| 37 T T Sue Russell Ready to go: Gisborne’s Stirling Logging team. FORESTRY Hawke’s Bay Forestry Awards: Stirling Logging Leading the charge in on-site fuel delivery in New Zealand for 30 years. minitankers.eastcoast@gmail.com 0274 506 356 Chrystal and Gavin Edmonds, who own and operate Gisborne’s Stirling Logging, says it’s been challenging for the business since the onset of covid19 and more so now with the havoc Cyclone Gabrielle has brought to the district, however Chrystal is not one to dwell too much in the negative space. “We have no access to our equipment and worksites. We’re waiting for Council approval to reinstate the road so we can get back to work. We had to think quickly about how we could keep our staff busy and working,” Chrystal explains. The answer was to hire some small excavators and help with the massive clean-up operation. What’s most important Chrystal says is to keep positive and help wherever we can. “It’s the best way to get through this, by contributing to the clean-up and keeping busy.” Being nimble is important too, as Chrystal explains. “Our chance to grow our business came with just a seven-day window to hire forestry gear, and get the crew sorted. “We leased the gear for 6 months and then got offered a corporate contract which we accepted. We were then in a position to purchase our own new machinery. We’ve been logging for ourselves for four years now.” After Chrystal hurt her back she employed admin support staff. It taught her, she says, to delegate. “Today I manage my husband to manage the people.” Chrystal’s engagement within the Forestry sector has been recognised with receiving the ‘Woman in Forestry Excellence’ award 2022, sponsored by McFall Fuel. Her award citation read as follows: “Described as very firm but kind and with a generous nature which can be an asset when it comes to dealing with staff, she is very level-headed and a straight shooter. She is approachable and always available, always managing to bring her positive energy into any situation she encounters. “Responsible for the company’s finances, employment issues and employment (HR), employees training plans and registration, cadetships and the day to day running of the business’s office and field functions. “Often, running a pilot or project to support challenges her community faces such as running a Rangatahi suicide prevention program and meth rehabilitation program for forestry workers and whanau and transitioning them back into, paid employment. “Having completed her qualification for conducting drug testing, she keeps her own skills and training up to date in this area, to take best care Clean-up operation gets underway of those around her. “Health and safety results, environmental copliance, logging production and efficiency also receive keen focus under her management. Currently she is working towards health and safety level 3 and 4 qualifications. Well respected by the staff, she is definitely the person you want as your general when go to war and is the rock for the business. We don’t believe there is a bow big enough to manage all the strings she plays.’ Though she was aware of being nominated, Chrystal says she was totally in shock when her name was announced as winner. On the work front, Stirling Logging offers a cadetship where those new to the industry can safely be brought into meaningful employment. There’s a strong philosophy guiding how Chrystal and Gavin live their lives, based on a belief that by being positive leaders, their energy can and will do good. Stirling Logging is a fine example of a socially conscious business, out there doing good, far beyond the daily tasks of felling and hauling logs. “We leased the gear for 6 months and then got offered a corporate contract which we accepted. We were then in a position to purchase our own new machinery. We’ve been logging for ourselves for four years now.”
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