of friends through FICA and WIF with people in all parts of the country,” says Ange.

“That networking certainly helps a lot and it’s good to get outside of the business when you can.”

Overall, the experience has been positive.

“We’ve had a good lifestyle with it, and we’d like to think our kids can take it over one day if they want to.”

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www.womeninforestry.co.nz 48 NZ LOGGER | July 2025

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Safety/performance/quality

Winter has arrived WHILE WE GET THROUGH THE SHORTEST day and head into the gradually longer days towards spring and summer, it’s a timely reminder to take care of each other as we continue through the grind that is winter.

While others may head to their offices, our folk are often starting in the dark and getting home in the dark in conditions that, at times, non-forestry folk (apart from other rural folk) would consider you nuts to be in.

so warm) southern South Island.

Sponsors – they don’t have to do this but they choose to!

We’ve included a few general photographs of some of these crews in the sunny Bay of Plenty and the sunny (but not

McCallum Harvesting in Southland, pre- and post-dawn. The sun doesn’t arrive until about 8.30am.

50 NZ LOGGER | July 2025

Awesome companies, awesome people and awesome support!

They back you and your workmates to succeed as professionals, so why wouldn’t you support them?

They believe in what we do and what you do.

McCallum Harvesting's fixed head faller.

Safety/performance/quality So, a big ongoing thank you to our Strategic Partners – STIHL and NZ Logger and sponsor SWAZI. The best way to keep our industry working is to get out and support those businesses that support New Zealand.

Participating companies This competition wouldn’t be what it is without our participating companies who have all participated in or continue to influence the way in which we operate.

We understand the commitment it takes from them to be part of Top Spot and value their ongoing support and feedback.

Our ongoing thanks to: Rayonier/

Matariki Forests, Wenita Forest Products, Ernslaw One, OneFortyOne New Zealand, Crown Forestry, Forest View Contracting, Makerikeri Silviculture (2020), Mitchell Silviculture, Puklowski Silviculture, Gutsell Forestry Services, Johnson Forestry Services, McHoull Contracting, Wayne Cumming Contracting, Howard Forestry Services, Inta-Wood Forestry, Heslip Forest Contracting, Otautau Contractors, X Men Forestry, Proforest Services, FM Silviculture, Tane Mahuta, Waikato Forestry Services, Rai Valley Silviculture, Thomassen Logging, Forest View Logging, Griffin Logging, Penetito Forestry, Pride Forestry, Mangoihe

Logging, CMH Contracting, Kaha Logging, Roxburgh Contracting, Te Waa Logging, Mike Hurring Logging, Bluewood Logging, Storm Logging, Onward Logging, Down and Out Logging, Forest Pro Logging, Eastside Logging, Lahar Logging, Moutere Logging, JD Harvesting, Whisker Logging, Kimberly Logging, Dewes Contractors, Dempsey Logging, Aratu Forests, McCallum Harvesting and Swain Logging.

Into safety?

Into performance?

Into quality?

Contact Shane Perrett on 0274 781 908, 07 348 3037 or at primefm@xtra.co.nz. NZL

General site photos of CMH Contracting, Bay of Plenty.

July 2025 | NZ LOGGER 51

13TH SANY FOR FAST & HILLTOP

JOHN DEERE FOR GILLION LOGGING

It’s a baker’s dozen for Ange and Smiley at Fast Group, with Fast & Hilltop Harvesting taking delivery of Sany number 13! This time, a SY305H fitted with a full Ensign cab and guarding package. The crew also got to meet part of the Sany team. Machine sold and serviced by Shaw’s.

Gillion Logging, based in North Otago, has recently taken delivery of a new John Deere 648L-II grapple skidder. Pictured are Matt Winmill, owner of Gillion Logging, alongside his father Bill, a familiar face in the forestry industry. Machine sold by Lochin Smith and backed by Drummond & Etheridge.

JOHN DEERE FOR A&R LOGGING

CAT FOR NIGEL BRYANT LOGGING

A&R Logging has recently taken delivery of a new John Deere 959MH fitted with a Satco 630E felling head. This machine will assist the operation in Young Nicks Forest just out of Gisborne.

Arana says he is happy with the machine power and comfort.

Machine sold by the Gisborne Brandt Equipment team.

This new Cat 538 LL forest machine has found its fit in Marlborough with Nigel Bryant Logging’s Stag Crew. Operator, Malcolm, says he’s enjoying the faster swing speed, smooth travel and good visibility when hooking up trailers. Machine sold by Jayden Peek, Terra’s Nelson-based account manager, who snapped the photo on delivery day.

52 NZ LOGGER | July 2025

JOHN DEERE FOR MJ FRASER LOGGING

JOHN DEERE FOR HIGH COUNTRY HARVESTING

MJ Fraser Logging in Nelson has expanded its fleet with the addition of a powerful new John Deere 959M feller buncher.

Machine sold by Darrin Barr and supported by Drummond & Etheridge Nelson and Blenheim.

