| 3 T T Kelly Deeks A family affair: Muz. left, and and Jonnie Sutherland - with the fifth generation of the Sutherland family now firmly at the helm, the sixth is already getting its hands dirty in the mill during school holidays. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Sutherland Timber Co Flexibility keeps sawmill buzzing Kaiapoi-based Sutherland Timber has marked 105 years in business and a long commitment to New Zealand’s timber industry, which is seen as not only a point of pride for the Sutherland family, but also represents the company’s responsibility to customers, staff, and the wider community. “We’re not here to stand still,” says general manager Jonnie Sutherland. “There’s always an opportunity to do better, or to do something smarter, and that’s what drives us forward.” A defining step in that direction came three years ago when Sutherland Timber made a crucial decision and a major investment in a new bin sorter. It was a significant capital outlay that Jonnie describes as transformative. “It took us from old school to new old school and eliminated the last really back-breaking process of sawmilling – the manual table work. It has future-proofed our business.” With the technology now fully operational, Sutherland Timber is focused on consistency, quality, and responsiveness to market demand. “We can’t take our customers for granted,” Jonnie says. “Loyalty is earned every day, and being part of their strategy means making sure our timber is reliable, sustainable, and fit for purpose.” Sales manager Dave Darby says the business has stayed true to its family roots while continually adapting to change. “When the company started in Southland in 1920, there were more than 50 sawmills in town,” he says. “Now, every time another sawmill closes in New Zealand, the impact is felt more sharply because there are so few left. That makes it even more important for us to keep innovating.” The company moved north to Kaiapoi in the 1950s to be closer to Christchurch and the Lyttelton port. In the mid-1980s, Murray and Anne Sutherland took over management, building on the company’s strong values. In 2017, Murray was recognised with a New Zealand Order of Merit for services to the timber industry and community. Today, Sutherland Timber employs more than 30 staff, processing about 20,000 cubic metres of Douglas fir and radiata pine annually. Around 25 to 30% of production is exported, with the rest sold across New Zealand through ITM, Mitre 10, and other merchant groups. The company also owns the Kaiapoi ITM branch, just across the road from the mill. While the slowdown in the construction sector has impacted demand, Dave says the mill’s flexibility allows it to pivot quickly. “One day we might be cutting radiata for framing, the next day Douglas fir for specialty beams up to 400x400,” he says. “We’ve sent timber everywhere from Stewart Island to Great Barrier Island. That adaptability is key to surviving in a tough market.” Jonnie says the industry itself has untapped opportunities. “New Zealand grows an incredible product – the ultimate renewable. Radiata has a 27- to 30-year lifecycle, and the timber you get from it can last in a house for more than 50 years. There are so many more possibilities for timber if people are open to them.” For Sutherland Timber, the path ahead looks much like the road behind: family-driven, community-focused, and always ready to evolve. With the fifth generation of the Sutherland family now firmly at the helm, the sixth is already getting its hands dirty in the mill during school holidays. Big moment: from left, Muz Sutherland, Rocky Scott and Murray Schmack, taking the last stick of timber off the round table before it was decommissioned to allow for the new bin sorter machine. Rocky was mill manager and Murray was the Round table manager, both had worked for the company for over 25 years. BOWMAK.CO.NZ • SERVICING & REPAIRS • INSTALLATION • INSPECTION & TESTING 24/7 CALL-OUT SERVICE • INDUSTRIAL • COMMERCIAL • RURAL Info@bowmak.co.nz CALL 021 208 5088
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