Couple's safety stand attracts nationwide support

Wiremu (Lee) and Marsella Edmonds gathered wide support to instil a safer work environment for forestry contractors. Photo / File

People of the month: Wiremu (Lee) and Marsella Edmonds.

Rotorua couple Wiremu (Lee) and Marsella Edmonds' public speaking engagements are booked through for most of next year.

The couple's stand on trying to change unsafe work practices in the forestry industry has drawn huge support from around the country.

"We can feel it, we can hear and we can see it," said Mrs Edmonds yesterday.

The couple have together been selected as the Rotorua Daily Post People of the Month for October. Mr Edmonds spoke to a packed conference hall at the Distinction Hotel late last month. His speech coincided with the release of a report calling for far reaching reforms in the forestry industry, which witnessed 10 deaths during 2013.

The Edmonds' son Robert Ruri-Epapara was killed while working in the forest in March 2013. An inquest into the cause of his death has been adjourned until February next year.

Mr Ruri-Epapara's death prompted the couple to try and prevent more deaths occurring among bush workers and contractors.

The couple have become sought-after public speakers here and overseas, most recently when they addressed 800 workers in South Africa.

"We are making just a small contribution but we feel it is helping changes being made," Mrs Edmonds said. "We are supporting not only the people and families who have had loved ones killed or injured, but also the next generation who will work in the forests."

The couple have postponed speaking engagements over Christmas and New Year to spend more time with their family. "We have been very busy this year and have spent a lot of time away from the children," Mrs Edmonds said.