| 53 FORESTRY Stubbs Contractors Steep slopes and unforgiving terrain T T Richard Loader Stubbs Contractors specialises in clear-fell logging using big-tower haulers to cable-harvest to enable logging on steep slopes. It’s a good 20 years since Robert Stubbs first started work as a machine-operator in the forestry industry, an industry he’s still proud to be part of. These days his Gisborne-based company Stubbs Contractors Limited specialises in clear-fell logging using big-tower haulers to cable-harvest to enable logging on steep slopes that need this specialised handling and equipment. When running at full strength Rob has four crews operating although in the current Covid environment he’s only running two, with 30 or so people on the books, and even so could do with more staff. “It needs more of a specialized skill level than general ground-based logging so we’re always looking for staff and training staff for the roles,” says Rob. It takes a couple of years training to get someone up to full speed with a combination of internal training with their own experienced operators and the various unit standards and national certificates they can achieve through the Forestry Industry Training Body. “They can come off an after-school Generation Programme that feeds them into the Industry and on to apprenticeships, and we have others who come in for a change of career and pick it up. “They can learn all those practical skills with us and become machine operators or do some more external study and move on to managerial or supervisor roles,” says Rob. “Supervising after practical experience is a good career path, and there’s plenty of opportunities out there in the industry.” Getting enough people into the industry to start with is an ongoing problem with forestry which Rob thinks is probably due to a perception that it’s hard work and also, in the last ten years or so, dangerous work. It’s a perception that he thinks is outdated given how increasingly mechanized the industry is, with people on the ground doing hard physical labour being replaced by machine and plant operators in enclosed cabs. “People don’t understand the scope of career opportunities we’ve got,” says Rob. “It’s not just about swinging a chainsaw any more.” Rob would like to see more women in the industry as he knows from personal experience how capable they are. “There’s just as much room for women as there is for men and they can do all of the jobs that are available within the industry. I’ve had a few come through the company over the years and I’ve got two here at the moment. “Women make good operators – smooth and easy on the equipment.” His Health & Safety Administrator and Human Resources Manager Maria Jeffery started at the bottom with a ground-crew and worked her way through most of the roles. Her parents were loggers so she was introduced at a young age. “She’s a level 4 ticketed Tree Feller, with plenty of other tickets in various roles within a logging crew. “She gained her national certificates and unit standards along the way for operating 30 tonne loaders and other heavy machinery. She can load the trucks and sort and stack the wood – there’s not a job really on a site that she can’t put a hand to so when it comes to her role in looking after Health and Safety the wool can’t be pulled over her eyes,” says Rob with satisfaction. “She likes to get out amongst it and keep her hand in too.” Trainee Quality Control Log Maker, Jessica Hill is nearly 20. She ensures that logs have been cut to the correct length and meet quality control standards before they get put on a truck and she’s slowly learning the other skills around that role including machine operating. Using a chainsaw is part and parcel of the role. “She’s using a slightly smaller one than a man might and being taught the correct techniques to use it safely is part of her training, but Maria can fell a tree with one. She can swing a chainsaw as easily as any male standing next to her,” says Rob with a hint of pride. Maria at only 27 was recognized earlier this year for her skills and expertise when she won the Eastland Wood Council Woman in Forestry award and Rob sees her as a natural leader. “She’s already relieving me of leadership roles. “I think she’s inspiring to all the others, she’s shown that you can work your way through all those roles and succeed in an Industry perceived to be male orientated.” Proudly supporting Stubbs Contractors Ltd. We are locally owned and operated. 61 Parkinson Street, Gisborne (06) 868 6626 Unit 3, 129 Maraekakaho Road, Hastings (06) 870 6177 06 863 1133 admin@advancedautomotive.co.nz Your one stop Mechanical and Auto Electrical repair centre Personal Service • Quality OE Parts • Skilled, Trained Technicians
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