NZ Logger September 2026

September 2026

IDEAL

ISSN 2703-6251

LOADER

Sophie finds forestry

Storm damage harvesting

| 9.50

Iron Test

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THE THE THE SUPPLIER SUPPLIER SUPPLIER TOTO NEW TO NEW NEW ZEALAND ZEALAND ZEALAND HEAVY HEAVY HEAVY INDUSTRY INDUSTRY INDUSTRY 16 NZ LOGGER | September 2026

Good reach and stability in action on the KEA Logging loadout skid.

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THE THE SUPPLIER SUPPLIER TO NEW TO NEW ZEALAND ZEALAND HEAVY HEAVY INDUSTRY INDUSTRY

September 2026 | NZ LOGGER 17

Women in Forestry

Sophie’s love of forestry Story: Stuart Whitaker

30 NZ LOGGER | September 2026

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T WAS A QUICK ABOUT TURN THAT LED to Sophie Cusack pursuing a career in the forestry industry.

Although she is from a logging family, it was a different kind of outdoor career she was considering, having set her sights on a farming future.

That all changed as she contemplated her next steps during her final year at high school. She is now based in the Tauranga offices of Matariki Forests working as a harvest operations co-ordinator.

From Masterton, Sophie grew up around forestry – her parents Nick and Cindy own harvesting company Nixin Contractors. She has two sisters, Charlotte who is studying a Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Canterbury and Kelsey who is still at college.

So far, neither sister has shown interest in a forestry career.

Although he was raised on a farm, Nick took the opportunity to jump into a logging crew when it presented itself, then worked his way up. He enjoyed the machinery aspect of farming, but wasn’t into stock work so logging seemed a good fit.

“I remember when I was about four, I used to go into the forest with dad on the weekends and ‘drive’ the loader and hang out with him in the forest, which I look back on with fond memories.”

Attracted to primary industries Despite forestry providing a backdrop to her childhood, Sophie didn’t really consider it was an industry she wanted to be part of – at least until Year 13 at Wairarapa College.

“I always wanted to be a farmer. I love being outside, so I knew I wanted a career in the primary industries.”

Looking at the various opportunities after school, though, nothing grabbed her.

“It was a family friend who suggested forestry, and after giving it some thought I went for it,” she says.

“I wasn’t super keen on going to uni, but after researching the New Zealand Forestry School at the University of Canterbury, I realised that it was the best way to get to where I wanted to be.”

Once the decision was made, she spent the summer of 2021-22 in the forest with her

Opposite page: Breaking out with Nixin Contractors in Whareama forest.

Top right: Fleeting wood with Nixin Contractors in Ponatahi forest.

Right: Trimming trees with Nixin Contractors in Ponatahi forest.

September 2026 | NZ LOGGER 31

KING ONE’S PONSSE FORWARDER There's a new Ponsse Buffalo King Log Forwarder at King One. Owner Andrew Pratt has it busy in clear fell and thinnings operations in Geraldine. It has a bunk capacity of 18 tonnes, a Ponsee K100 crane with 7.8-9.5m reach and a SG360S grapple.

Ponsse’s Active Cab System gives a smooth ride in all conditions.

Pictured with operator Jack Eason. Sold by 2 Tyre Tracks and Hire.

KELLY LOGGING’S NEW DUXSON A Develon DX320 with a Duxson GX182HD, hose through/grapple clamp heel mod and a glass guard for Kelly Logging in Nelson.

NEW HARVESTLINE AT TAC Fluff, Ben, Eligh, Matiu, Taylor, Troy and Indii from TAC lined up with Jono Cuff from EMS and Scotty from TDF Solutions in front of the new Harvestline. G-Dog was loading out but found a spare snag on the barbecue. Thanks to Woodcutter at Shaws and Chris and Jono at EMS for an awesome machine.

DENNIS GLENN’S NEW PROCESSOR A new Next Generation Cat 340 processor has arrived at Dennis Glenn Logging. Featuring a PFS guarding package, the 340 has gone to DGL’s operations in Pan Pac Forest, Hawke’s Bay. Sold by Napier-based Territory Account Manager Heath Stewart.

52 NZ LOGGER | September 2026

NEW FELLING HEAD ON EXISTING CAT C&K Harvesting has expanded its fleet with a new Woodsman Pro DFH1350 felling head, pictured here with owner Chopper Mill. Fitted to an existing Cat 336GC excavator, the head was sold and supplied by Woodsman Pro. Chopper is rapt with the DFH and loves the updated features, having run the first-ever DFH with Vanner Logging.