FISC TEAM
The Council
DAME ALISON PATERSON
Independent Chair
Dame Alison’s experience spans a range of industries in the public and private sector. Her career commenced as a chartered accountant operating a sole farm accounting practice specialising in taxation, estate and trust planning. She is recognised as a trail blazer for women in governance roles with her first major board appointment in 1976.
She served on the Reserve Bank Board from 1996 until 2010 including as deputy Chair and Chair of the Audit Committee. Dame Alison serves as Chair of several organisations including Lancorp Farming, FarmIQ PGP, Abano Healthcare, Crown Irrigation Investment and Waitemata Health and as Director of Vector (Current), Metrowater and Transpower.
She serves on the NZX Market Surveillance Tribunal (Chair Special Division) and served on its predecessor, the Market Surveillance Panel. Dame Alison has also served two terms on the Massey University Council including as Chair of the Audit Committee and Pro-Chancellor. She has five current governance roles, chairing four including, Vector, the Forestry Industry Safety Council, Kiwi Wealth and the commercial development arm of Te Aupouri Rununga.
Dame Alison was the Top 200, QBE Insurance Chairperson of the Year in 2010. She was appointed as a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to business in 2014 having previously been awarded the QSO for services to the community. Dame Alison was inducted into the Business Hall of Fame in 2015. She is a Distinguished Fellow of the Institute of Directors, a Fellow Chartered Accountant, a Fellow of the University of Auckland and was awarded a Doctor of Commerce degree from Massey University in 2009
Independent Chair
Dame Alison’s experience spans a range of industries in the public and private sector. Her career commenced as a chartered accountant operating a sole farm accounting practice specialising in taxation, estate and trust planning. She is recognised as a trail blazer for women in governance roles with her first major board appointment in 1976.
She served on the Reserve Bank Board from 1996 until 2010 including as deputy Chair and Chair of the Audit Committee. Dame Alison serves as Chair of several organisations including Lancorp Farming, FarmIQ PGP, Abano Healthcare, Crown Irrigation Investment and Waitemata Health and as Director of Vector (Current), Metrowater and Transpower.
She serves on the NZX Market Surveillance Tribunal (Chair Special Division) and served on its predecessor, the Market Surveillance Panel. Dame Alison has also served two terms on the Massey University Council including as Chair of the Audit Committee and Pro-Chancellor. She has five current governance roles, chairing four including, Vector, the Forestry Industry Safety Council, Kiwi Wealth and the commercial development arm of Te Aupouri Rununga.
Dame Alison was the Top 200, QBE Insurance Chairperson of the Year in 2010. She was appointed as a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to business in 2014 having previously been awarded the QSO for services to the community. Dame Alison was inducted into the Business Hall of Fame in 2015. She is a Distinguished Fellow of the Institute of Directors, a Fellow Chartered Accountant, a Fellow of the University of Auckland and was awarded a Doctor of Commerce degree from Massey University in 2009
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.
PAULA KNAAP
WorkSafe New Zealand
Paula is an accomplished and diverse senior executive, who has established a successful career within the Public Service. An experienced leader, she is known for her ability to build exceptional teams delivering exceptional results. She has a track record of leading organisational, cultural and people change, developing and embedding successful business strategies and creating conditions that drive outstanding performance in a range of fast-paced, complex and challenging environments. Paula’s leadership approach is transformational and empowering, underpinned by a strong value base, and a commitment to supporting an efficient and responsive Public Service. She is committed to placing people firmly in the centre of service design.
In her current role, Director Strategic Engagement & Implementation at WorkSafe NZ, Paula is responsible for leading organisational strategic engagement with NZ industry/ Chief Executive representative bodies on improving NZ Health & Safety System performance. This also involves partnering across the system with other government agencies, system regulators and social agencies. She is also responsible for leading the design, build and delivery of WorkSafe’s funded sector-based (and cross sector) harm prevention programmes, leveraging operational and regulatory groups to support delivery.
Previously, Paula was the Deputy Director of Education, Auckland with the Ministry of Education; a professional development opportunity supported by the State Services Commission Career Board that saw her gain valuable experience leading complex service change in the dynamic Auckland social sector context. A stand out success in that role was leading the development and implementation of a Strategic and Operational Business Planning and Performance Management Framework for Auckland education.
Paula was also part of the senior leadership team at Inland Revenue responsible for creating transformational change that saw the organisation win the “Excellence in Improving Public Value through Business Transformation” category at the 2016 Institute of Public Administration NZ (IPANZ) Awards.
A commitment to professional development has seen Paula build on her law degree by completing a Masters Degree in Business (with distinction) from Henley Business School in 2015. She also has extensive experience in the international arena; managing international relationships, negotiating inter-governmental agreements and representing NZ on the international stage and contributing to international working groups on cross border co-operation and development of international protocols.
Paula brings an empathetic values centred approach to where and how she works. She is tremendously passionate about people, so can be counted on to think about social impact and offer a people-centred perspective. An advocate of human rights, social good and animal welfare, she strives to bring a compassionate approach to all areas of her life.
WorkSafe New Zealand
Paula is an accomplished and diverse senior executive, who has established a successful career within the Public Service. An experienced leader, she is known for her ability to build exceptional teams delivering exceptional results. She has a track record of leading organisational, cultural and people change, developing and embedding successful business strategies and creating conditions that drive outstanding performance in a range of fast-paced, complex and challenging environments. Paula’s leadership approach is transformational and empowering, underpinned by a strong value base, and a commitment to supporting an efficient and responsive Public Service. She is committed to placing people firmly in the centre of service design.
In her current role, Director Strategic Engagement & Implementation at WorkSafe NZ, Paula is responsible for leading organisational strategic engagement with NZ industry/ Chief Executive representative bodies on improving NZ Health & Safety System performance. This also involves partnering across the system with other government agencies, system regulators and social agencies. She is also responsible for leading the design, build and delivery of WorkSafe’s funded sector-based (and cross sector) harm prevention programmes, leveraging operational and regulatory groups to support delivery.
Previously, Paula was the Deputy Director of Education, Auckland with the Ministry of Education; a professional development opportunity supported by the State Services Commission Career Board that saw her gain valuable experience leading complex service change in the dynamic Auckland social sector context. A stand out success in that role was leading the development and implementation of a Strategic and Operational Business Planning and Performance Management Framework for Auckland education.
Paula was also part of the senior leadership team at Inland Revenue responsible for creating transformational change that saw the organisation win the “Excellence in Improving Public Value through Business Transformation” category at the 2016 Institute of Public Administration NZ (IPANZ) Awards.
A commitment to professional development has seen Paula build on her law degree by completing a Masters Degree in Business (with distinction) from Henley Business School in 2015. She also has extensive experience in the international arena; managing international relationships, negotiating inter-governmental agreements and representing NZ on the international stage and contributing to international working groups on cross border co-operation and development of international protocols.
Paula brings an empathetic values centred approach to where and how she works. She is tremendously passionate about people, so can be counted on to think about social impact and offer a people-centred perspective. An advocate of human rights, social good and animal welfare, she strives to bring a compassionate approach to all areas of her life.
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.
WAYNE DEMPSTER
Health & Safety Manager
Rayonier /Matariki Forests
Health & Safety Manager
Rayonier /Matariki Forests
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.
PAUL GIMBLETT
Head of Workplace Safety & Levies, ACC
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.
PAUL GIMBLETT
Head of Workplace Safety & Levies, ACC