FISC TEAM
The Council
DAME ALISON PATERSON
Independent Chair
Alison Paterson was appointed a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to business in the New Year Honours 2014 and was previously awarded the QSO for services to the community. She is a Fellow of the University of Auckland, DCom (Massey), Distinguished Fellow of the IoD, and FCA. She was 2010 QBE Chairman of the Year.
Originally a chartered accountant with a large sole farm accounting practice, her career focus since the late 1980s has been on corporate governance. Board experience has brought a good understanding of health, the central bank, consumer issues and infrastructure, in addition to the core agribusiness competency. Experience as chair has also resulted in review or mediation roles (e.g. MetService/NIWA, Transpower/Electricity Commission, and Review AgResearch Forage Commercilisation Strategy).
Alison is currently chair of GMI Group, FarmIQ, Gravida (National Research Centre for Growth and Development, UoA), BPAC NZ Ltd, NZ Formulary Ltd and Stevenson Agriculture Ltd, and is a board member of Vector Ltd, Intueri Ltd and the Health Quality and Safety Commission. She is a member of the NZX Market Disciplinary Tribunal, and a member of NZ Global Women.
Among previous appointments, Alison has served on the board of Landcorp Farming Ltd (as chair 1999/2007), Abano Healthcare Ltd (as chair 2006/2011), Reserve Bank of New Zealand (including as deputy chair and chair of the Audit Committee), Electricity and Gas Complaints Commission (as chair 2000/2007), Waitemata Health (as chair 1996/2001), Stevenson Group Ltd (including deputy chair 2010/2013), Wrightson Ltd, Nga Pae o Te Maramatanga and Massey Council (including as chair of Audit and Risk for five years and pro-chancellor for 18 months). Other governance appointments include those in health and infrastructure.
Independent Chair
Alison Paterson was appointed a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to business in the New Year Honours 2014 and was previously awarded the QSO for services to the community. She is a Fellow of the University of Auckland, DCom (Massey), Distinguished Fellow of the IoD, and FCA. She was 2010 QBE Chairman of the Year.
Originally a chartered accountant with a large sole farm accounting practice, her career focus since the late 1980s has been on corporate governance. Board experience has brought a good understanding of health, the central bank, consumer issues and infrastructure, in addition to the core agribusiness competency. Experience as chair has also resulted in review or mediation roles (e.g. MetService/NIWA, Transpower/Electricity Commission, and Review AgResearch Forage Commercilisation Strategy).
Alison is currently chair of GMI Group, FarmIQ, Gravida (National Research Centre for Growth and Development, UoA), BPAC NZ Ltd, NZ Formulary Ltd and Stevenson Agriculture Ltd, and is a board member of Vector Ltd, Intueri Ltd and the Health Quality and Safety Commission. She is a member of the NZX Market Disciplinary Tribunal, and a member of NZ Global Women.
Among previous appointments, Alison has served on the board of Landcorp Farming Ltd (as chair 1999/2007), Abano Healthcare Ltd (as chair 2006/2011), Reserve Bank of New Zealand (including as deputy chair and chair of the Audit Committee), Electricity and Gas Complaints Commission (as chair 2000/2007), Waitemata Health (as chair 1996/2001), Stevenson Group Ltd (including deputy chair 2010/2013), Wrightson Ltd, Nga Pae o Te Maramatanga and Massey Council (including as chair of Audit and Risk for five years and pro-chancellor for 18 months). Other governance appointments include those in health and infrastructure.
FIONA EWING
National Safety Director, FISC
Fiona was previously the Group Manager, Health Safety Environment and Quality, for Powerco and has 30 years' experience as a health and safety professional in a wide range of industries including energy, engineering, construction, agriculture and forestry in the United Kingdom (UK).
She is a Chartered Member of both the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health in the UK and the NZ Institute of Safety Management.
National Safety Director, FISC
Fiona was previously the Group Manager, Health Safety Environment and Quality, for Powerco and has 30 years' experience as a health and safety professional in a wide range of industries including energy, engineering, construction, agriculture and forestry in the United Kingdom (UK).