The team at High Country Harvesting, South Canterbury, has added a new John Deere 948L-II skidder to its fleet. Machine delivered by Lochin Smith and backed by Drummond & Etheridge Timaru.

NEW MACHINERY FOR STOKES LOGGING The dream duo! Ryan and the team at Stokes Logging have taken delivery of a new Sany 245F fitted with a DC Winch and Eltec FHL277L fitted with a Woodsman Pro 1350. Machine sold and serviced by Shaw’s.

NEW MACHINERY FOR R&R LOGGING The team at R&R Logging has taken delivery of a new Sany SY305H DC winch package. This machine will carry out all of R&R Logging’s tether duties. Machine sold and serviced

by Shaw’s.

July 2025 | NZ LOGGER 53

POA POA

POA POA

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POA POA

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HYUNDAI R380LC-9 HYUNDAI R380LC-9 o REFREF NoN. 513767. . 513767.Located LocatedininRotorua.

Rotorua.

TIGERCAT TIGERCATLH855E LH855E o REF REFNNo. .513114.

513114.Located Locatedin inFeilding.

Feilding.

TIMBERPROTF TF840C 840C TIMBERPRO REF Noo . 513535.

513535.Located LocatedininHastings.

Hastings.

9600hrs. hrs.

2017. 9600

JOHNDEERE DEERE909KH 909KH JOHN REFNNo .o512546. . 512546.Located Located Hastings.

REF in in Hastings.

2013.12186 12186hrs.hrs.

2013.

PHIL MCKENZIE PHIL MCKENZIE

PHIL PHILMCKENZIE MCKENZIE

MCKENZIE PHIL MCKENZIE

PHILMCKENZIE MCKENZIE PHIL

2017.

10502 hrs.hrs.

2017.

10502

027 027281 2818153 8153

2019.

2019.7200 7200hrs. hrs.

027 027 281 281 8153

027281 2818153 8153 027

027 8153 027 281281 8153

POA POA

POA POA

JOHN DEERE 948LII JOHN DEERE 948LII o . 514126.Located LocatedininRotorua.

Rotorua.

REFREF NoN. 514126.

JOHN JOHNoDEERE DEERE3156G 3156G REF in in Whanagarei.

REFNN.o513717. . 513717.Located Located Whanagarei.

2017.

2017.15429 15429hrs.hrs.

PHIL MCKENZIE PHIL MCKENZIE

PHIL PHILMCKENZIE MCKENZIE

2018.

9350 2018.

9350 hrs.hrs.

027281 2818153 8153 027

027 281281 8153 027 8153

POA POA

POA POA

HITACHI ZX250L-5G HITACHI REFoNoZX250L-5G . 514116. Located in Rotorua.

REF2015.

N .14278 514116. hrs. Located in Rotorua.

CATERPILLAR 568 CATERPILLAR REF No .o513267.568 Located in Rotorua.

REF11000 N . 513267.

Located in Rotorua.

2017. hrs.

2017. 11000 hrs.

PHIL MCKENZIE PHIL MCKENZIE

PHIL MCKENZIE PHIL MCKENZIE

2015. 14278 hrs.

POA POA

027 281 8153 027 281 8153

JOHN DEERE 948L REFDEERE No . 514187.

JOHN 948L Located in Rotorua. o 9520 hrs.

2018.

REF N . 514187. Located in Rotorua.

2018. 9520 hrs.

PHIL MCKENZIE

PHIL MCKENZIE

027 281 8153 027 281 8153

POA POA

POA POA

TIGERCAT 625E REF No . 513433.

TIGERCAT 625E Located in Rotorua.

2019. hrs. Located in Rotorua.

REF No8000 . 513433.

JOHN DEERE 748H o REF . 513050.

Located in Feilding.

JOHNN DEERE 748H 2013.

11145 hrs. Located in Feilding.

REF No . 513050.

2013. 11145 hrs.

PHIL MCKENZIE 027 281 8153 PHIL MCKENZIE 027 281 8153

2019. 8000 hrs.

PHIL MCKENZIE

PHIL MCKENZIE

027 281 8153 027 281 8153

POA POA

11

027 281 8153 027 281 8153

TIGERCAT 625E REF No . 513875.

TIGERCAT 625ELocated in Hastings.

2018. hrs.

REF7070 No . 513875.

Located in Hastings.

2018. 7070 hrs.

PHIL MCKENZIE 027 281 8153 PHIL MCKENZIE 027 281 8153

brandt.ca/nz brandt.ca/nz *Terms and conditions apply. Finance available from John Deere Financial Limited to approved commercial applicants only. Finance rate of 0% p.a. based on 10% deposit of GST inclusive price and 36 months term. Fees and charges may apply. Unless amended or withdrawn early, offer valid on select used equipment while stocks last. *Terms and conditions apply. Finance available from John Deere Financial Limited to approved commercial applicants only. Finance rate of 0% p.a. based on 10% deposit of GST inclusive price and 36 months term. Fees and charges may apply. Unless amended or withdrawn early, offer valid on select used equipment while stocks last.

Ma

53

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sales@drdiesel.nz

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56 NZ LOGGER | July 2025

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