52 | FORESTRY FAST Harvesting T T Karen Phelps Commitment to excellence pays off “We are very proud of our professional team of men and women who work in sometimes very extreme and challenging conditions. Known for its long-standing commitment to excellence, safety and staff, Tokoroa-based FAST Harvesting has entered 2026 on a high note following two significant staff victories at the 2025 Central North Island Wood Council Forestry Awards. Company owners, Smiley and Ange Alexander, say these achievements reflect the strength and pride of its entire operation “It’s one thing for us to acknowledge our team members,” says Smiley, “but to have a room full of people from across the forestry sector celebrate them is incredibly special.” “The awards nights give staff a real sense of pride and a drive to continue with their development,” says Ange. Shaun Kapene secured the Log Processing Excellence Award for his exceptional technical skill and commitment to quality. Shaun’s consistency and precision was highlighted noting his position at the very top of scoring results throughout the past year. His performance sets the standard for others, with Shaun demonstrating both expert knowledge of log processing and a genuine determination to keep improving,” says Smiley. The second major win went to Levi Casey, who received the Trainee of the Year Award for his impressive progression and leadership within FAST Harvesting. Levi completed his NZA apprenticeship at the end of 2024 before immediately adding a National Certificate in Planning and Monitoring to his qualifications. Smiley says his calmness under pressure and strong work ethic saw him promoted to foreman this year, a role in which he has earned the full respect of his crew. “Levi really reflects the spirit of the award showcasing the very best of the industry’s upand-coming talent,” says Ange. Smiley and Ange began their journey in 1996 as minor shareholders in Ribbonwood Cable Logging. When they bought the company outright in 2012, they renamed it FAST — standing for Fraggle and Smiley’s Team. Today it contracts to Manulife Forest Managers and Oji Holdings and operates two salvage crews, four harvesting crews and a land-clearing unit. The company places strong emphasis on safety and professionalism. All crews have been Safe Tree Certified since 2019, and Crew 54 has celebrated the milestone of twenty years without a Lost Time Incident. It shows how important our base culture is,” explains Ange. “Our values are also consistently passed down to new arrivals.” FAST Harvesting now employs 42 people from across Putaruru, Tokoroa, Rotorua, Taupō, Cambridge and the King Country. It works predominantly in the Kinleith region. Operations span ground-based logging, eucalyptus processing, land preparation and a harvest line operation. Both Smiley and Ange credit their management team, including Operations Manager Graeme Benge and Health & Safety Co-ordinator Mereana Tobenhouse, for the company’s stability and success. “They’re absolute legends who give 110% every day,” says Smiley. With two major award wins in 2025 and nearly three decades of contracting behind it, Smiley and Ange say that FAST Harvesting is proud, energised, and committed to raising standards even further in 2026. CONTACT US TODAY! Phone: 07 886 5906 | Email: admin@mmsltd.co.nz www.midlandmachinery.co.nz PROUD TO SUPPORT FAST HARVESTING LTD Mechanical Maintenance Line Boring & Grapple Rebuilds Welding & Fabrication Hardfacing Re-tracks Machine Guarding On-site Servicing KEEPING FORESTRY MOVING
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