She is a Chartered Member of both the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health in the UK and the NZ Institute of Safety Management.
MARCUS NALTER
WorkSafe New Zealand
Marcus emigrated to NZ from the UK where he worked as a health and safety advisor for both the Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service and National Health Service. In 1999 he joined the Department of Labour and rose to the rank of Senior Inspector before joining the management team in 2007.
Marcus has also worked briefly in policy and has been the National Programme Manager for Construction and Manufacturing for WorkSafe NZ leading the safer construction and safer manufacturing campaigns. Marcus has now returned to his operational roots and is the Chief Inspector Assessments for the Central Region and is WorkSafe's Programme Sponsor for Forestry.
WorkSafe New Zealand
Marcus emigrated to NZ from the UK where he worked as a health and safety advisor for both the Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service and National Health Service. In 1999 he joined the Department of Labour and rose to the rank of Senior Inspector before joining the management team in 2007.
Marcus has also worked briefly in policy and has been the National Programme Manager for Construction and Manufacturing for WorkSafe NZ leading the safer construction and safer manufacturing campaigns. Marcus has now returned to his operational roots and is the Chief Inspector Assessments for the Central Region and is WorkSafe's Programme Sponsor for Forestry.
DON WALLACE
NZ Farm Forestry Association
Don Wallace represents the interests of small-scale growers on the Council. Along with his wife, he owns and operates 60 hectares of forestry and pasture in Otaki and has practical experience of the challenges that small-scale forest owners face in the safety area.
Don originally trained as a Professional Engineer, spent a period in sales and marketing and for the past 25 years has been running his own management consultancy. He has qualifications in Engineering and Public Policy and has been involved in the voluntary sector at both the local and national level. He is currently on the Executive of the NZFFA and represents them on the joint Environment and Fire Committees.
He is usually involved at a strategic or management level but has the ability, where required, to “drill down” into high complexity specialist technical areas and interpret them for clients. In a typical assignment Don may provide all or some of the following services:
NZ Farm Forestry Association
Don Wallace represents the interests of small-scale growers on the Council. Along with his wife, he owns and operates 60 hectares of forestry and pasture in Otaki and has practical experience of the challenges that small-scale forest owners face in the safety area.
Don originally trained as a Professional Engineer, spent a period in sales and marketing and for the past 25 years has been running his own management consultancy. He has qualifications in Engineering and Public Policy and has been involved in the voluntary sector at both the local and national level. He is currently on the Executive of the NZFFA and represents them on the joint Environment and Fire Committees.
He is usually involved at a strategic or management level but has the ability, where required, to “drill down” into high complexity specialist technical areas and interpret them for clients. In a typical assignment Don may provide all or some of the following services:
- Identification of the client’s needs;
- Finding how technology can be used to address these needs;
- Assisting the client to source the most appropriate solution;
- Managing the implementation to ensure that the predicted benefits are achieved.
KEVIN IHAKA
MD of FPS Forestry ACC (TBC)
Strategy & Workplace Safety
Managing Director of FPS Forestry Ltd, based in Whangarei. FPS Forestry carries out silviculture operations and rural firefighting across Northland.
I am a board member of FICA and the Chair of the Forest and Rural Fire Association New Zealand.
I have been involved in the forest industry for over 30 years and have seen our industry evolve over that time.
I firmly believe that our industry can be safe, sustainable and professional through all stakeholders working together.
MD of FPS Forestry ACC (TBC)
Strategy & Workplace Safety
Managing Director of FPS Forestry Ltd, based in Whangarei. FPS Forestry carries out silviculture operations and rural firefighting across Northland.
I am a board member of FICA and the Chair of the Forest and Rural Fire Association New Zealand.
I have been involved in the forest industry for over 30 years and have seen our industry evolve over that time.
I firmly believe that our industry can be safe, sustainable and professional through all stakeholders working together.
NEIL THOMAS
Forestsafe Ltd
With over 35 years industry experience I have been involved at many levels as a worker, contractor, forestry inspector, industry trainer & assessor and Health & Safety business owner.
