General and Protection Forestry Services - GPFS

10/06/2026

🌲 What Could El Niño Mean for Forestry This Winter? 🌲

Weather experts are forecasting the development of El Niño conditions over the coming months, which could bring some challenges for forestry operations across New Zealand.

While every season is different, forestry crews should be prepared for:

💨 Stronger and more frequent wind events
🌲 Increased danger tree and windthrow hazards
🚁 Potential helicopter operation disruptions
🥶 Colder mornings, frost, and icy conditions
🚜 Slippery roads, tracks, and skid sites
👷 Increased importance of planning and daily hazard assessments

For those working in forestry, winter preparation isn't just about comfort—it's about safety.

As an industry, we can reduce risk by:
✔ Checking weather forecasts daily
✔ Wearing appropriate layered clothing
✔ Carrying spare dry clothing
✔ Maintaining equipment and vehicles
✔ Speaking up when conditions become unsafe
✔ Looking out for our workmates

At GPFS, we believe that prepared crews are safer crews. Over the coming months, we'll be sharing practical tips and information to help forestry workers, contractors, and employers prepare for the challenges winter may bring.

Stay safe. Stay prepared. Look after each other.

05/06/2026

⛔️ Forestry Fatigue: It’s More Than Just Feeling Tired ⛔️

As we move through the colder months, darker mornings, longer drives, and demanding physical work can all take their toll.

Fatigue doesn't just affect how you feel—it can affect your focus, decision-making, reaction times, and safety on the job.

A few simple reminders:
✅ Get quality sleep where possible
✅ Stay hydrated throughout the day
✅ Fuel your body with the right food
✅ Speak up if you're feeling fatigued
✅ Look out for your crew mates

Strong teams don't just work hard—they look after each other.

If someone seems quieter than usual, less focused, or not quite themselves, take a moment to check in.

A quick conversation could make all the difference.

Let's keep ourselves and our teams safe this winter.

Work hard. Work smart. Look after your crew. 🌲👊

03/06/2026

Our next Management Hunts are coming up and below are the blocks that are still available to book for a team of 4 hunters. These are the dates:

Kaimanawa Hunts: 12 - 15 June
Kaweka Hunts: 19 - 22 June

The prices are for a team of 4 hunters and include the flights. There are no extra costs. Sika Foundation members get the discounted price.

Dogs are welcome, but they MUST be Whio & Kiwi aversion trained and certified.

Your contact for enquiries and bookings is Belinda. Send her an email now to get your booking underway: [email protected]

More info about our Management Hunts here: https://sikafoundation.co.nz/hunts/

28/05/2026

GPFS Employment Support - Another solid day out in the forest with our rangatahi 👏🌲

This week, GPFS Training and Development teamed up again with Ignite Youth Employment Services to deliver another Rangatahi Forestry Exposure Experience — this time with a stronger focus on silviculture operations.

The group headed into Lucky Hill Forest to meet with the GPFS silviculture crew and gain firsthand exposure to land preparation, spot spraying operations, and the important work that happens right from the establishment stages of forestry.

The engagement from the rangatahi was awesome. Plenty of questions, great conversations onsite, and genuine interest in the different roles and career opportunities forestry has to offer. It was great seeing the group connect the bigger picture of how forestry develops “from the ground up.”

Even better — the rangatahi involved are now progressing into the next stage through the GPFS Forestry Industry Work Ready Workshop, where they will complete their General Requirements Unit Standard 17769 and continue building toward employment readiness within the forestry industry.

Big thank you again to FMNZ for continuing to support these experiences and allowing access into active forestry operations. Also, massive appreciation to Kevin and the GPFS silviculture crew for taking the time to engage with the group and share your knowledge and experience onsite 👏

These experiences are about more than just a day in the forest — they’re about building confidence, creating opportunities, and supporting sustainable pathways into employment for our rangatahi.

If your organisation, school, or youth service is interested in getting involved with future forestry exposure experiences or employment pathway programmes, feel free to get in touch with the GPFS team.

20/05/2026

GPFS Crew Support - As we move into the colder months, the days start looking a little different.

Darker mornings. Crisp air. Long days that sometimes end with heading home in the dark.

This time of year can feel tougher—not just physically, but mentally too.

That’s why strong teams matter.

Looking out for each other. Checking in. Keeping communication clear. Bringing the right mindset even when the weather makes it harder.

The colder season reminds us that the small things count:
✔️ Preparation
✔️ Patience
✔️ Teamwork
✔️ Taking care of yourself and those around you

Winter work has its challenges, but it also shows the strength of a good crew.

Take care of yourselves and your team this month 👊

📷 Kevin Humphreys - Pakuratahi valley

11/05/2026

GPFS Operations - Road Edge Thin to Waste

Todays operation focused on removing road edge trees that will become a future risk to roading infrastructure as they continue to grow. By thinning these trees early, we reduce pressure on roads, improve long-term access, and create a safer, more manageable forest edge.

At the same time, removing competing trees allows the remaining crop trees more space, light, nutrients, and water to thrive — supporting stronger growth and better stand performance long term 💪

Effective silviculture is about making strategic decisions early to protect infrastructure, maximise forest productivity, and strengthen the long-term value of the crop.

08/05/2026

🌲 WE’RE HIRING 🌲

GPFS is on the lookout for fit, reliable and motivated casual forestry workers.

Outdoor work • Strong team environment • Real opportunities

If you’re keen to get stuck in and work with a professional crew, apply now on our website gpfs.co.nz

06/05/2026

GPFS Operations - B E F O R E and A F T E R

Off the hills and onto the fields of agriculture.

This job focused on plant pest control, tackling invasive blackberry that had taken over fencelines and impacted access and productivity.

Led by Xavier, the crew cut and sprayed the infestation, removing the pest and restoring the boundary back to a manageable, productive state.

A solid result from the team and another step toward protecting land, stock access, and farm efficiency.

📩 If you’ve got pest plants creeping in, get in touch with the team — we’ve got you covered 😉

04/05/2026

GPFS Training and Development - New month. Fresh start.

Every month brings new challenges, new opportunities, and a chance to reset how you show up.

The strongest teams aren’t perfect—they’re consistent.

They show up, back each other, and keep improving.

👉 What’s one thing you want to focus on this month to be better—for yourself and your team?

📷 Kevin Humphreys - Oban Station, Raukawa

30/04/2026

As highlighted by Rowan Struthers from F**A on TV1 News, our industry has invested hundreds of millions of dollars into safer, more efficient operations since 2013 🌲

Much of that investment has come from contractors — many of them family-owned businesses running small crews and employing local people. These are the same businesses carrying significant investment while navigating ongoing pressures like rising fuel costs.

It’s a reminder of the commitment across our industry — not just to productivity, but to safety, people, and doing the job right.

At GPFS, we stand alongside our contractors and crews, backing the investment we’ve all made and continuing to support a strong, capable forestry workforce.

**A

Operators would make little or no return on harvests due to the cost of running heavy machinery.