Best practice in forestry recognised in awards

Forestry, roading, harvesting, distribution and wood processing operators from Northland are all being invited to enter the inaugural Northland Forestry Awards. Photo / File

A new event has been launched in Northland to celebrate and promote best practice in the forestry industry - which contributes $218 million to the region's GDP each year.

With more than 2200 people working in Northland's forestry industry, in forestry, roading, harvesting, distribution and wood processing - the inaugural Northland Forestry Awards have been launched with plenty of support. More than 50 people from across the industry turned up to the launch at A'Fare conference lounge in Whangarei on Thursday.

The awards are being managed by the Northland Forestry Health and Safety Group.

Log sawmilling and logging made up the largest segments in the forestry industry. This was followed by forestry support services, veneer and plywood manufacturing and forestry.

Spokesperson for the Northland Health and Safety Group, and Northern Manager for Hancock Forest Management (NZ), Andrew Widdowson said the group had seen how successful Gisborne's Eastland Wood Council Forestry Awards had become and decided Northland should have its own awards.

"The awards will enable us to attract skilled employees to the region ... and will upskill and lift the standards of the workforce here. It also provides an opportunity for Northland's forest industry to celebrate its skilled professionals and unite industry players," he said.

Event manager Prue Younger is seeking support and sponsorship from the industry in Northland. Nominations will open on April 1 allowing individuals, contractors and forestry companies to apply across a selection of categories - all focusing on excellence beyond best practice, high-quality work output and ongoing training.

Companies and individuals must comply with environmental and health and safety practices and show good character, the event organisers said. The awards will be for Skilled Professional of the Year, Forestry Family of the Year and Contractor of the Year, as well as initiatives for outstanding health and safety and environmental practice.

The highlight of the awards will be the ceremony at Toll Stadium on Friday, July 15, next year with former All Black Eric Rush as master of ceremonies (MC). Tickets will be promoted early next year.

-Check out www.northlandwoodcouncil.co.nz for more information or contact Prue Younger at 021 2765484 or prue@publicimpressions.co.nz to get involved.