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November 2021 - Issue 41.

Dear FICA Members, Sponsors & Industry
My month has not started off well, as is the same for many of you I suspect. However maybe homage in knowing some parts of our industry were not hit with a weather bomb at the same time as they were in Eastland/Gisborne to create the ultimate storm of weather and market downturn.

The world is crazy and at COP Conference running in Glasglow from 31 October - 12 November, most countries are there and they have announced in a show of support for those most at risk from climate change, 12 donor governments have pledged $413 million in new funding for the Least Developed Countries Fund during the COP26 climate summit.

FICA is partnering on some work around carbon footprint within our industry, so if any of you have anything to share we are always looking for some positives to share.

Which springs to mind that I struggled with my press statement last weekend, maybe sounding like the world is ending but for some of the industry this could well be true 100%. Things are tough out there for our contractors and its so easy to turn off the tap when the squeeze takes hold but equally there has to be more forward thinking to asume what impact the decisons of today will unfold versus the risk of loss of the workforce that are slowly saying, "enough is enough and we are heading out of this industry, its just too tough", - true story!

On a brighter note, technology saved our Annual AGM and we held that on the same day - same time as we had planned, had we been at Conference in Queenstown. Recorded and sent out - I would like to acknolwegde our two new life members: 
 
Mike Havard - Harvard Logging
Alan Sinton - AG & G Sinton Limited
 
CONGRATULATIONS AND SINCERE THANKS FOR YOUR INPUT AND DEDICATION TO THIS INDUSTRY (we have your plaques and we will track you down for more PR).

I was pleased to see John Stulen my predecessor, comment openly in Wood Week - "So, in summary, it’s ugly, it’s probably going to be ugly until February next year, at least. There’s a number of influencing factors that we haven’t seen before in the Chinese economy and it’s a crap shoot to see how these will affect log demand. Harvesting crews are being slowed or stopped nation wide and NZ supply is likely to drastically reduce for the remainder of the year. If you’re holding out for $150 A grade you may be waiting a while."It appears everyone is getting brave about telling it how it is this week!!

I applaude that and may it continue but more importantly we need to approach the solution and sustainbility of this industry sharing the risks all the way - everyone along the supply chain.
Just a 44 days until Xmas!


Kia tūpato - Take care

Prue & FICA Board
 
Prue Younger

CEO, FICA 
Survey Invitation - Accidents and Injuries in Forestry
 
Auckland University of Technology (AUT) is working in partnership with Timberlands Ltd and forest industry safety bodies (Safetree and FISC and FICA) to better understand the potential causes of accidents and injuries in forest workers to improve approaches to accident and injury prevention. 
This survey of forestry workers will determine the extent of strains and sprains and injuries that come on gradually or involve persistent discomfort, pain, or injury. We also want to identify aspects about the design or use of chainsaws that may be contributing to accidents and injuries, as well as features that might help prevent these injuries.  We are interested in the use of the chainsaw equipment, such as the safety mitt, and individual techniques you might use.
You can complete the survey on a computer or mobile device (e.g. Smart phone).  
The survey is voluntary and anonymous, and all completed responses come directly to AUT researchers.  The findings from the survey will be combined and summarised so as not to identify individuals or companies.
Please click on this link to complete the survey:
AUT_Survey
 
If you have any questions about the survey, the contact details of the AUT research staff conducting the survey are listed below.
 
Liz Ashby
Email: liz.ashby@aut.ac.nz
Phone:  (09) 9219999 ext 8126
 
 
Mark Boocock
Email: mark.boocock@aut.ac.nz
Phone/Teams: 921 9999 ext 7167
We acknowledge the difficult time many businesses are experiencing and we remain committed to supporting businesses where we can.
Here are some frequently asked questions related to COVID-19 at ACC.
 
My employee is injured while working from home, are they covered?
If your employee is injured while doing a work-related task at home, it’s considered a work-related injury.
 
Am I responsible for the health and safety of employees working from home?
Yes, employers continue to be responsible for the health and safety of employees even when working from home.
 
