FICA is delighted to congratulate Joel Neumann-Niha and the team at Niha Contracting Ltd on winning the Northland Wood Council (NWC) Crew of the Year Award. Their success is particularly pleasing because it highlights a part of the industry that often works out of the spotlight. While harvesting crews are frequently the public face of forestry operations, silviculture crews are the foundation of the future forest.
Based in the Pipiwai area of Whangārei, Niha Contracting Ltd has built a strong reputation over the past seven years for delivering high-quality silviculture and forest establishment services. Under the leadership of Joel Neumann-Niha, the crew undertakes a wide range of specialised forestry work, including motor-manual thinning, chemical thinning, windfall recovery and hazardous tree felling, often in challenging terrain and demanding conditions.
The nomination highlighted not only the crew's technical competence but also their commitment to safety, professionalism and continuous improvement. Their willingness to strengthen systems, respond to independent audit findings and maintain high standards has earned the respect of forest managers and clients alike.
In supporting the nomination, Peter Houston, Forestry Manager for Manulife Investment Management Forest Management (NZ) Limited, described Niha Contracting as a crew that consistently demonstrates the qualities of a high-performing forestry team through its commitment to safety, workmanship, crew development and professionalism.
For FICA, it is particularly encouraging to see a silviculture contractor take out the award. Silviculture crews play a critical role in establishing, tending and improving the forests that will supply New Zealand's wood processing and export sectors for decades to come. Recognition of that contribution is well deserved.
As sponsor of the Contractor/Crew of the Year category across New Zealand's regional wood council awards, FICA also notes that every regional winner automatically goes forward for consideration in the FICA National Contractor of the Year Award. The standard of nominations received around the country continues to be exceptionally high, and Niha Contracting has set a strong benchmark for the remaining regional awards.
The next opportunity for contractors to enter the national competition pathway is at the Hawke's Bay Forestry Awards on 20 November. We encourage contractors, crews, forest owners and managers to get behind the awards programme by nominating businesses and individuals who demonstrate excellence in safety, quality, innovation, leadership and professionalism.
Congratulations again to Joel Neumann-Niha and the entire Niha Contracting team on a well-deserved achievement. Their win is a reminder that excellence exists right across the forestry supply chain, from planting and silviculture through to harvesting and transport, and that every part of the sector has a role to play in the future success of New Zealand forestry.
