The Southern Wood Council recently held its Forestry Awards evening in conjunction with Competenz.
The event brings people together from Otago and Southland for an evening of celebration. There were 10 major industry awards up for grabs, along with recognition of people who received national certificates throughout the year. There were also many spot prizes on offer, with most sponsored by NZ Safety Blackwoods.
- Callum Maze of Roxburgh Logging (pictured above right with John Taal from the Milton Stihl Shop) took out the coveted Apprentice of the Year Award, sponsored by Southwood Export.
This award recognises an individual’s commitment to self-development and skill achievement through the apprenticeship programme. It focuses on people who are just starting out in the industry who have displayed a real commitment to the industry and to training.“Callum began working at Roxburgh Logging straight out of school as an enthusiastic young man who took in everything that was going on,” Roxburgh Logging’s Lawson Roxburgh says. “His natural ability and willingness to learn have seen him constantly involving himself with more experienced members of his team, who recognise the potential in him and enjoy passing on their knowledge.”
- Stewart Logging’s Matt Stewart was the Health and Safety Award winner.
Matt plays a huge part in Stewart Logging maintaining its excellent safety rating. At the Safe Start Breakfast at the beginning of the year, he was also awarded Wenita’s Harvesting Health and Safety Person of the Year.
- The final award to be presented on the night was the Outstanding Forestry Industry Contribution Award, which went to Alec Cassie who recently retired from Wenita after a 40-year contribution to the industry.
Well done Alec.
- Congratulations also to those who were awarded their national certificates and all runners-up to the 10 major awards, with a special shout out to another of Wenita’s contractors, Cody Armishaw of Gutsell Forestry Services, who was runner-up for the Health and Safety Award.
From left, Wenita Chief Executive David Cormack Stewart Logging’s Matt Stewart (Health and Safety Award) and Gutsell Forestry Services’ Cody Armishaw (runner-up Health and Safety).
Wenita would like to congratulate all the other industry winners:
- Forestry Trainee of the Year (harvesting) Award – Josh Harrison Mike Hurring Logging
- Forestry Trainee of the Year (silviculture) Award – Jamie Sycamore, Southland Forest Services Ltd
- Forestry Excellence Award (establishment, silviculture, fire, harvesting) – Lyle Swain, Swain Logging Ltd
- Training Contractor/Company of the Year Award – Lyle Swain, Swain Logging Ltd
- Wood Processing Excellence Award – Bryson Baratcart, Niagara Sawmilling Company Ltd
- Women in Forestry Excellence Award – Xshikarna Harvey, Mike Hurring Logging
- Forestry Environmental Management Excellence Award – Matt Winmill, Gillion Logging Ltd