Do I need to pass on the COVID-19 wage subsidy to my employees receiving weekly compensation from ACC?
Yes, you should pass on COVID-19 wage subsidy payments to employees receiving weekly compensation from ACC.
The subsidy is treated as income, so we’ll take it into account when making weekly compensation payments to the employee.
 
For further information on these and other FAQ’s and ACC updates on COVID-19, please go to acc.co.nz/Businesses/Covid19

Sue McMaster, 
Strategic Business Customer Partner 00510317, ACC

Tel +6475790349 / Mobile +6421734937 / Extn 75349
Business Customer Solutions 2186 / 94 Grey St - Ground Floor 
ACC / Tauranga 3110 / New Zealand / www.acc.co.nz

ACC cares about the environment – please don’t print this email
unless it is really necessary. Thank you.​
 
 

FRIENDLY REMINDER TO CLAIM YOUR SUBSIDY 

With the planting season now behind you it’s timely to touch base on the 2021/22 Skills for Industry Silviculture Subsidy which closed 30 September. The closing date refers to the close of any new applications but we continue to accept the invoices when the milestones are met. It is important that these come in a timely fashion. If you need a refresh of what dates apply to each of your employees then contact admin@fica.org.nz for an update. Equally important is that you let us know when employees have left as we MUST remove them from the scheme.

Remember also the NEW part of the scheme, where $1,000 will be paid to the contractor per month for the 6 months following the 182 day incentive payment and for each month the employee is still actively employed. This is STRICTLY CAPPED AT 50 PARTICIPANTS – which is a very good reason to be up to date with your invoices to avoid potentially missing out.

Thank you for being a part of this scheme and soon we will send through a survey to gain your feedback on the season and the scheme in general.

Employment New Zealand NEWS 

In case you or colleagues at FICA haven’t seen our newsletter yet, here is a link to read the latest Employment New Zealand newsletter, which covers these topics: 
  • New legislation for workplace vaccine requirements. The Government has announced new legislation outlining workplace vaccination requirements. The legislation will help to take the next step in stopping the spread of COVID-19.
 Can I change an employee’s hours of work? Requirements for your business can change during COVID-19. If you as an employer want to change an employee’s current working arrangements, there are specific requirements that you must follow.
 Closing down over the festive season. Some businesses may close down over the festive season each year. The closedown may affect some or all parts of the business.
 Financial support during COVID-19. Financial support is available for businesses, employers and employees during COVID-19. This includes the Resurgence Support Payment and Wage Subsidy Scheme.
  • Bakery owner must pay nearly $300,000.A bakery owner in Dunedin has been ordered to pay $299,038 in arrears and penalties after an investigation by the Labour Inspectorate.
If you wish to get the newsletter directly, please subscribe to the Employment New Zealand newsletter.
 
Thanks for reading and sharing this update. If you have any queries, suggestions or feedback, please email the Employment Information and Education team via employmentiande@mbie.govt.nz
 
Kind regards
The Information and Education - Employment stakeholder engagement team:
Diana Dobbinson, Grayson Zhang, Thomas Liang and Vinod Dahya
 
Te Whakatairanga Service Delivery
Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment - Hīkina Whakatutuki
NZBN 9429000106078

SAFETREE & FICA CONFERENCE

Postponed June 2022

 
To preserve th integrity of the industry, we had to make the decision to postpone the Safetree and FICA Conference to the new dates of 16 - 17 - 18 June 2022

We ask you to rebook your rooms when you are ready and if you want to refund, we can do that too for you - feel free to contact us. Registrations & Refunds on enquiry at admin@fica.org.nz
 
BOOKING ACCOMMODATION AVAILABLE
AT MILLENNIUM AND COPTHORNE - Queenstown

Accommodation booking Code for your conference, it is FICA22
FICA National Recruitment Campaign with NZME as partners. Covering all the industry sectors, we will through 12 months with new and stimulating artwork and information to support a career in FORESTRY! Check out the national careers site forestrycareers.nz
Digital statistics are showing us each month that we are exceeding all expectations!

Thank you to our Partners for their support and sponsorship

Our mailing address is:
P O Box 12017, Ahuriri, Napier 4144

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