Business View Oceania | Volume 3, Issue 8

33 34 BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA VOLUME 3, ISSUE 7 BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA VOLUME 3, ISSUE 7 FOREST INDUSTRY CONTRACTORS ASSOC I AT ION October 29th and 30th 2021. This annual FICA event provides members, contractors, sponsors, and service providers with the chance to learn about new happenings in the industry, and build lasting business relationships in a thoroughly enjoyable space. Both events are to be held in Queenstown, New Zealand. Members and Affiliates of the Forest Industry Contractors Association are definitely encouraged to attend. Given that the forest industry is so prominent in New Zealand, influencing change is a huge responsibility, Younger shares. “Change comes about because of the strength of the market and the strength of contracts with forest owners. In order to bring about positive change, we must grow the confidence of the contractors that we represent to formally negotiate with forest owners over their contracts. When changes are made to regulations, especially surrounding safety, technology, and mechanization, quite often the contractor has to bear the financial brunt. We have to change the industry so that it’s a shared responsibility across the whole chain of custody.” Younger explains that costs surrounding workforce education and training also fall heavily on contractors, which adds to financial strain and industry concerns about staff The Forest Industry Contractors Association provides a variety of services for its members across three full membership tiers, which are based on members’ annual turnover. Benefits of membership vary across tiers, and include recognition via email signatures and communications registrations, invitations to FICA conferences as well as other industry-related events and activities, magazine subscriptions to NZ Loggers and Deals on Wheels, trade cards, workshops and sponsor discounts. Currently FICA supports 200 company members, which in turn equals approximately 3000 individuals in the industry. Service providers are also encouraged to join as Associate members, to have their say, enjoy associate benefits and remain up to date with industry happenings. opportunity for networking amongst members, sponsors and industry stakeholders.” Working alongside the New Zealand Forest Owners Association (NZFOA), New Zealand Farm Forestry Association (NZFFA), and the Wood Processing and Manufacturers Association (WPMA) as part of a peak body for all areas of New Zealand’s forest industry, the Forest Industry Contractors Association is an organisation dedicated to improving conditions for contractors large and small. With core values listed as leadership, collaboration, professionalism, fairness, honesty and integrity, and a ‘people first’ attitude, FICA is more than qualified to serve its members across the country. The association is backed by three tiers of sponsors who serve as vital partners to the organisation. FICA is proud to work with all of their sponsors and would like to thank them for their ongoing dedication and assistance. Upcoming events with the Forest Industry Contractors Association include the Safetree Conference on October 28th 2021, held in partnership with the Forest Industry Safety Council (FISC). The Safetree Conference is a great opportunity for contractors to develop crucial leadership and communication skills to assist in creating and maintaining healthy business relationships throughout their entire supply chain. Also coming up this year is the FICA AGM Conference which stretches across