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At the start of the driveway to Ernslaw's Tapanui office, there is an area with of unique mix of tree stands including some 118-year-old Radiata, 75-year-old Douglas Fir, 43-year-old Eucalyptus Regnans and other species. This area is regularly visited by the public including mountain bikers, people out walking their dogs and a group of kids called “The Ngahere explorers”. To the Ngahere Explorers this area is known as the Gruffalo Forest. The Ngahere Explorers was started by Tapanui’s early childhood centre - KidzWay, 8 years ago. The oldest 10 children, 2 teachers and a parent helper or two, visited the Gruffalo Forest once a week. There, they play, explore, and have their smoko in the bush.
When he’s not doing his day job as Ernslaw’s Naseby Forest Manager, Paul Hart, is proud to serve alongside around 480 other Kiwis on Taskforce Kiwi which helps communities in need. Paul, who is also Deputy Chief at Naseby Volunteer Fire Brigade where he has been volunteering for 19 years and prior to that, New Brighton Volunteer Fire Brigade for five years, has been firefighting for nearly 25 years. The deep sense of service saw him step up to share his skills on Taskforce Kiwi when the call went out. Taskforce Kiwi was established in 2022, following Cyclone Gabrielle, by ex-army veteran, Richard Adams. The group utilises the skills and experiences of former and serving defence force and emergency personnel, as well as members of the wider community, to provide direct assistance to impacted communities before, during and after disasters.
Ernslaw is undertaking a major trans-location programme in its South Island forests waterways to protect rare and threatened species, using a relatively new technology…e-DNA. e-DNA (Environmental DNA) is genetic material shed by organisms as they move in, through and around their environment. e-DNA sampling kits quickly and effectively identify species in waterways, which may otherwise be missed during conventional sampling. John Hollows, Aquaculture Manager at Ernslaw One, says as early adopters of this new technology it has enabled a much more accurate assessment of life in its forest’s streams and forms a major part of operational planning.
We’re delighted to announce the appointment of Amy Robinson to the role of Head of Environmental Performance. Her strong operational experience, change leadership and technology skills combined with a passion for the environment will see her lead on Ernslaw’s commitment to strengthening our operational practices.
Being healthy is a key factor in staying safe. Building on the 2023 breakfast series, this was the message of the recent nationwide breakfasts for around 380 staff, contractors and their crews. Ernslaw’s Head of Health & Safety, James Kerr, says the impact of diet on mental and physical wellbeing is well known and it’s an important message to highlight as the year’s operations are now in full swing.
Following the devastating impact of Cyclone Gabrielle, Ernslaw has donated $500,000 to the Tairawhiti Mayoral Relief Fund to assist with the region’s recovery. The donation is part of a wider contribution by Ernslaw over the last week to help neighbours and the community. CEO, Darren Mann, says that while staff and contractors have been running the machines and getting on the end of tools to help clear debris and silt, he knows there is so much more to do. “We’re committed to doing whatever we can and hope that this donation will go some way to supporting the many people in need,” says Darren.
Gisborne Regional Council and Ernslaw One funded the project with engineers, Civil Assist responsible for overseeing the planning and installation. The school children also had a say in what they wanted for their new playground, feeding back suggestions to Gisborne Regional Council.
For the last three years Ernslaw One has been supporting the Forestry Pathways Course, run by Toko Training, an offshoot of Tokomairiro High School, which offers Year 12 and 13 students a pre-apprenticeship programme while they continue to work towards NCEA Level 2 and 3.
The Board of Ernslaw One is pleased to announce the appointment of Darren Mann to the role of Chief Executive Officer.
Hosted by Ernslaw One’s Gisborne Regional Manager, Bill Wheeler, CEO, Darren Mann and Jill Macaulay, the visitors not only had the opportunity to see forestry operations in progress but were treated to a ride in a brand new Kenworth truck.