8 July 2014

FOA president Paul Nicholls has been honoured as Forester of the Year for outstanding service to the forestry industry. The award – which is one of the industry's highest accolades, recognising contribution, leadership, excellence and integrity – was awarded at the New Zealand Institute of Forestry's annual awards dinner in Napier last night.

Mr Nicholls, who is managing director of Rayonier NZ, began work as a graduate forester in Tasmania after obtaining a forestry degree from the University of Canberra. During his more than 30 years in forestry across Australia and New Zealand he has generously given his time and expertise to the benefit of the industry.

These organisations and projects include governance roles with NZ Wood, Wood Council of NZ, The Levy Trust Board, Independent Safety Review Panel and as President of the Forest Owners Association. For the past 21 years Paul has been with Rayonier NZ, which manages Rayonier Matariki Forests and is the country's third largest forest owner.

In announcing the award, President James Treadwell stated, "Paul is one of New Zealand's most experienced foresters and has contributed greatly to the ongoing growth and success of the industry. His knowledge and passion is highly respected and he is a very committed member of the Institute."

The Thomas Kirk award which is made every second year was awarded to Dr Andrew McEwen for eminence and recognises outstanding contributions in forestry.

Dr McEwen started as a forest trainee in 1962. From 1971 to 1982 he worked at the Forest Research Institute in Rotorua, during which time he undertook his PhD. In 1982 he moved to Wellington, and from 1987 to 1999 he worked for Crown Forestry Management Ltd.

At the end of 1999 he started his own business. Over the last decade Andrew has volunteered countless hours to the industry in his role as President of the Institute over the last six years and Vice President for four years.

President James Treadwell stated, "I am reliably told Andrew entered into the forestry industry as he was told at a careers evening it was an industry where "every day was a picnic in the bush. I do not think any of us believe Andrew has had time for picnics in the last decade!"

Source: NZIF media release