68 | Well into another big planting season Wendy and Annalyse processing poplars. Kelly Deeks “At one fire in New Zealand, we worked for eight days straight covering 100 hectares.” RURAL SERVICES » Heslip Forest Contracting For more than 30 years, Heslip Forest Contracting and its expert team has been dedicated to creating the forests of the future. Based in Gore, the full-time forestry crew is well into another big planting season, working across Southland for Rayonier and western Otago for Ernslaw One. But for Warren, the focus isn’t on chasing new afforestation contracts. Instead, the company’s strength lies in staying true to its roots and delivering exceptional value to its long-term clients. “We’re a full-time crew working all year round, we don’t just gear up for planting over winter,” Warren says. “We’ve stuck to our knitting, looking after our clients and doing the best job we can for them. That’s how we’ve kept those relationships strong for decades.” Warren’s journey in forestry began long before he headed home to Gore to launch Heslip Forest Contracting in 1993. “Back then there were other crews around, but we were centrally placed in Gore to service clients throughout Southland and western Otago,” he says. The company’s experience goes far beyond planting. The crew has also built a reputation as a wildfire response team for Fire and Emergency New Zealand, attending hundreds of fires across New Zealand, Australia, and even America. “Our guys are used to working in tough conditions, around tall timber and heavy machinery,” Warren says. “At one fire in New Zealand, we worked for eight days straight covering 100 hectares. It’s hard work, but they’re good at it.” Heslip Forest Contracting was also involved in prescribed burns for Ernslaw One back in the 1990s, as part of the formation of the Southern Rural Fire Authority. But like many in the forestry industry, Warren says attracting and retaining younger workers is one of the company’s biggest challenges. “Our crew is very experienced, some have been with us for more than 20 years, but we’re top-heavy on age,” he says. “We’ve recently brought in a couple of younger guys, but it’s tough. Forestry was once seen as hard work for little money. These days, you still work hard, but you’re well rewarded if you’re good at what you do.” The work itself offers plenty of perks for the right people. “You’re outside every day, getting free firewood, and it’s like a gym membership – you’re getting paid to keep fit. You also get to see places most people never do. We’ve worked for DOC in Fiordland and on Stewart Island and that’s pretty special.” The company operates on a piece-rate system, with workers paid for trees planted or hectares thinned. While this rewards productivity, Warren says adverse weather can bring challenges. “We always work at least half a day even in heavy rain, but snow can restrict access to site.” Heslip Forest Contracting’s work isn’t just about planting; it’s about shaping the forests of tomorrow. The crew’s selective thinning helps forest owners maximise quality and value. “We’re making decisions about which trees stay and which go,” Warren explains. “Get it right, and it’s hugely valuable to the forest owner.” The business also operates a lifestyle block, growing poplar and willow poles for erosion control and supplying them throughout Southland and beyond. After three decades, Warren says the key to success has been simple: “Do a good job, and the work keeps coming.” SERVICE & MAINTENANCE Within our workshop, you will find a team of qualified service technicians dedicated to servicing and maintaining all makes and models with expertise and care. GENUINE PARTS & ACCESSORIES KB Motorcycles offer an extensive selection of genuine and aftermarket parts and accessories — from gun racks and doors for your side-by-side to heaters designed to keep you comfortable during the cooler months. NEW & SALES Looking for a new or used machine? The team at KB’s is here to help — visit us today and let us assist you in finding the right fit. 212 Bond Street, Invercargill 0321-44838 www.kbmotorcycles.co.nz We are a family-owned Polaris dealership proudly serving Southland from our Invercargill base. We offer the full range of Polaris vehicles, parts, and expert servicing. Trusted by locals, we’re here to help you get the most from your ride. Covering Otago & Southland 0800 227 226 www.advance-agriculture.co.nz Proud to support Heslip Forest Contracting Specialist Suppliers of Agricultural Chemical, Seed, Spray Equipment & GPS Precision Ag
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=