I have developed a Health & Safety Management System, including on online/offline digital platform which over 120 Forestry Contractors throughout New Zealand has adopted into their business.
I have been invited to be involved with the Forestry Sector Injury Prevention Programme Steering Committee, with our main goal being to reduce fatalities and trauma injures in the forest industry.
Over recent time have been voted South Island rep and founding members of the FISC, also involved in Operational Advisory Group (OAG), and Technical advisory Group (TAG)
In my view Health and Safety has many moving parts and the establishment of the FISC and Safetree will be important parts of this process in the future. The Independent forestry safety review Oct 2014 outlined a blueprint for changes with the forest industry, The FISC will be responsible to implement the panel’s recommendation over the next two years. My vision for FISC is a world leading Safety Council that other industries look toward for leadership, but for this to be reality we must ensure the Safety council is support by Govt, ACC, All forest owners, Contractors, Unions, and workers, not just for the next two years. Support must be ongoing. One of the greatest strength that FISC has, is the emphasis on worker input and participation.
I have seen great change in our industry in the last two years that has led to reduced fatalities and trauma injuries, but it is important we acknowledge we have a long way to go to ensure all forestry workers go home safe to their families.
Forestsafe Ltd
With over 35 years industry experience I have been involved at many levels as a worker, contractor, forestry inspector, industry trainer & assessor and Health & Safety business owner.
I have developed a Health & Safety Management System, including on online/offline digital platform which over 120 Forestry Contractors throughout New Zealand has adopted into their business.
I have been invited to be involved with the Forestry Sector Injury Prevention Programme Steering Committee, with our main goal being to reduce fatalities and trauma injures in the forest industry.
Over recent time have been voted South Island rep and founding members of the FISC, also involved in Operational Advisory Group (OAG), and Technical advisory Group (TAG)
In my view Health and Safety has many moving parts and the establishment of the FISC and Safetree will be important parts of this process in the future. The Independent forestry safety review Oct 2014 outlined a blueprint for changes with the forest industry, The FISC will be responsible to implement the panel’s recommendation over the next two years. My vision for FISC is a world leading Safety Council that other industries look toward for leadership, but for this to be reality we must ensure the Safety council is support by Govt, ACC, All forest owners, Contractors, Unions, and workers, not just for the next two years. Support must be ongoing. One of the greatest strength that FISC has, is the emphasis on worker input and participation.
I have seen great change in our industry in the last two years that has led to reduced fatalities and trauma injuries, but it is important we acknowledge we have a long way to go to ensure all forestry workers go home safe to their families.
PAUL OLSEN
Managing Director of PJ & MJ Olsen Ltd & Vice-President of FICA
Paul has been a forestry contractor since 1985, in that time has grown the business to 9 harvesting crews which also includes management and mechanical support services.
The operations contract to 3 major forest managers in NZ; Hancock Forest Management Ltd, PF Olsen Ltd and NZ Forest Managers Ltd and comprise of 7 cable operations and 2 groundbased operations. In 2009 were recognised at the NZ Workplace H&S Awards for Best Health & Safety Initiative by a Small Business.
Paul is a founding board member of FICA (Forest Industry Contractors Association) and through his association with FICA he has been the contractor representative in the NZ Forest Owners H&S Committee. He is also a member of the Business Leaders Forum H&S Committee, the Hancock Forest Management Peak H&S Committee and the PF Olsen Zero Tolerance Committee.
Paul was also a group member of the Independent Review into the Forest Industry.
Managing Director of PJ & MJ Olsen Ltd & Vice-President of FICA
Paul has been a forestry contractor since 1985, in that time has grown the business to 9 harvesting crews which also includes management and mechanical support services.
The operations contract to 3 major forest managers in NZ; Hancock Forest Management Ltd, PF Olsen Ltd and NZ Forest Managers Ltd and comprise of 7 cable operations and 2 groundbased operations. In 2009 were recognised at the NZ Workplace H&S Awards for Best Health & Safety Initiative by a Small Business.
