I want to acknowledge many of you , right at this time, are just holding it together and it's taking alot of energy to do so. But I also stress that picture above reminds us that if we use our connections and the resources out there, then we can get strength in working together. I know that so many people are holding together a number of things so it's important to acknowledge this and FICA is here to support in anyway we can.
Recently we were able to have some real conversations with the right people at IRD and MSD Government agencies and have been able to prepare them well for further support as required. The compilation of resources that they shared with us was also valuable and FICA has put all those resources in one place on our website for your reference here. The key with both of these agencies is that they encourage contractors to contact them directly and discuss their own individual circumstances. They are there to help not hinder!
There is certainy plenty happening out there to support the future of forestry, some of these acitivites include:
Review of the Forestry Qualifications led by Muka Tangata and meeting with industry representatives this month in Rotorua
Pan-sector Meeting - Forestry Supply Chain Reality Check later in the month for industry leaders
Discussions with Civil Construction & MSD around deployment of people and equipment into that sector that has a high employee demand currently and ahead. Check out the request for expressions of interest below.
Working with Trevor Best on a "Managing Wellbeing in a Logging Crew" programme
Finalising the 'Be a Mate - Hei Hoa te Ngahere" Programme for whole of industry
Extension to the Microinnovation Challenge: Get your ideas into Brionny Hooper by 16 July
Regular meetings with our new Forestry Minister MP Peeni Henare
Earlier this year we piloted some short videos to promote the great work of contractors and our first region off the block was Nelson. We are about to release these this month so watch this space. We will take this campaign out around the country - Contractors Doing it Real. The importance of these is to acknowledge the good work the sector does and will continue to do moving forward.
My last Logger Magazine column 'A Perfect Storm' had some comments from UDC Finance and Blackburne Group. It received some positive contractor feedback on it's usefulness, so we have now made this available on our website to view here.
We are pleased to confirm that FICA has also partnered with Women in Forestry and will stay closely connected with them as an important resource supporting the ladies of our industry. At times like this there is huge value in holding that chain together.
For those that did not see last months cancellation of the FICA Conference in September - please take that out of your diary but our AGM will be virtual and we will send out nominations for Board positions as we step down a couple of directors in August.
On a positive note, the Central North Island Wood Council Forestry Awards are on Friday 4 August and the response has been outstanding with over 70 nominations submitted. We look forward to joining them next month to celebrate as we do well, the heroes of our industry.
We welcome a few new faces to the industry too - Chief Executive WPMA, Mark Ross begins 24 July and Deputy Director General Te Uru Rakau - NZ Forest Service, Sam Keenan steps into the role full time. Congratulations.
The next few months will be pivotal for the industry and it is the intention of FICA to stay ahead of the game, up the communication channels and ensure the best support is available for future sustainability.
Be a Mate in Forestry - hei hoe te ngahere
