34 | Northland Forestry Awards: Wise on Wood Karen Phelps Fostering the future Wise on Wood Trainees of 2022 , from left, Harry Harrison, Zane Modrich, Jacob Titter, Dan Wharemate, Austen Francis and Nick Harrison. FORESTRY Wise on Wood’s maxim ‘asking why is learning’ and its diligence in ensuring that employees are trained or under training saw it take out the Training Company/Contractor of the Year award at the 2022 Northland Forestry Awards. The company was commended for its willingness to bring new workers into the company and industry rather than only seeking out trained and experienced candidates. Sweeter yet was the fact that forest managers PF Olsen nominated them for the award. “If a significant player in the industry such as PF Olsen thinks we’re doing a good job that’s a real pat on the back,” says Nigel Harrison who owns Wise on Wood with wife Michelle. Both the Harrisons are registered trainer/ assessors as testimony to their commitment and the majority of their employees have been trained in-house and remain with the company. No employees are ever just trained for task but all are registered in apprenticeships or taken through to National Certificate level. The Harrisons are well known as keen advocates of bringing the next generation into the forestry industry. One of their business policies is to employ a new young person each year, growing people who have shown an interest in forestry. New employees on the job have already had their primary training completed and a pathway for their development mapped out. “We used to be foster parents and are big on giving people a better chance in life,” says Nigel. “It’s about keeping young people active and giving them opportunities. There are so many people out there who are really talented but don’t get the right pathway. We’re always willing to give people a go.” He says it’s also a great way to train people in the way Wise on Wood works delivering quality outcomes for clients. And Wise on Wood’s commitment to training doesn’t stop once the workers become skilled operators. Not only are the employees given the opportunity to continue their learning through becoming proficient in a suite of machine or manual operations, they are encouraged and supported to venture and create their own new companies working in the forest industry. The Harrisons says that forestry is a great career. Ex fitter/welder Jacob Titter is a case in point. He has recently started with the company because he wanted to be outdoors and “play with big machines”. He’s signed up to do a national certificate and Michelle is encouraging him to take the next step after that and start his apprenticeship. As testament to the success of its employment policy, the couple’s son, Wise on Wood’s employee Harry Harrison was also recognised at the awards coming runner up in the Emerging Talent of the Year category. “From a toddler he always wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps,” says Michelle. “Once he turned 16 he went into an apprenticeship, which he’s completed this year. Harry will give anything a go and try anything. He’s incredibly talented, hard working and has a lot of skill. He’s very willing to share his knowledge and experience with people.” Wise on Wood was started in 2015 by Michelle and Nigel. Previously they had worked in a similar family owned business but wanted to go out on their own and create their own unique forestry company. Based in Okaihau near Kerikeri, Wise on Wood has now grown to employ 12 staff and contracts as a harvesting contractor to PF Olsen and Northland Forest Managers. The company has won numerous times at the Northland Forestry Awards. The Harrisons are also well recognised as keen advocates for protecting the environment – something that is also important to all they work for and with. “Everyone has a responsibility to look after the wildlife and environment while doing the job,” adds Nigel. “We have lived in this area for a long time and we’re passionate about doing the job correctly and sustainably.” 0800 30 30 90 I abequipment.co.nz Proud to partner with Wise onWood as their preferred Forestry Equipment supplier. AB Equipment - Your Local DOOSAN Specialist
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