Winner: Keenan Forestry Ltd

SAM KEENAN ensures his staff always have training plans and are progressing with their pathways despite obstacles like bad weather, diesel prices or log prices. An example of Keenan Forestry’s dedication is flying in trainers at its own expense from the South Island as it progresses into mechanised and tethered felling.

As well as paying 11 fulltime staff, Keenan Forestry, from the Tararua region, will often take on young people with no experience and will actively ensure they receive training and mentorship. This has included working with schools in Gateway programmes where students will start with one day a week onsite. These students usually develop a passion for forestry and stay as fulltime staff with training programmes.

Keeping staff trained in the changing world of forest harvesting is not easy; in recent years manual tree felling has transitioned into mechanised. These huge million-dollar machines require a whole new approach, and Keenan Forestry is leading the way in training a whole new generation of drivers.