Woman in Forestry Excellence

Winner: Hariata Wipaki

HARI Wipaki only started working in forestry two years ago after coming from a shearing background, but in her short time at Moutere Logging in the Manawatu she has made a big impression on those around her with her energy, enthusiasm and dedication to excellence. She has trained as a log truck loader driver and has excelled in this area where she proved to be a naturally talented operator.

She is on the ball from start to finish and is well respected by all on site and a favourite of the log truck drivers. She is a natural leader and always looking for how the crew can improve in any areas of their work.

Hari is the only female employee out of 88 employees working in Moutere Logging crews in both the North and South Islands; she is out on the ground and giving it her all along with the boys.

Wāhine only make up 18% of workers in the forest sector, and with many scholarships and women’s programmes being developed by the forest sector, Hariata might have more wāhine joining her soon.