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| Joe's blog
New Chair takes his seat
It’s with pleasure that I announce the appointment of forestry industry veteran Darrin Collett as FISC’s new Chair.
Darrin brings more than 35 years experience across almost every corner of the forestry sector. He started on the tools with logging crews in the late 1980s and early 1990s, before building and running his own forestry and consulting business for more than 20 years.
Along the way, he has worked across commercial and small-scale forestry, as well as internationally as a tropical forestry consultant.
He’s someone who truly understands the industry – from the ground up – and, like so many of us, remains deeply passionate about forestry and the people within it - including keeping them safe. We’re excited to have him on board.
Darrin, based in Coatesville, attended the May FISC Council meeting as an observer, but will formally chair the July meeting.
He is keen to use his experience to strengthen FISC’s impact, particularly by reaching more parts of the industry and building greater awareness of our work.
As Darrin takes over the role, I want to acknowledge the outstanding contribution of Grant Dodson, who has served as Acting Chair since Simon O’Grady stood down in September last year.
Grant’s capable leadership has ensured continuity for FISC and given us the time to find the right person for this important role. We’re grateful for the experience and commitment he has brought during this period.
Be safe out there.
Read more about Darrin
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HiPo group finalist in annual Safeguard Awards
The NZ Forestry High-Potential Incidents Group is a finalist in the ‘collaboration’ category of the Safeguard New Zealand Workplace Health and Safety Awards 2026.
The HiPo group brings together seven forest owners and managers, representing around 45% of the forestry industry. They share quarterly data on high-potential health and safety incidents to identify trends and benchmark best practice, with an eye to reducing serious harm in the sector.
FISC chief executive Joe Akari says it was exciting to hear that the group is a finalist, as it is a very deserving project.
While companies see a snapshot of their own health and safety incidents and use this to learn from, their other main source of health and safety data is ACC. However, this is a lagging indicator that takes six to nine months to reach forestry companies, leaving a broader information vacuum.
“The group were keen to fill this vacuum with their own data in order to avoid being blindsided by occasional catastrophic events that might have been foreseen,” Akari says.
To ensure competitive pressures are set aside, all data provided is aggregated and anonymised by an independent Project Manager provided by the Forest Industry Safety Council. The group has begun creating a high-potential incident library and hold quarterly presentations to help disseminate the key information unearthed.
The group is made up of Ian Barrett, Timberlands; Chayne Zinsli, Summit Forestry; Wayne Dempster, Matariki Forests; Les Bak, One Forty One; James Kerr & Julie Anne Beattie, Ernslaw1; Glen Coleman & Rona Wheeldon, Manulife; and Andrea Ball, Pan Pac.
“We wish the HiPo group all the best for awards night in Auckland on 23 June,” Akari says.
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Forest Manager Certification programme completes pilot phase
Safetree’s latest certification programme – Forest Manager Certification – is a step closer to official launch following the completion of its pilot phase.
Six medium-sized forestry management companies took part in the pilot, which included a desk-top and interview-style audit.
“The pilot has been extremely successful and provided useful information around tweaks we will make before the programme’s wider launch,” Safetree certification manager Mark Preece says.
“It received positive feedback from the companies involved too, which was very encouraging.”
The programme is built around the well-tested Plan-Do-Check-Act concept. It supports three key outcomes for the Forest Manager: safer people, stronger businesses, and a more sustainable industry.
A feedback session is currently being planned with the forest managers involved in the pilot.
"This will allow for a final programme review before launching to the sector, which is planned for August," Preece says.
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WorkSafe survey on notifying injuries and incidents
Have you ever notified WorkSafe about a workplace injury, illness, incident, or concern?
WorkSafe is looking for people to share their experience as part of research to improve how notifications work. This includes anyone who has used WorkSafe’s webforms, whether you’re an employer, worker, or member of the public.
What's involved?
- A short anonymous survey
- Takes approximately 5-7 minutes to complete
- Your responses are completely anonymous
- Responses will be used only to improve WorkSafe services
- The survey closes 19 June
TAKE THE SURVEY
If you have colleagues who have submitted notifiable event notifications online, please feel free to forward this on to them.
If you have any questions about this research or would prefer to give your feedback over the phone, please email Valeria Osorio.
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Bring new ideas to life with the 2026 Youth Micro Innovation Challenge
If you're an early-career forestry worker, student or graduate with a great idea for improving how things are done in our industry, then the 2026 Youth Micro Innovation Challenge could be for you.
Whether it’s a small tool improvement, a smarter way of working, or a practical solution in harvesting, silviculture, or transport, this is a chance for young people to put their ideas forward.
This initiative is designed to encourage practical, on-the-ground innovation from the next generation, while also supporting mentoring within organisations - where experienced team members can help bring ideas to life.
What's on offer:
- $10,000 prize to develop a prototype
- Simple entry process - no long proposals required
- Every entry also goes in the draw to win a $250 Prezzy Card
This initiative is a great way to develop capability within our younger workforce and unearth practical innovations from the ground up, while also strengthening a culture of continuous improvement within forestry.
Entries close 13 June 2026
Check out a video on the challenge
Get more information
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