70 | FORESTRY Deadman Logging T T Karen Phelps Keeping it compact The forestry business is led by brothers Sam and Ben Deadman, continuing a legacy that began with their father, Mike. In an industry often dominated by large-scale contractors Deadman Logging has built its strength on the opposite approach: staying small, family-run and closely connected to the work on the ground. Operating out of Ohakune and working across the Central Plateau through to areas such as Whanganui, the forestry business is led by brothers Sam and Ben Deadman, continuing a legacy that began with their father, Mike. “At the end of the day, being small is our strength,” says Sam. “It means we’re right there on the job every day. There’s no handover, no layers in between. The clients deal directly with us, and we do the work ourselves from start to finish.” Deadman Logging specialises in groundbased harvesting and can work on everything from two- to five-hectare blocks across farmland and rural properties to large scale forestry blocks. Many of its clients are family-owned farms who appreciate the highly personal approach Deadman Logging delivers. With Sam and Ben working side by side, communication is immediate and decision-making is seamless, something Sam says directly improves the quality and efficiency of the work. “Because it’s just the two of us, we know exactly how the other works. There’s no miscommunication, no waiting around. We can adapt on the spot, and that keeps everything running smoothly,” says Sam. While many forestry operations have expanded to meet demand, Deadman Logging has instead refined its focus, investing in mechanised harvesting equipment about five years ago. The shift allowed the small crew to significantly increase productivity without losing the benefits of its compact structure. “Mechanisation was a big step for us. It keeps us efficient without needing to grow the business beyond what we want it to be,” says Sam. The company’s work is supported by its relationship with Logs Direct, a forestry marketing and harvesting contractor that provides access to a steady stream of harvesting jobs across the Central Plateau. Alongside this, Deadman Logging also works directly with landowners, particularly farmers managing plantation blocks. “As a lot of our clients are farmers, that direct relationship works well because they can talk straight to us.” Recent work has included completing a 60-hectare harvesting block over an 18-month period followed by a return to smaller “Because it’s just the two of us, we know exactly how the other works. There’s no miscommunication, no waiting around. We can adapt on the spot, and that keeps everything running smoothly.” woodlots in the Whanganui region. While fuel costs and wider industry pressures continue to challenge operators, Sam says the company’s size helps it remain agile. “It’s definitely a tough environment with rising costs but being small means we can adjust quickly. We don’t have the overheads or complexity that bigger operations do.” The wider Deadman family is also embedded in the forestry and timber sector. A separate firewood business in Ohakune is run by their father Mike and brother Luke, providing another link in the supply chain and reinforcing the family’s long-standing involvement in the industry. For Sam, the strength of Deadman Logging lies not in scale, but in continuity, trust and consistency. “People are letting you onto their land — often family farms they’ve worked for generations, so trust matters. Being small, being family-run, that’s what allows us to deliver a personal service and take real care with every job,” says Sam. L O G S D I R E C T P35 16/3 LD 021 072 1099 robert@logsdirect.co.nz 140 Tokomaru East Road, RD1 Brunswick, Wanganui 4571 Logs Direct – Straightforward Forestry. Proven Results. At Logs Direct, we believe good forestry management starts with honest advice, practical experience, and delivering results that genuinely work for forest owners. With decades of combined experience across harvesting, forest management, road construction, log marketing, and export supply chains, Logs Direct has continued to grow into one of New Zealand’s leading independent forestry management companies. Founded by Robert Cashmore, the business was built around a simple philosophy — be transparent, stay practical, and maximise returns for clients without unnecessary complexity. “We’ve always taken a straightforward approach with clients,” says Robert. “We tell people exactly what we see, what the risks are, and how we think we can achieve the best result. Forest owners appreciate honesty and practical solutions.” Full-Service Forestry Management Today, Logs Direct manages a wide range of forestry operations across the North Island, including: • Harvest planning and management • Mechanical and cable harvesting operations • Roading and infrastructure construction • Environmental and compliance management • Forest consulting and investment support • Log sales and export marketing • ETS and land-use consulting • Windthrow and recovery harvesting operations • New forest establishment • Replanting and full silviculture services focussed on harvesting a tidy, pruned forest The company has successfully completed projects ranging from small private woodlots through to large-scale commercial harvesting and complex storm recovery operations. Forest Acquisitions & Cutting Rights Alongside forest management services, Logs Direct actively purchases forestry assets throughout New Zealand, including: • Standing timber cutting rights • Land and trees packages • Forestry investment opportunities The company has built a strong reputation for practical, straightforward transactions and ecient harvesting delivery. “Our preference is often purchasing cutting rights,” says Robert. “It’s typically the cleanest structure for all parties involved and allows us to move eciently while still maximising value for forest owners.” Maximising Returns Through Market Access Unlike many forestry companies tied into fixed supply arrangements, Logs Direct maintains flexibility across both export and domestic markets. This independent approach allows the company to place logs where returns are strongest, helping maximise stumpage returns for forest owners while reducing exposure to individual market fluctuations. “Having strong relationships across multiple exporters and domestic customers gives us options,” says Robert. “We believe flexibility is important for both us and our clients.” Built on Long-Term Relationships Logs Direct continues to work alongside trusted contractors and industry partners who share the company’s focus on reliability, safety, and high-quality workmanship. This includes experienced replanting and silviculture crews who play a critical role in ensuring forests are successfully re-established and managed long after harvesting is complete. The business maintains strict environmental and health and safety standards across all operations, with a strong focus on compliance, practical risk management, and maintaining positive long-term outcomes for landowners. “We take a lot of pride in running tidy operations and working constructively with landowners, councils, contractors, and local communities,” says Robert. Experience That Extends Beyond Harvesting Working closely alongside Cashmore Contracting, the wider group operates extensive forestry and civil equipment fleets including haulers, loaders, bulldozers, trucks, excavators, and roading machinery. This practical operational background gives Logs Direct firsthand understanding of harvesting costs, logistics, engineering, and market dynamics — helping provide realistic advice and ecient project delivery. Looking Forward As the forestry sector continues to evolve, Logs Direct remains focused on providing practical forest management solutions backed by strong industry relationships, operational experience, and a commitment to straightforward service. “At the end of the day, forestry is still a relationship business,” says Robert. “We value long-term partnerships and doing what we say we’ll do.”
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