Feeling the pinch

THE ‘TEAM OF FIVE MILLION’ IS GETTING RESTLESS. AUCKLANDERS ARE

tired of being thanked for their service by a smiling Prime Minister, as small businesses around the country struggle to remain on their feet under restrictive lockdowns and industries like tourism are already on their knees.

Our own industry is taking strain with AUSTimber2020/21 being the latest casualty, cancelled as a result of lockdown measures across Australia. Fortunately for forestry, the bulk of this round of lockdowns in New Zealand is being felt in the Auckland region, with the stronger forestry centres around the country able to continue working for the most part.

However, we well know by now that COVID restrictions have a knockon effect and with New Zealand log prices falling as a result of worldwide congestion at ports, high shipping prices and a downturn in demand from China, contractors nationwide are losing out on work. It’s all very well using Government subsidies to retain your workforce as woodlot owners hold out for rising log prices, but having to carry the costs of expensive machinery too, this goes straight to the bottom line and doesn’t amount to a healthy business.

With the inevitable stress that accompanies all this, we decided to run another Worker Wellness feature this month. The bad news is that new data shows that workers in non-office jobs are far more dissatisfied than those in office-based roles when it comes to management and wellbeing scores.

The good news, is that knowing this means we can address it, and many are already doing so, with programmes like Australian-based R U OK?

Of course, we all know that forestry is one step closer to wellbeing than other non-office jobs, thanks to the natural environment we work in. After all, who could ask for better views? Certainly not Amy Robinson, Rayonier Matariki Forests Production Manager. We take a look at her forestry career to date. And it’s certainly one to aspire to.

Outside the forest, we can only hope Government’s desire to avoid casualties of the flesh achieves its aim, but with people absconding from

MIQ and ignoring border restrictions, and knowing how quickly a single case of COVID can snowball, it seems likely that we will see repeat lockdown scenarios. Perhaps the high vaccination rates driven by the fear of the Delta variant making itself felt in New Zealand will prompt Government to loosen constraints, if not stopping COVID in its tracks altogether, at least barring it from our hospital doors.

Until next time, stay safe.