http://www.fica.org.nz/blog/ The latest Blog feeds from www.fica.org.nz en-us Thu, 12 Nov 2026 22:26:52 +1300 Rocketspark http://www.fica.org.nz/blog/post/172457/never-waste-a-good-crisis-productivity-lessons-from-the-fica-u-of-cant-workshop-series/ Over the past several months, FICA, in partnership with the University of Canterbury's Forestry School, has delivered a series of productivity workshops in Rotorua, Nelson and Balclutha, culminating in a post-HarvestTech workshop on 11 November.The workshops were established to address one of the forestry sector's most important challenges: how to improve productivity while maintaining the industry's strong focus on safety, sustainability and business viability. A recurring theme throughout... Wed, 11 Nov 2026 13:03:31 +1300 http://www.fica.org.nz/blog/#post172457 http://www.fica.org.nz/blog/post/172455/million-dollar-machines-are-current-depreciation-rates-fit-for-purpose/ Modern forestry harvesting is increasingly reliant on highly specialised, high-value equipment. A new feller buncher can now cost well over $1.5 million, making it one of the largest investments many contractors will ever make.As machine costs continue to rise, FICA is asking an important question: do current depreciation rates accurately reflect how these machines lose value in the real world?Many modern feller bunchers are purpose-built machines operating in demanding environments, often on st... Wed, 11 Nov 2026 12:57:46 +1300 http://www.fica.org.nz/blog/#post172455 http://www.fica.org.nz/blog/post/172454/woodsman-pro-file-transfer-system/ The Loggic control systems provided with Woodsman Pro products includes a file transfer system, removing the need for a third-party product.This function leverages Starlink®, cellular, or wireless (Wi-Fi) networks, giving owners and contractors the ability to automatically receive production information via e-mail and/or other production reporting platforms.... Wed, 11 Nov 2026 12:52:01 +1300 http://www.fica.org.nz/blog/#post172454 http://www.fica.org.nz/blog/post/172423/improving-tether-rope-safety/ A FICA member approached us with concerns about the inspection, maintenance and replacement of tether ropes and associated rigging used in winch-assisted harvesting operations. While recent rope failures had not resulted in serious injury, they highlighted the potentially severe consequences that can arise when safety-critical components fail.Rather than treating this as an isolated issue, FICA brought together a small working group comprising harvesting contractors, equipment manufacturers, wir... Tue, 10 Nov 2026 10:58:22 +1300 http://www.fica.org.nz/blog/#post172423 http://www.fica.org.nz/blog/post/172422/the-commerce-act-what-every-forestry-contractor-needs-to-know/ Most forestry contractors understand the importance of competing hard for work, delivering value, and building strong relationships with clients. However, there is a line between healthy competition and behaviour that can breach New Zealand's Commerce Act.The Commerce Act exists to promote fair competition and protect businesses and consumers. While many contractors may think the law only applies to large corporations, it applies equally to small businesses and contractors.What You Can DoContrac... Tue, 10 Nov 2026 10:51:11 +1300 http://www.fica.org.nz/blog/#post172422 http://www.fica.org.nz/blog/post/172419/rate-reviews/ It's encouraging to see more forest owners and managers offering longer-term contracts. Greater certainty helps contractors invest in machinery, train staff, and build stronger businesses.However, a three- or five-year contract without any rate review can leave contractors significantly worse off over time.Labour costs, fuel, insurance, compliance, parts and maintenance costs don't stand still. Yet many contracts still lock rates in place for years. When that happens, contractors end up absorbin... Tue, 10 Nov 2026 10:25:53 +1300 http://www.fica.org.nz/blog/#post172419 http://www.fica.org.nz/blog/post/172417/market-update--november-2026/ There is a noticeably more positive tone emerging across export log markets as we move through the final quarter of 2026. While global headlines continue to create uncertainty, particularly around geopolitical tensions and slowing international growth, the underlying fundamentals supporting New Zealand forestry remain reasonably solid.The most encouraging sign for the sector is continued demand from China. Softwood log inventories have fallen from approximately 2.5 million cubic metres in Octobe... Tue, 10 Nov 2026 10:20:50 +1300 http://www.fica.org.nz/blog/#post172417 http://www.fica.org.nz/blog/post/172453/competenz-appoints-mandie-skipps-as-head-of-forestry/ Competenz is pleased to announce the appointment of Mandie Skipps as Head of Forestry, bringing a strong combination of forestry industry experience, commercial leadership and a passion for workforce development.Mandie has been involved in forestry since 2007 through family-owned contracting business Skipps Logging, where she has worked across business operations, commercial planning, people development, health and safety and workforce capability. She is also a member of the FICA board.Prior to ... Mon, 09 Nov 2026 00:00:00 +1300 http://www.fica.org.nz/blog/#post172453 http://www.fica.org.nz/blog/post/171655/fica-e-newsletter--october-2026/ What has FICA delivered for members this month? Contractor capability building: Workshop with Garth Beker focusing on finance, sustainability and succession issues FSC Living Wage clarity: Helping contractors and forest managers understand their obligations and reduce compliance uncertaintyTairāwhiti contractor advocacy: key meeting between contractors and foresty Minister Todd McClay 12 October CFG forest manager transition support for contractors: helping maintain dialogue... Fri, 16 Oct 2026 07:09:23 +1300 http://www.fica.org.nz/blog/#post171655 http://www.fica.org.nz/blog/post/171620/forestry-gets-broad-political-support-ahead-of-election/ With the election campaign beginning to take shape, the NZFOA Election Year Forestry Panel provided a valuable opportunity to hear directly from political parties on the future of forestry in New Zealand. The panel brought together representatives from across the political spectrum, including Todd McClay, Mark Patterson, Simon Court, Cushla Tangaere-Manuel and Steve Abel to discuss issues ranging from land use and environmental regulation through to wood processing, infrastructure, workforce dev... Thu, 15 Oct 2026 11:21:28 +1300 http://www.fica.org.nz/blog/#post171620