68 | Next gen stepping up at Hauraki Logging Karen Phelps RURAL SERVICES » Hauraki Logging Hauraki Logging is preparing for the future as the next generation takes on greater responsibility. Based in Whangamata the company was founded by Lance Balle and his partner Donna after the couple returned to the Coromandel Peninsula following more than two decades away. Originally from Hawke’s Bay, with Donna having grown up in Whangamata, the pair came back when an opportunity arose. “We got into a partnership deal with a logging company and slowly built up equity,” says Lance. “Around ten years later we were able to buy the company outright.” Since then it has grown steadily and now operates a full hauler crew, employing seven staff and working across forests owned by Rayonier for 14 years, recently acquired by Matariki Forests. It harvests logs, processes them and loads them for transport to the client. Lance brings decades of industry experience, having worked on logging crews across New Zealand and previously as an industry trainer. Donna also has a strong background in the logging training sector and today manages administration, health and safety systems and wages, while Lance oversees the overall business. Hauraki Logging now operates a full hauler crew, employing seven staff and working across forests owned by Rayonier for 14 years. The focus now is firmly on succession. Their son Charlie is foreman of the hauler crew and, together with his partner Ella, has bought into the company. Charlie manages the day-to-day running of the hauler operation, while Ella works alongside Donna. “It’s about ensuring consistency for our client,” says Lance. “Charlie has been in the logging industry for over a decade now, so he brings a lot of experience to the role.” Staff retention is a point of pride for the business with most employees having been there for ten years or more. “We have very little turnover of staff,” says Lance. “We treat people how we would like to be treated. They have input into the day-to-day running and are highly skilled.” Training is largely done in-house, with a strong emphasis on developing future talent. Last year the company took on Masey Tohia, who is completing a forestry apprenticeship and represents a third generation in the industry. “It’s about bringing new blood into the company and the industry,” says Lance. “Like most industries, we haven’t got a lot of young people coming through. Logging is also getting more mechanised, which means people can work for longer.” Investment in people is matched by significant investment in machinery. 07 377 6380 | info@bfa.co.nz | www.bfa.co.nz Partner with BFA and let our expert forestry advisory team help you achieve industry-leading results. BLU AND DONNA - HAURAKI LOGGING Proudly supporting The company has recently purchased a new wood processor worth around $1 million and refurbished a backline machine at a cost of $80,000. Its plant also includes a $2 million falling and tether machine, a hauler, a bulldozer and three log loaders. “We need to be operating every day,” says Lance. “Good quality gear helps us get the job done and makes the job easier and safer for staff.” Hauraki Logging is Safetree certified, aligning with industry-wide safety initiatives developed by the Forest Industry Safety Council to reduce harm and promote best practice. Strong relationships remain central to the business as it moves into its next chapter. “The good thing about our client was that even during a downturn they consistently harvested,” says Lance. “We really appreciated working for them and we’re looking forward to building the same strong, long-term relationship with Matariki Forests.” Cat 548LL forest machine.
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