The 'Bush Bible’ gets a bold new chapter

Joe's blog

It’s finally here!

After years of hard work and collaboration, WorkSafe has released the updated Approved Code of Practice: Safe Practice for Forestry and Harvesting Operations - and we’re pleased to see it.

Our new ‘Bush Bible’, as it’s known, is very welcome, as we believe it fosters a less prescriptive, more risk-based mindset, which is an exciting step forward. It ditches the more rigid, rule-by-rule approach of the past and has the flexibility to evolve with our industry as we continue to innovate and improve.

As ATS Logging director Amy Satherley said at the launch event in Palmerston North, this ACOP is more about leadership than compliance.

We hope this shift means health and safety can become even more second nature, naturally woven into everyday decision-making, rather than being limited to a diligent checkbox exercise.

Being part of the consultation process for both this ACOP and the new Health and Safety When Managing a Small Forest Harvest Good Practice Guidelines was a proud moment for me. The level of input from across the sector - from forest owners and contractors to log transporters, biofuel producers, and kaimahi - was inspiring.

Everyone gave their time so freely to help get it right. Because at the end of the day, we all want the same thing. To make sure everyone of our people gets home safe.

Find the ACOP and related resources on the Safetree website and on the WorkSafe site, these resources include WorkSafe learning modules.

FISC chair to move on

Simon O’Grady, independent chair of FISC, has stepped down after accepting a new role in investment management. His resignation is effective immediately.

“FISC has been a vital forum for making our forests safer. The mission of ‘Together Towards Zero’ remains strong, backed by a clear strategy, ACC funding, and support from the Forest Growers Levy Trust,” says O’Grady.

He thanked industry leaders, government agencies, and the FISC team for their collaboration and commitment, adding:

“It’s been a privilege to work alongside such a diverse and dedicated group.”

Grant Dodson, a past-president of the Forest Owners Association, will step in as acting chair while a new independent chair is recruited.

Safetree Certification and the new ACOP: What principals and forest owners need to know

 Forest Industry Contractors Association chief executive Rowan Struthers recently released this useful summary of the new forestry ACoP for principals and forest owners.

Safetree Certification is now formally referenced within the updated Approved Code of Practice (ACOP), reinforcing its role in promoting safe and capable forestry operations.

During the ACOP’s development, the industry strongly advocated for mandatory certification—both for contractors and for critical safety roles such as tree falling and breaking out. While current legislation did not allow for mandatory implementation, Safetree Certification is now explicitly cited throughout the ACOP as a best-practice benchmark.

Key references include:

Section 4.1.9 – Choosing a Capable Contractor
Principals are advised to consider whether contractors hold relevant industry certifications, such as Safetree Certification.

Section 11.2 – Verifying Worker Training
Safetree Certification is again highlighted as an example of appropriate training verification.

Section 22.7.3 – Safe Breaking Out
Certification for breaker-outs is referenced as a factor that should be considered when assessing competence and safety.

What This Means for You As a Principal or PCBU

Whether a large forest owner or a smaller operator, you have a responsibility to engage competent, safety-conscious contractors. While certification is not mandatory, the ACOP makes it clear that choosing certified contractors and certified tree fallers/breaker-outs is a proactive way to:

• Strengthen your due diligence
• Demonstrate commitment to industry best practice
• Mitigate operational and legal risk
• Support a safer, more professional workforce

Next Steps
Now is the time to educate your teams and procurement processes. When engaging contractors, ask about Safetree Certification—not just for the business, but for individual workers in critical roles. Doing so helps protect your people, your business, and the wider industry. FICA will work proactively with WorkSafe to push this message.

To learn more about Safetree Certification see the Safetree website or contact certification@safetree.nz.

ACOP workshops underway

WorkSafe has scheduled a series of workshops nationwide to support contractors and businesses as they transition to the new forestry ACOP.

These are being held as below:

•  1 October        Whanagrei
•  2 October        Kaitaia
•  7 October        Nelson
•  9 October        Christchurch
• 15 October       Dunedin
• 16 October       Invercargill

Events have already been held in Gisborne and Rotorua.

Ready to grow in forestry?

Whether you're just starting out or looking to upskill, now’s the time to explore the scholarships and grants available in forestry.

From first-time students to seasoned workers, a variety of options are available to help give people a leg up in the industry.

This includes the Wahine in Forestry Study Grant – A one-off $5,000 grant for a female student enrolling full-time at the University of Canterbury School of Forestry. It’s aimed at boosting wahine representation and impact in the industry. Applications for this close 31 October 2025.

Meanwhile, the Southern North Island Wood Council Scholarship provides $8,000 over four years for full-time relevant tertiary study, or for further training for current forestry workers. Applications for this also close on 31 October 2025.

There are other opportunities available, too. Check them out at the links below.

Or if it's an apprenticeship or traineeship you’re after, Competenz has a useful Regional Forestry Team Map available with the contact details of the relevant people to reach out to in each area of the country. You can also find this below.

Forestry industry scholarships and grants
Competenz map

ACC Recovery at Work trial continues

 The next Recovery at Work webinar, led by ACC’s Sue McMaster, is coming up in October.

If your business is interested in learning more about integrating work as an active part of an employee’s recovery and rehabilitation, to help them get better, sooner, and have a positive impact on their mental wellbeing and your workplace, reach out to Jackie at Safetree on info@safetree.nz, or read more at the link below.

Learn more about the trial

Upcoming events

The Central North Island Forestry Awards are being held at the Energy Events Centre in Rotorua on Friday, 31 October, and Safetree is excited to be sponsoring the Good Deed Award again this year.

Meanwhile, the Wood Processors and Manufacturers Association of NZ has its 2025 National Conference taking place at Te Papa in Wellington on Wednesday, 8 October. Presenters include the Minister of Forestry Todd McClay, and the Deputy Director General of Te Uru Rakau (NZ Forest Service), Sam Keenan.

CNI Forestry Awards
WPMA 2025 National Conference