One Billion Trees: Labour challenge for the forestry industry

Wednesday, 30 January 2019

We have an opportunity with the government's renewed focus on forestry and the goal to plant one billion trees by 2028, to build on this and create a sustainable sector.

OPINION: Lately, there's been a number of articles about forestry and the need for more planters. At Te Uru Rākau (Forestry New Zealand), we've subsequently received enquiries from people interested in planting, which is encouraging.

We are not shying away from the fact that labour is a challenge for the forestry industry.

But where there are challenges, lie opportunities. Forestry is one of this country's most important industries. We have an opportunity with the government's renewed focus on forestry and the goal to plant one billion trees by 2028, to build on this and create a sustainable sector that offers real opportunities in the regions – both through job creation and economic growth.

One of the major aims of the One Billion Trees Programme is to create employment opportunities, particularly in the regions.

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Currently, around 1000 workers are working in the forest growing industry each year. As the programme ramps-up and the planting rate increases, we're estimating the number of workers will need to nearly double by 2023 to support tree planting, nursery production, logistics and administration.

Te Uru Rākau is working alongside the industry and other government agencies to ensure there's sufficient labour for the upcoming planting season.

As the One Billion Trees programme ramps-up the number of workers will need to nearly double by 2023 to support tree planting, nursery production, logistics and administration. (Fl photo)

Part of this is about understanding what the workforce needs to look like. A survey of the industry is underway which will provide better data about the labour needs in the short term.

During 2019, Te Uru Rākau will be working closely with the industry, landowners and other key stakeholders to help set the strategic direction for forests and forestry over coming decades. One element of this work will be a multi-year plan to attract, develop and retain the workforce needed to create the conditions for a sustainable sector that has momentum to grow and adapt.

We are currently focused on working with the industry to ensure they are able to provide the opportunities for low-skilled workers so they're ready for the upcoming planting season, and helping employers to understand how to attract and retain workers by ensuring fair and safe employment conditions and clear career pathways.

We've held well-attended forestry employer information sessions throughout the country which were run by Forest Industry Contractors Association, with Work and Income, Immigration NZ and the MBIE labour inspectorate all working together.

In the longer term, we are looking at how the sector can create opportunities for those not currently in employment to develop a career in the industry.

Part of the issue is around seasonality of jobs. Planting only occurs in the winter months, so the sector needs to be looking at other opportunities to create sustainable employment, particularly for young people who are either unemployed or not receiving education or training. This involves working with other agencies to ensure vocational training systems supports the needs of the forestry sector.

Of course, there are forestry contractors and companies who are leading the way in recruiting and retaining staff by offering year-round employment, and linking up with other employers with complementary work seasons, and we'll be encouraging the industry to continue exploring these options.

One of the key priority funding areas in the recently launched One Billion Trees Fund is labour and workforce issues, and supporting initiatives that both increase the availability of labour and/or upskill the workforce.

Last year, Te Uru Rākau announced forestry scholarships which will help to create better employment opportunities in forestry. Scholarships will be awarded this year, in 2020 and in 2021 with scholars also receiving internships in the forestry industry.

Another example is the Ngāti Hine Forestry Trust training programme in Te Tai Tokerau. This is a joint venture with Crown Forestry to plant 3,625 hectares of pine and 400ha of mānuka. This initiative will train up to 40 locals in silviculture, and shows how important local workers are to the forestry industry.

Further training and employment opportunities are also being progressed through the Provincial Growth Fund. This includes the ManaiaSafe Forestry School pilot in Tairāwhiti which will deliver a 20-week training programme for workers.

If successful, the pilot could form the basis for similar training courses in other parts of the country where there are forestry skills shortages.

There are further youth employment projects (He Poutama Rangatahi) with a forestry focus underway in both Northland and Tairāwhiti.

These projects are all moving us in the right direction. There is still a long way to go, and we'll continue to work in partnership with others to create a platform for success.

We encourage anyone who is interested in getting involved in planting to email the Forest Industry Contractors Association directly.

Julie Collins is Head of Te Uru Rākau, Foresty New Zealand.