Forestry Jobs: What It Takes to Work in New Zealand's Great Outdoors
New Zealand’s forestry industry is essential. It provides the timber that builds our homes and helps our economy grow. But this industry depends on hardworking people.
9 min read
December 13, 2024
New Zealand’s forestry industry is essential. It provides the timber that builds our homes and helps our economy grow. But this industry depends on hardworking people. This guide gives you an honest look at what forestry jobs are really like.
We at Unite Recruit specialize in hands-on work. And we want you to have the right information before you start a new career. A job in forestry offers great rewards. You get to work outdoors. You become part of a close team. And you feel the satisfaction of a hard day's physical work.
The Reality of Working in New Zealand's Forests
We want to give you a clear picture of the job. Working in forestry is physically demanding. You need to be strong and have good stamina. The days often start very early. You will likely be up before the sun rises. And you will work in all kinds of weather. Some days will be sunny and warm. But other days will be cold, wet, and muddy. This job requires a tough mindset.
But the rewards are unique. You are not stuck inside an office or a factory. You work in New Zealand's beautiful outdoors every single day. You see the direct results of your effort. You can watch a section of forest get planted or harvested because of your work. And you build very strong bonds with your crew. You learn to trust and rely on each other. This teamwork makes the job special. It is a challenging career but it is also an incredibly rewarding one.
Where the Forestry Jobs Are: Key Regions in NZ
You can find forestry jobs all over New Zealand. But some areas have a much higher demand for workers. The industry is strongest in a few key regions. Knowing these locations helps you find consistent work.
Northland has large pine forests. This region provides a steady supply of work for planting and harvesting crews year-round. The demand for reliable workers here is always high.
The Central North Island is the heart of the industry.
This area includes the Bay of Plenty and Waikato regions. It is home to some of the largest forestry operations in the country. Big processing mills are located near the port of Tauranga. This means there are many different types of forestry jobs available, from the forest floor to the mill.
The East Coast is another major hub. The regions of Gisborne and Hawke's Bay have massive forests. There are always significant planting and harvesting projects happening here. This creates many opportunities for new and experienced forestry workers.
The Core Roles on a Forestry Crew
A forestry crew is made up of several different roles. Each job is important for the team to work safely and efficiently. Some roles are about planting and growing the trees. But other roles are focused on harvesting the timber.
Planting and Silviculture
This work happens at the very beginning of the forest's life cycle. Planters and pruners create the forests of the future. The work is very physical. Planters carry seedlings in a special harness. And they use a planting spade to dig a hole for each tree.
They have to work fast but also maintain high quality. Every tree must be planted correctly to ensure it grows well. This work is often seasonal, with big planting pushes in the winter and spring.
Pruners come in later. They use long-handled saws to remove the lower branches from young trees. This helps the tree grow straight and produce clear, high-value timber.
Harvesting Operations
The felling crew handles the most high-risk part of forestry. These workers are called tree fellers or breaker-outs. They work on the ground in a harvesting operation. Their job is to safely fell trees that machines cannot reach.
And they also trim the felled trees. They use a chainsaw with skill and precision. This job requires extreme focus. Safety is the number one priority. Team members must communicate clearly with each other and with machine operators at all times. It is a demanding job that earns a lot of respect within the industry.
Machine Operation
Modern forestry relies on powerful and specialized machines. Machine operators are highly skilled professionals. They need excellent hand-eye coordination and a deep understanding of safety. A Harvester is a machine that can grab a tree, cut it at the base, and remove all its branches in seconds.
A Forwarder or Skidder then collects the logs and transports them to a landing area. These operators must navigate their machines over very difficult and steep terrain. It takes a lot of training and practice to become a good operator.
Log Processing and Quality Control
The work does not stop when the logs are moved. A landing area, or skid site, is a busy place. This is where logs are processed before they go to the mill. Log-makers or trimmers play a key role here. They measure each log carefully. Then they use a chainsaw to cut the log into specific lengths. Different markets require different log sizes.
A log-maker has to know these specifications exactly. Their work ensures the company gets the most value from every single tree that is harvested. This role requires a good eye for detail and the ability to work quickly and accurately.
Essential Skills and Tickets for Forestry Jobs
You need more than just physical strength for forestry jobs. You also need the right skills and the right mindset. And having the correct certifications, or tickets, can help you get hired faster.
Physical Fitness and Mentality
You must have good physical fitness. The work involves lifting, walking on uneven ground, and long hours. But your mental toughness is just as important. You need a resilient attitude. Some days are hard. And you must stay positive and focused even when you are tired or the weather is bad.
Teamwork and Communication
You never work alone in forestry. You are always part of a team. And teamwork depends on excellent communication. You must be able to listen to instructions carefully. And you need to speak clearly to your crewmates. Clear communication is a critical tool. It keeps everyone safe and helps the team work efficiently.
Key Certifications (Tickets)
Certain certifications are very valuable. A basic First Aid Certificate is a great starting point for any job. But for forestry, you might need specific tickets.
If you want to use a chainsaw, you will need the correct NZQA unit standards for chainsaw use. And if you plan to operate machinery, you will need the right licenses for each machine. These tickets show an employer you are serious and have been properly trained.
Your Most Important Responsibility
Safety is the number one rule in forestry. It is not negotiable. Eery single person on the crew is responsible for safety. Your most important job is to go home safe at the end of every day and you must also look out for the safety of your teammates.
Good crews follow safety protocols all the time. This means checking your equipment before you start work. And it means talking about the plan for the day with your team. These rules exist to protect you.
You must wear the correct Personal Protective Equipment, or PPE, at all times. This includes your high-visibility clothing so you can be seen easily. And you must wear strong, steel-capped boots to protect your feet. A hard hat is essential to protect your head from falling debris. And you will need ear protection like earmuffs to guard against the noise of machinery.
Unite Recruit follows the best practices set by the industry. We align our standards with official bodies like Safetree. Safetree is New Zealand's forestry safety council. They provide guidelines and resources to ensure everyone works safely. We take this very seriously because your well-being is our top priority.