Paul is a founding board member of FICA (Forest Industry Contractors Association) and through his association with FICA he has been the contractor representative in the NZ Forest Owners H&S Committee. He is also a member of the Business Leaders Forum H&S Committee, the Hancock Forest Management Peak H&S Committee and the PF Olsen Zero Tolerance Committee.
Paul was also a group member of the Independent Review into the Forest Industry.
BILL McCALLUM
Managing Director, Hancock Natural Resource Group
Bill McCallum is the Managing Director of Hancock Natural Resources Group Australasia and President of Hancock Forest Management (NZ) Limited with responsibility for the management of 600 000 hectares investor-owned timberlands in New Zealand and Australia. Prior to joining Hancock in 2004, Bill held positions in operations management, marketing and acquisitions with Fletcher Challenge Forests Limited in New Zealand and South America. He previously worked throughout New Zealand, Australia, Asia and the Pacific with an international forestry consulting firm. He holds a Bachelor of Forestry Science (Hons) degree from the University of Canterbury and an MBA from the University of Otago.
Bill is a past president of the NZ Forest Owners Association and past Chairman of the Wood Council of New Zealand. He is a trustee of the NZ Forest Growers Levy Trust.
Managing Director, Hancock Natural Resource Group
Bill McCallum is the Managing Director of Hancock Natural Resources Group Australasia and President of Hancock Forest Management (NZ) Limited with responsibility for the management of 600 000 hectares investor-owned timberlands in New Zealand and Australia. Prior to joining Hancock in 2004, Bill held positions in operations management, marketing and acquisitions with Fletcher Challenge Forests Limited in New Zealand and South America. He previously worked throughout New Zealand, Australia, Asia and the Pacific with an international forestry consulting firm. He holds a Bachelor of Forestry Science (Hons) degree from the University of Canterbury and an MBA from the University of Otago.
Bill is a past president of the NZ Forest Owners Association and past Chairman of the Wood Council of New Zealand. He is a trustee of the NZ Forest Growers Levy Trust.
ROBERT REID
General Secretary, First Union
FIRST Union represents 27,000 workers in several sectors including retail, finance, transport and logistics, and wood. It is the second-largest private sector union in New Zealand. Reid is a graduate of Victoria University of Wellington and a life-long trade unionist. He is the former General Secretary of the National Distribution Union and is based in Auckland. Reid is committed to safety in the forestry sector.
General Secretary, First Union
FIRST Union represents 27,000 workers in several sectors including retail, finance, transport and logistics, and wood. It is the second-largest private sector union in New Zealand. Reid is a graduate of Victoria University of Wellington and a life-long trade unionist. He is the former General Secretary of the National Distribution Union and is based in Auckland. Reid is committed to safety in the forestry sector.
WIREMU EDMONDS
Tuakiri Ltd
Wiremu Lee Edmonds considers himself a hunter-gatherer and is passionate about providing for his people and his family. Wiremu and his wife Marsella are the proud parents of five children and 2 grandchildren. From a young age Wiremu has been exposed to many opportunities that have seen him an ambassador for New Zealand in various sports and activities. Wiremu a graduate carver from Te Puia where he was later commissioned to carve pieces for Nelson Mandela, the Mayor of Sado Island in Japan and carved before her majesty Queen Elizabeth.
Wiremu later became a fourth generation Forestry worker of his family, being taught “Old School “ methods, working first in Silviculture then later joining the logging industry where after working his way through the ranks became a foreman at the age of 26.
In recent years Wiremu went on to create Boxing leadership programs throughout NZ. Qualified, as a Boxing coach was involved in the development of 16 New Zealand Champs. In 2012 he was named as the leading mentor of the New Zealand Women’s team that travelled to Serbia, Europe.
Wiremu allows his heart to speak to captivate an audience. His oratory skills were honed within his culture and grew from a value base that sustained his local village and community. He was recently described in a forestry industry publication as “one of the most passionate orators ever to speak to a forest industry audience in this country.”
Wiremu, now a sought after keynote speaker worldwide with presentations delivered in and around New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa.
