It was a quick about turn that led to Sophie Cusack pursuing a career in the forestry industry.

Although she is from a logging family, it was a different kind of outdoor career she was considering, having set her sights on a farming future.

That all changed as she contemplated her next steps during her final year at high school. She is now based in the Tauranga offices of Matariki Forests.

From Masterton, Sophie grew up around forestry – her parents Nick and Cindy own harvesting company Nixin Contractors.

“I remember when I was about four, I used to go into the forest with dad on the weekends and ‘drive’ the loader and hang out with him in the forest, which I look back on with fond memories.”

Despite forestry providing a backdrop to her childhood, Sophie didn’t really consider it was an industry she wanted to be part of – at least until Year 13 at Wairarapa College.

To find out more about Sophie’s journey, read the full article in the September 2026 edition of NZ Logger magazine, on sale from 31 August. Check the link on this page to subscribe to either a printed or digital copy (or both).