Tāne Mahuta creating strong foundations for forestry

Tāne Mahuta’s principals, Simon and Wini Geddes, relate to Omataroa Forest as landowners and Rayonier Matariki Forests grow and manage around 6,700 ha of the forest. 

Through this relationship, Tāne Mahuta saw Rayonier Matariki’s commitment to the land and the community and approached them about their vision of getting local rangatahi working on their own whenua (land).

Rob Schoonderwoerd, District Forester at Rayonier Matariki, said the timing of Simon’s approach was perfect.

“We were struggling to find people willing and capable to do the work at the time and Tāne Mahuta had a supply of workers.  We always try to support the communities in which we work and by partnering with Tāne Mahuta it has been a win-win,” says Schoonderwoerd.

Through Tāne Mahuta’s initiative, local rangatahi can train and obtain foundation skills in the forestry industry.  Much of this work is in silviculture where young trees are nurtured to enhance growth and includes everything from planting seedlings, thinning to waste and pruning through to weed and pest control.

“Over the seven years of our relationship with Tāne Mahuta we have given around a hundred  rangatahi the opportunity to experience forestry but it’s not for everyone,” says Schoonderwoerd.  “It’s great to see them give it a go and we have at least a dozen forest workers who are still with us, now trained and meeting industry standards.”

Tāne Mahuta’s goal of building workforce capability in the region also places a huge emphasis on Māori working on their own whenua.

Founders and directors of Tāne Mahuta, Simon and Wini Geddes, says there are a lot of Māori-owned forests in the Bay of Plenty and the best outcome is for Māori to be working in those forests.

“We are not only about creating employment but also connecting local rangatahi to their land and creating a circular economy,” say the Geddes.

“Rayonier Matariki Forests was very receptive to the idea and has given our young people an enormous opportunity as not all forestry companies are keen to start new, unskilled labour.

“We have approached this together and it’s been very successful.  A lot of our rangatahi need this support to get into work and by investing in them, everyone benefits.”