FORESTECH 2017
The annual ForestTECH conference in Rotorua highlighted some interesting ideas and technologies that will become part of the fabric of forestry in the future.
THE FICA ANNUAL CONFERENCE AND AGM IN TAUPO DREW A large contingent of contractors from around the country as the organisation officially recognised two of its leading lights.
It was the last conference/AGM for John Stulen, who steps down as CEO this month, while Paul Olsen retired from the board recently to become a regular member of FICA – both were recognised for their long service.
Mr Stulen presented his last yearly update to the organisation he helped found in 2002 and there were presentations from key industry organisation leaders who work with the Association on various projects.
Among those was Fiona Ewing, National Director of the Forest Industry Safety Council (FISC), who highlighted the newly launched SAFETREE Contractor Certification system. She acknowledged the contributions of contractors through the FISC action groups, their board and the participants in the certification pilot trials. More than 116 contracting companies are now progressing through the process, with two-thirds of those registered for certification being FICA members.
Meanwhile, long-time industry advocate, Warwick Foran, CEO of Crown Forestry and an NZFOA board member, spoke about a new cooperative training effort. Earlier in the year, FICA worked with Fraser Field to support the need for pan-industry work to lift the number of new recruits coming into logging by supporting a practical training course being run by the forestry team at ToiOhomai Institute of Technology.
Adding to that initiative, Mr Foran reported on the new forestry industry training and careers action group that includes FICA – board member, Steven Yeoman, represents FICA members on the group.
At the request of a government agency – the Tertiary Education Commission – Mr Foran invited several contractors to attend a meeting in Wellington to discuss primary industry training issues.
Finally, Mr Stulen reported on the Association’s activities and financial statement over the year. After 15 years, he says he is proud to report a very sound position financially for FICA and to be able to help members by resourcing the group’s participation in new industry initiatives.
After 15 years of constant growth, FICA now boasts over 220 members. Mr Stulen also recounted the various workshops that members had benefited from during that time, which covered a range of topics from negotiating, practical people management skills and communication techniques, to managing business risks.
He reported that FICA’s original sponsor network has now grown to 27 industry service and supply partners, thanking them for their long-term support. Mr Stulen went on to say their people provide key linkages and networks for FICA members, while their financial support allows FICA to perform its representation and advocacy roles. He noted that this work now achieves results for all forest contractors, not just FICA members of this industry.
NZL