Forest Industry Contractors Association - FICA

28/08/2026

25/08/2026

Dear Contractors

You may have noticed an article in the recent F**A newsletter profiling ForestEng Productivity workshops being run by the UofCant.

Below includes information on the Course to be run in Nelson. We now confirmed a number of contractors and manufacturers lined up to present (see the agenda in the attachment).

We currently have 15 people signed up, but it would be great to get 35-40 people there.

Spread the word, it’s a good opportunity to give your foreman or one of your valued employees the opportunity for a bit of professional development and to rub shoulders with others in the industry. If you are form out of town maybe an opportunity to get your hands off the tools and take your partner for a weekend in Nelson.

There will be a third workshop run in Balclutha 16th October.

Register at: https://www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/nelson-18-sept-improving-logging-efficiency-tickets-1993888932471

Cheers,
Rowan

20/08/2026

For any F**A Member Safetree Certified contractors in the Tauranga area, this is an open invite below to learn more about the Care Pass platform we're trialling.

Care Pass helps you get your injured workers back to safe, suitable duties faster. Plus, you get optional access to Telehealth on demand.

You can read more about the pilot here 👇https://www.fica.org.nz/care-pass/

05/08/2026

Don't forget to register for our AGM happening ONLINE next Wednesday 4-5pm. We need 15 member companies to attend to make this legit. Cheers! 👉https://www.fica.org.nz/agm/

27/07/2026

Great work Kevin 🫶

Our people are on the ground in Boise Idaho alongside our Australian counterparts, ready to assist 🔥

Our specialist team will have their orientation with U.S. wildland fire specialists and then will be assigned to federal wildfire incidents based on priorities and operational need.

The National Wildfire Preparedness in the U.S is Level 5, the highest level. Currently, 78 large wildfires are burning across the western U.S.

Kia kaha, kia māia, kia manawanui. Be strong, be brave, be steadfast ❤️

26/07/2026

F**A Board Member Kevin Ihaka is part of a joint Australasian contingent supporting America’s response to an intense wildfire season.

Thank you to Kevin and the rest of this specialist team who have put your hands up to help. Noho ora mai, stay well. ❤️

23/07/2026

Reminder that our AGM is coming up on 12th August online. Sign up here 👉 https://www.fica.org.nz/agm/

20/07/2026

- New Zealand's forestry sector has confirmed it will align its workplace vocational training with the new Engineering and Manufacturing Private Training Establishment (PTE), operating under Competenz.

The decision follows extensive consultation with employers, contractors and training providers, led by the New Zealand Forest Owners Association (NZFOA) and Forest Industry Contractors Association (F**A) joint Forestry Training Committee (FTC).

"This is about ensuring forestry continues to have a training system designed by industry, for industry," says Forestry Training Committee Chair, Kevin Ihaka.

"Our employers invest heavily in training because they know a skilled workforce is essential for safe, productive and sustainable forestry operations. This arrangement gives the sector greater influence over how that training evolves in future."

Read the full release here 👇

New Zealand's forestry sector has confirmed it will align its workplace vocational training with the new Engineering and Manufacturing Private Training Establishment (PTE), operating under Competenz.T

13/07/2026

Our latest e-newsletter is out now!

In this update:
- Message from CEO Rowan Struthers
- Market Update
- Back to my roots - Kawerau and Taupo Excursion
- Upcoming Events: F**A AGM, Women in Forestry Nelson, End of Year Rolling Retro Roadshow Cambridge
- F**A Return to Regional Awards with Crew of the Year
- Productivity Workshops incl. at HarvestTech + Wood Transport Logistics
- Forestry Tower Inspectors Workshop Proposed
- Shape the Future of Silvi Business Management
- Vocational Training Update - Competenz 2.0
- Competenz Micro-Credentials
- Timely Payment + The Forestry Supply Chain
- Samnic Decision = For Forestry Contractors
- Help Build the F**A Referral Network
- TUR Forestry Industry Insights
- Hear from our Sponsors: STIHL and Waratah Forestry

👇👇👇

https://mailchi.mp/dfd0cd3ececb/july26?e=92e94e9449

07/07/2026

We're excited to welcome back on board Garth and the team at BFA Business Advisors and Accountants as an A Grade F**A sponsor. It's great to have you here!