About

Our purpose

Safetree provides resources and runs programmes to help people run safe and successful forestry operations. People from across the sector are involved in developing its initiatives.

Safetree is run by the Forest Industry Safety Council (FISC), a pan-industry body set up to lead harm prevention efforts in forestry. FISC includes representatives of forest owners, forest managers, contractors, farm foresters, ACC, WorkSafe, unions and workers.

FISC’s creation was a recommendation of the 2014 Independent Forestry Safety Review. and Safetree’s programmes are based on the review’s recommendations.
Read the 2014 Independent Forestry Safety Review [PDF 1.3MB]

Safetree is funded by the Forest Growers Levy Trust and ACC.

CEO - Joe Akari

The CEO of Safetree/FISC is Joe Akari. Joe is a Kiwi with Samoan heritage and whakapapa. He began his working life in forestry with the NZ Forest Service as a Ranger, and with PF Olsen as a contractor. He then forged a career in human resources with organisations including Rotorua Lakes Council, Bay of Plenty Health Board, Refining NZ and Carter Holt Harvey.  

Contact Joe at joe.akari@fisc.org.nz