Forest Talk

An Otago logging contractor is using innovative harvesting techniques that offer both efficiency and environmental stewardship in a challenging area that would otherwise have been uneconomic to harvest.

Gillion Logging, owned and operated by second-generation bushman, Matt Winmill, has been tasked with extracting 40 hectares of mature Radiata pine with no disturbance to a Sensitive Natural Area (SNA) in Herbert Forest, North Otago, owned by..... more

Meanwhile Port Marlborough has reported a strong performance in its Annual Report for the 2024 financial year. With revenue surpassing $57 million and an EBITDA of $34 million, the port has strengthened its position as a key economic facilitator for Marlborough.

The year saw a significant investment of $26 million in infrastructure projects, up from $15 million in the previous year. These projects included further investment in the port’s forestry ex..... more

Deon Boynton is the first and only operator in the world running the brand new Woodsman Pro Tree Harvester 560 small wood/thinnings head when the NZ Logger Iron Test team arrives at the Jensen Logging operation in Kaingaroa Forest. 

The owners at Jensen Logging have been so impressed by its performance that they have already ordered a second 560 from the Rotorua-based manufacturers and it's easy to see why.

Usually when we ask if a regular..... more

Port Nelson’s 2024 financial year results show a dividend of $4.5 million and initiatives that reinforce its commitment to sustainable growth and regional prosperity amidst challenging national and international trading conditions, says Chief Executive, Hugh Morrison.

“Port Nelson’s purpose is to facilitate regional prosperity. Delivering a $4.5 million dividend for the benefit of our local community is a priority here at the Port, considering the po..... more

Back in 1970, Tapio Kajavala was a tree planter in Murupara who shot deer on the weekends to sell. His wife was a night shift nurse and together they saved up the deposit for a new Clark 664 log skidder. From there they progressed to full-sized log skidders, haulers and dozers with arches, running the first crew to harvest in Tarawera Forest.

Many will have followed son Jacob Kajavala’s story as he changed the business model to the superskid system w..... more

A key connection was all it took for Silviculture Crew Manager, Patrick (Paddy) Aislabie, to shift into the world of forestry after many years in teaching. 

During his time working casually for Ace of Spades Contracting in Papamoa, Paddy’s potential was soon recognised by Director Cain McKenzie, who saw the value in his teaching background.

“I wasn’t sure if I was doing the right thing,” Paddy admits, reflecting on his shift from education..... more