Building a successful career

Callum Kyle is not afraid of hard work and his early years clearly show that.  While at school Callum took on a milk run, cleaned various retail outlets, picked black currants, trapped possums as well as volunteering for the Department of Conservation and Fish and Game.

Callum Kyle is not afraid of hard work and his early years clearly show that.  While at school Callum took on a milk run, cleaned various retail outlets, picked black currants, trapped possums as well as volunteering for the Department of Conservation and Fish and Game.

With a love of the outdoors there was no way Callum was going to be found behind a desk. After leaving school he went dairy farming before ending up in forestry and started working at Ernslaw One in 2011.

What Callum loves about his role is the diversity.   His dual role includes silviculture which he describes as “the art and science of controlling the establishment, growth, composition, health and quality of the forests.”

During Summer his focus includes Ernslaw’s innovative kōura (freshwater crayfish) farming venture, KEEWAI, where Callum is responsible for growth management, weed control, habitat enhancement and harvesting.   Another part of the kōura project sees him undertaking educational field trips, school visits and advisory work with Iwi.  Callum would be the first to admit he’s never liked public speaking but through this work he now really enjoys it.

He also enjoys protecting the habitats of wildlife, water resources and the general environment.

Ernslaw One has provided Callum with the opportunity to expand his horizons through funding him to complete a NZ Diploma in Agribusiness Management through the Ara Institute of Canterbury and providing the flexibility for him to undertake his studies.  Callum has also completed a number of unit standards for firefighting, fire permits, 4-Wheel-Driving and tree felling.

Callum’s job allows him to indulge his passion for hunting.  Pest management is required in some forests to protect native fauna, tree crops and neighbouring properties from pests.  He can also be found out with his dogs in his spare time.  “I just love being in the forest, I never get sick of it.”