Growing skills, growing forests: Ladd Forestry crew

Growing skills, growing forests: Ladd Forestry crew

Friday 26 Sep 2025

The WIDE Trust is proud to have supported Stratford-based Ladd Forestry and its crew as they begin their studies towards the New Zealand Certificate in Forestry Operations (Level 3).

This support will enable six members of the team to gain industry-recognised qualifications, boosting their skills in silviculture and forestry operations while strengthening the workforce behind New Zealand’s fast-growing forestry sector.

Why this training matters

Over the past five years, New Zealand has seen an unprecedented level of tree planting. While this is a huge step towards carbon goals and future timber supply, it has also created a shortage of skilled forestry workers. Without enough trained staff, the sector risks delays, safety concerns, and long-term impacts on the health of planted forests.

The NZ Certificate in Forestry Operations (Level 3) is designed to meet this challenge. Delivered through hands-on, work-based training, it equips forestry workers to:

Work safely and efficiently in silviculture operations.
Apply industry-recognised standards in day-to-day forestry work.
Contribute to sustainable land management and the future of the industry.
Lay the groundwork for future apprenticeship pathways in silviculture.

By investing in this training, the WIDE Trust is helping ensure forestry contractors like Ladd Forestry can build a capable, safe, and skilled workforce for the future.

Ladd Forestry crew

Meet the Ladd Forestry crew

The six men beginning this qualification are more than colleagues, they’re a close-knit team with strong connections to their community and their work. Each brings unique experiences and passions:

Rupeni Nakibu (Rups): Loves fishing, rugby, and cooking meals for the crew.
Hunter Biddle: Passionate about silviculture, hunting, and cars, and supports his brother at the speedway.
Naboloiyata Namata (Bolo): Plays for Stratford Rugby Club, known as the joker of the group, strong in his faith.
Jonetani Kunavula (Jone): A hooker for the Stratford B team who enjoys rugby and exploring New Zealand through forestry work.
Eroni Vasiteri: Brings valuable forestry experience from logging in Fiji, and enjoys fishing and a game of footy.
Aisea Kunadriu (Whise): The eldest, a big brother figure who provides leadership, helps with translations, and leads daily prayers.

Together, they represent the future of forestry in New Zealand: hardworking, resilient, and ready to grow their skills.

Building a stronger future

This training is more than a course, it’s an investment in people, in safer worksites, and in the long-term sustainability of New Zealand’s forests.

For the crew, it means recognised qualifications, new career opportunities, and stronger confidence in their work.
For Ladd Forestry, it builds a reliable, skilled team ready to meet the demands of a growing sector.
For the wider industry, it helps close the skills gap and ensures forestry continues to thrive as one of New Zealand’s most important primary industries.

A step toward sustainability

The WIDE Trust is committed to supporting initiatives that grow expertise in forestry and wood-related industries. By helping Ladd Forestry staff undertake this training, the Trust is helping ensure that today’s planting successes become tomorrow’s healthy, well-managed forests.

We look forward to following the progress of the Ladd Forestry team as they embark on this important journey.

Source & image credit: WIDE Trust

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