Want to listen to our FICA Logger Mag updates instead of reading them? Here's how:
1. Update your settings (phones / tablets) or install this free audio reader extension (desktop / laptop):
a. iPhone: To use the built-in text-to-speech feature on your iPhone, go to:
Settings > Accessibility > Spoken Content and enable "Speak Selection" or "Speak Screen" to have the iPhone read selected text or the entire screen aloud, respectively.
b. Samsung: To activate and customize the text-to-speech "Read Aloud" feature on your Samsung Galaxy phone or tablet, navigate to Settings > Accessibility > Text-to-speech output, where you can choose your preferred engine, language, speech rate, and pitch.
c. Computer: Install Read Aloud: A Text to Speech Voice Reader. Then the orange megaphone icon should appear in the top right of your web browser - you can use the controls to play / stop / skip as needed.
2. If on your iPhone, select / highlight the text below and click 'speak' to listen. If you're on your computer, press the orange megaphone icon (normally in the top right of your web browser).
Tasman Trip - Listening, Learning, Connecting
Following the recent weather event in the Tasman region, FICA CEO Rowan Struthers made a two-day visit to connect directly with forest owners, contractors, and community members.
We had considered visiting earlier but believed there was benefit in letting the dust settle so we could have more informed discussions. The trip was designed to understand the local impacts but also to reinforce FICA’s commitment to being present, responsive and collaborative in times of challenge.
The itinerary included meetings with key forest owners and operational leaders, including Josh Tansey (PFO) and Shaun Trulock (OFO), as well as a lunch catch-up with local industry legend Ross Wood, who is still full of ideas.
The day concluded with an informal gathering at Joe’s Garage in Richmond, where FICA members shared insights, concerns and a few well-earned refreshments.
Day two began with a visit to Tasman Pine and a conversation with Steve Chandler, followed by attendance at the Wakefield Community Drop-in event. These engagements provided valuable context on how the weather event has affected operations, workforce planning, and community wellbeing.