A committee member advising ACC on a new injury prevention programme in the forestry industry. Wiremu was recently chosen by John Deere Inc. to be keynote speaker at their conference in Johannesburg.
Wiremu has the background and the experience within the Forestry Industry that has allowed him to take the lead in overseeing many Health & Safety Programmes with some of the largest Forestry companies in NZ and now working with other well respected industries of our country. The work of Wiremu was instrumental in creating the Safety Warrior concept combined with the NZ Oil Refinery Company and Team One Ltd who are winners of the safe guard safety awards in 2012. Currently Wiremu serves on the Forestry Industry Safety Council (FISC) as the North Island representative for all forestry workers and their families.
Wiremu is actively involved with Dynes Transport serving in the sacred role of the companies Health and Safety ambassador. Wiremu is passionate about changing unsafe work practices within all Industries that employ people and believes all workers have the right to return home to their loved ones after a hard days work.
Wiremu believes the most powerful qualification he holds is the one that is written upon his heart.
Tuakiri Ltd
Wiremu Lee Edmonds considers himself a hunter-gatherer and is passionate about providing for his people and his family. Wiremu and his wife Marsella are the proud parents of five children and 2 grandchildren. From a young age Wiremu has been exposed to many opportunities that have seen him an ambassador for New Zealand in various sports and activities. Wiremu a graduate carver from Te Puia where he was later commissioned to carve pieces for Nelson Mandela, the Mayor of Sado Island in Japan and carved before her majesty Queen Elizabeth.
Wiremu later became a fourth generation Forestry worker of his family, being taught “Old School “ methods, working first in Silviculture then later joining the logging industry where after working his way through the ranks became a foreman at the age of 26.
In recent years Wiremu went on to create Boxing leadership programs throughout NZ. Qualified, as a Boxing coach was involved in the development of 16 New Zealand Champs. In 2012 he was named as the leading mentor of the New Zealand Women’s team that travelled to Serbia, Europe.
Wiremu allows his heart to speak to captivate an audience. His oratory skills were honed within his culture and grew from a value base that sustained his local village and community. He was recently described in a forestry industry publication as “one of the most passionate orators ever to speak to a forest industry audience in this country.”
Wiremu, now a sought after keynote speaker worldwide with presentations delivered in and around New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa.
A committee member advising ACC on a new injury prevention programme in the forestry industry. Wiremu was recently chosen by John Deere Inc. to be keynote speaker at their conference in Johannesburg.
Wiremu has the background and the experience within the Forestry Industry that has allowed him to take the lead in overseeing many Health & Safety Programmes with some of the largest Forestry companies in NZ and now working with other well respected industries of our country. The work of Wiremu was instrumental in creating the Safety Warrior concept combined with the NZ Oil Refinery Company and Team One Ltd who are winners of the safe guard safety awards in 2012. Currently Wiremu serves on the Forestry Industry Safety Council (FISC) as the North Island representative for all forestry workers and their families.
Wiremu is actively involved with Dynes Transport serving in the sacred role of the companies Health and Safety ambassador. Wiremu is passionate about changing unsafe work practices within all Industries that employ people and believes all workers have the right to return home to their loved ones after a hard days work.
Wiremu believes the most powerful qualification he holds is the one that is written upon his heart.
WARWICK FORAN
GM Crown Forestry
Warwick Foran is the General Manager of Crown Forestry, a business unit within the Ministry for Primary Industries that administers the Crown's interest in forestry leases on Māori land, residual Crown forest and other forestry assets. This is a commercial forestry operation with forests and land assets from the Far North to South Westland. In addition to normal trading activities, Crown Forestry has a role to exit from commercial forestry activities but on commercial terms; and to work with other Crown agencies when assets are made available as part of Treaty of Waitangi settlements.
Warwick is a career forester with almost 40 years operational and management experience in the New Zealand forestry sector; and has worked in the NZ Forest Service, the Ministry of Forestry and the Ministry of Agriculture & Forestry, with a brief period managing a forestry project in the Pacific.
