Certification Update March
In the wake of Cyclone Gabrielle, our thoughts continue to go out to everyone affected. In this Certification update, we're sharing and re-sharing some specific information that you may find useful.
In the wake of Cyclone Gabrielle, our thoughts continue to go out to everyone affected. In this Certification update, we're sharing and re-sharing some specific information that you may find useful. Even if you're not in a region affected, you may be able to help or benefit from the redeployment of forestry workers to other regions - see more about the FICA initiative Moving Our People below. As always, please reach out to me at anytime. Thanks for reading.
John Lowe, National Safetree Certification Manager
Preparing for additional risks and windthrow
While parts of the country are still in clean-up mode, some areas are back at work. It’s important to be mindful of the additional risks Gabrielle might have left behind. On top of potentially unstable land and roads, and damaged equipment, this includes the risk of windthrow trees. We are very concerned about the rush to start windthrow work with workers lacking in the proper training and experience. Old timers talk of two deaths in windthrow trees after Cyclone Bola in 1988.
Access windthrow resources and training
- You can register your interest in receiving windthrow training or information VIA THIS ONLINE FORM HERE
- We are developing some windthrow resources on the SAFETREE WEBSITE HERE
- If you have any resources or expertise you could share please EMAIL ME John.lowe@fisc.org.nz or CALL 021 164 8036
Cyclone affected businesses able to claim up to $40K
Businesses hit by cyclone damage in Northland, Auckland, Coromandel, Tairawhiti and Hawke’s Bay can get grants of up to $40,000 to help with the immediate costs of the damage. The money will be distributed by local councils or business associations in the areas concerned. The agencies distributing the business support grants in each area will be:
- NorthlandInc
- Auckland Business Chamber
- Toi Economic Development Agency
- Thames Coromandel District Council
- Trust Tairāwhiti
- Hawkes Bay Chamber of Commerce
- Tararua District Council
BUSINESS NEW ZEALAND HAS DETAILED INFORMATION HERE
Toroawhi
Contractors and workers whose homes, families and communities have been affected will have a lot on their minds. Many might be traumatised and stressed. So it’s important that expectations at work reflect the pressure people might be under at home. Our Toroawhi are available to talk to crews and individuals about looking after their wellbeing and forest safety during this difficult time.
EMAIL RICHARD STRINGFELLOW (Central North Island) or CALL on 027 777 0894
EMAIL WADE BRUNT (Tairawhiti) or CALL on 027 777 0815
Discount counselling service
Since July 2022, Safetree has teamed up with Vitae services to help forestry employers access professional counselling services for their workers at a discounted price. The arrangement means forestry businesses are eligible for special corporate rates when one of their workers uses Vitae services.
Moving our people
FICA is reaching out to support relocation and employment of crews and contractors. They are offering the facilitation of moving our people and matching up available work. Mandie Skipps is working on behalf of FICA to manage this role. If you have work available even if it is not Forestry centric or if you are interested in getting more information or lodging your interest, please contact Mandie Skipps.
EMAIL MANDIE SKIPPS - mandie@skippslogging.co.nz