First awards a success for southern North Island foresters

IT WAS A NIGHT TO SHINE FOR THE FIRST WINNERS OF THE inaugural 2017 Southern North Island Wood Council Training Awards.

More than 250 people from an area stretching up to Taranaki, across to Southern Hawkes Bay and down to Wellington converged on Palmerston North to celebrate forestry excellence in their region, joined by Forestry Minister, Louise Upston, who presented the awards to the winners.

Steve Couper, Chair of the Southern North Island Wood Council says: “It was exciting to be involved in this awards event, being the first awards evening held in the region adds a bit of pressure to ensure that it was success. Thanks to the hard work of all those involved and those who came along it was a great evening. It certainly bodes well for future awards ceremonies.

“We need to get better at recognising those who have done the hard work and acknowledge their success whether they have received an award or not.

“We are not particularly good at recognising success in our industry but we need to encourage everyone to reach their potential. This will benefit both the individual and the industry as a whole.”

Eight categories were covered in these inaugural awards, with the large number of nominations received in each category a sign of the good health the forest industry is in across the lower North Island. 2017 Southern North Island Wood Council Training Awards winners Trainee of the Year – Ben Wood, McCarthy Transport

Modern Apprentice of the Year – Joseph Mitchell, Bushline Forest Harvesting

Training Company of the Year – Horne Bros

Harvesting Excellence – Matt Omundsen, Dawson & Havard Forestry Excellence – Richard Hotter, Hotter Forest Services Distribution Excellence – Melissa Hall, McCarthy Transport Contractor of the Year – Bushline Forest Harvesting

Outstanding Health & Safety Management – McCarthy Transport.

NZL