Forestry expo generates $40k for wellbeing
The Fast & Forward Forestry Expo held in Rotorua recently had an estimated 5000 visitors through the gates over the two-day event.
Brought together by the Forest Industry Contractors Association (FICA), chief executive Prue Younger says the industry put on a great show for visitors.
“Our industry came together and put on an awesome event. We had more than 100 heavy machines brought to site ranging from one tonne to 60 tonne, with sold-out trade stands, hospitality, kids’ entertainment, a hot saw competition and static displays,” she says.
“A sold-out industry charity auction dinner, with Jeremy Corbett as MC and keynote speaker newly appointed Rotorua mayor Tania Tapsell, raised more than $40,000 for a mental health and wellbeing initiative.”
Prue says the auction was to raise funds to further mental health initiatives post a pilot programme with Mates4life, Hawke’s Bay.
“Mental wellbeing is a topical challenge for any workplace in this crazy world and forestry has not escaped from it. FICA wanted to put funds together to initiate a programme to support our forestry whānau,” she says.
Prue says international visitors came over especially to attend the expo, and all the feedback received from sponsors, exhibitors and guests indicates it was a success.
The Fast & Forward Forestry Expo is about showcasing where forestry is today and where the industry is heading in the future.
Tapsell opened the auction evening as keynote speaker, signalling that Rotorua was open for business and supportive of such a key industry in the region.
“Forestry is in our DNA, it is part of our identity, we have a strong history and legacy in forestry and wood processing that we are proud of,” she said.
“Rotorua as a top destination city has also been impacted by Covid and the ripple effects of the pandemic.
“But we are also a forward thinking and resilient community and working hard to recover. Events like this help us to do that.
“As a community, we are so pleased to be able to welcome events back to Rotorua.
“[The] charity auction will help the Forest Industry Contractors Association to set up a programme to support the mental wellbeing of those working within the forestry industry.
“Mental health doesn’t discriminate and all of us in this room have probably either experienced mental health issues ourselves or watched a friend, relative, or colleague struggle with mental wellbeing.”
The Ministry for Primary Industries states that forestry contributes an annual gross income of about $6.7 billion which makes up about 1.6 per cent of New Zealand’s gross domestic product.
It employs about 40,000 people in wood production, processing and the commercial sector, and wood products are New Zealand’s third-largest export earner, behind dairy and meat.
Prue says: “We’re proud of where forestry has got to today with mechanisation and technology, so it’s been great to showcase that, while also looking at future development opportunities and getting the industry together for a catch up. With the feedback to date, the event will definitely be scheduled again in the future, in the next two to three years but that’s yet to be decided. The event would be even bigger, with those realising they had missed out on the inaugural event in 2022.”