Since November 2013 Warwick has been on the Executive Council of the NZ Forest Owners’ Association and was the Chair of the Association’s former Health, Safety and Training Committee. He is also a member of the Steering Group of the Business Leaders’ Health & Safety Forum.
GM Crown Forestry
Warwick Foran is the General Manager of Crown Forestry, a business unit within the Ministry for Primary Industries that administers the Crown's interest in forestry leases on Māori land, residual Crown forest and other forestry assets. This is a commercial forestry operation with forests and land assets from the Far North to South Westland. In addition to normal trading activities, Crown Forestry has a role to exit from commercial forestry activities but on commercial terms; and to work with other Crown agencies when assets are made available as part of Treaty of Waitangi settlements.
Warwick is a career forester with almost 40 years operational and management experience in the New Zealand forestry sector; and has worked in the NZ Forest Service, the Ministry of Forestry and the Ministry of Agriculture & Forestry, with a brief period managing a forestry project in the Pacific.
Since November 2013 Warwick has been on the Executive Council of the NZ Forest Owners’ Association and was the Chair of the Association’s former Health, Safety and Training Committee. He is also a member of the Steering Group of the Business Leaders’ Health & Safety Forum.
PAUL BURRIDGE
Head of Export and Regional Operations, Summit Forests
Paul is the Head of Export and Regional Operations for Summit Forests New Zealand Ltd, a large forest owner in the Far North with additional log trading and forest operations across the North Island.
Paul studied Forestry at the University of Canterbury, completing a Bachelor of Forestry Science. He has held a number of roles within the industry encompassing both public and private sector organisations. Paul’s experience covers forest operations, export certification, regulation and international negotiation, forest management certification and audit, export operations and management.
Paul now also sits on the Executive Council for the NZ Forest Owners’ Association.
Head of Export and Regional Operations, Summit Forests
Paul is the Head of Export and Regional Operations for Summit Forests New Zealand Ltd, a large forest owner in the Far North with additional log trading and forest operations across the North Island.
Paul studied Forestry at the University of Canterbury, completing a Bachelor of Forestry Science. He has held a number of roles within the industry encompassing both public and private sector organisations. Paul’s experience covers forest operations, export certification, regulation and international negotiation, forest management certification and audit, export operations and management.
Paul now also sits on the Executive Council for the NZ Forest Owners’ Association.
KARL BOWMAN
Workplace Trainer Assessor for Rosewarne Contractors in Northland.
Over 25 years of experience in forest harvesting as a worker, then as crew foreman. For the past ten years I have worked as a Trainer Assessor, Company Auditor doing Operational Audits and Safe Behavioural Observations.
I have also provided assistance with implementing and managing Health and Safety Systems for contractor’s crews and companies.
I enjoy working with people learning and teaching new skills.
Workplace Trainer Assessor for Rosewarne Contractors in Northland.
Over 25 years of experience in forest harvesting as a worker, then as crew foreman. For the past ten years I have worked as a Trainer Assessor, Company Auditor doing Operational Audits and Safe Behavioural Observations.
I have also provided assistance with implementing and managing Health and Safety Systems for contractor’s crews and companies.
I enjoy working with people learning and teaching new skills.
ROSS DAVIS
Director of Log Lease and President of FICA
Ross has been a logging contractor for over 30 years. He started his career with a small ground base crew then became the key supplier to CHHF in 1997 in the Hauraki/Coromandel region.
At the peak of his logging career he had five hauler crews and two ground base. It was during this time his passion for haulers started to evolve, he has since gone on to develop his lease business which leases haulers & forestry equipment all over NZ.
He is a founding member of FICA (forest industry contractors association) and is the current president & sits on the Woodco board.
Director of Log Lease and President of FICA
Ross has been a logging contractor for over 30 years. He started his career with a small ground base crew then became the key supplier to CHHF in 1997 in the Hauraki/Coromandel region.
At the peak of his logging career he had five hauler crews and two ground base. It was during this time his passion for haulers started to evolve, he has since gone on to develop his lease business which leases haulers & forestry equipment all over NZ.
He is a founding member of FICA (forest industry contractors association) and is the current president & sits on the Woodco board.