Award nominations celebrate
From supply challenges to labour shortages, Northland’s forestry sector is working hard to overcome its obstacles
WITH THE DEADLINE for the Northland Forestry Awards nominations approaching, the Northland Wood Council is encouraging industry players to submit nominations to continue the success of the awards in the region.
Andrew Widdowson, chairman of the Northland Wood Council, says the creation of the industry awards in the region three years ago had helped foster a stronger collaboration of industry players, while the VIP guests of the awards ceremony had developed a deeper understanding of, and an appreciation for the industry.
Mr Widdowson said Northland, like many other regions, faced supply challenges.
“There are several things facing our industry and not just here in Northland . . . the supply of forests is at a low and for a domestic log supply perspective, Northland mills are receiving adequate supply for now.
“The issue is in the medium term due to a reduced harvest from the larger, corporate forests, coupled with the impact of early-age harvest [20 year] by some companies chasing the high export dollar over the last two years,” he said.
He said a shortfall of labour was also a cause for concern.
“The shortfall of labour is a feature of higher harvest tonnages nationally . . . the high-risk nature of our industry . . . but again the solution may be resolved through the planting of Minister [Shane] Jones’ one billion trees, as Northland is being considered in the plan.”
He said the region needed an availability of “suitable, motivated young people to replace an ageing workforce”.
“There is also the ageing road infrastructure, including bridges, not fit for purpose to carry the region’s log harvest,” he said. The Northland Forestry Awards celebrate best practice in Northland’s industry and it was organised by the Northland Wood Council.
The awards were launched three years ago to celebrate and acknowledge Northland’s forestry industry and to recognise the region’s skilled workforce.
Nominations for the awards opened in March and will close on May 1. Judging will take place in May and June, and the final awards dinner hosted on July 6.
The awards encouraged the region’s players, Mr Widdowson said.
“The winners and even nominees get that sense of pride and acknowledgment, the awards night is very special.”
Last year’s industry star was Shayne Maxwell, health and safety manager and company trainer of Kohurau Contracting.
He was named the Northland Skilled Forestry Professional of the Year for his work with health and
The solution may be resolved through the planting of Minister [Shane] Jones’ one billion trees, as Northland is being considered in the plan.