Forestry recruitment finding its fit with digital campaign

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

Eastland Wood Council has acknowledged a new national campaign launched by the Forest and Wood Processing Workforce Council to attract more people into forestry careers.

The recruitment campaign called Find Your Fit In Forestry aims to draw attention to the varied career opportunities available in the growing industry.

Designed to demonstrate the range of roles and opportunities available in forestry, the mostly digital Find Your Fit In Forestry campaign is primarily targeted at school leavers and young people.

It showcases everything from machine operation, silviculture and harvest management to science-based roles and wood processing.

A range of videos has been created featuring real people working in forestry.

A digital platform has been created that prompts people to answer a quick-fire survey about their interests, before suggesting the areas of forestry that might fit them best.

Over the next six months the promotional material will appear across media channels including The NZ Herald, Google and social media.

Find Your Fit In Forestry has been funded by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), Forest Industry Contractors Association (FICA) and Forest Owners Association (FOA), and actioned by the Forest and Wood Processing Workforce Council.

FICA chief executive and project lead Prue Younger said the aim was to showcase the dynamic and diverse forestry industry and to attract more people into the many roles that have become available.

“This campaign is unique in that it is a collaboration within the wider forestry industry,” she said.

“We've made it broad enough that we hope people will see that no matter what your skills or passion are there's a place for everyone within the industry.

“There is an ongoing shortage of skilled workers across the sector, so we're hoping by targeting young people we can capture hearts and minds from the get-go and place people in roles that fit their interests.”

• Find Your Fit In Forestry is live now. Visit to see more.

• There is also a new Find your Fit in Forestry which features all videos.