From forest to fireplace

Kim Johnston is finding another use for the waste wood left behind after forests are harvested. Picture supplied

Woody material that remains in the forest after harvesting is finding a new home, as a result of a partnership between a Gisborne forestry company and a former logger-turned-detective.

Aratu Forests Ltd and Kim Johnston have teamed up to repurpose some of the waste woody material that remains behind forest gates. Aratu provides access to its forest south of Gisborne, and Kim collects material to turn into firewood.

Using a commercial splitter and chainsaw, Kim takes already collected woody debris and prepares it to be taken away.

“On average, we’re able to convert a logging truck’s worth into firewood every month. Being able to find a new home for the wood that also helps local families is really rewarding,” he says.

Aratu Forests chief executive Neil Woods is excited about what the partnership has been able to achieve since its inception in September.

“The material Kim takes away is traditionally smaller pieces, which historically have remained on site. By taking this material out of the forests, we are mitigating the risk of the material mobilising — and that’s something we’re really pleased about.”

The business, Slice Firewood, is a family affair for Kim too. His son BJ, who has an intellectual disability, regularly supervises him on the weekends.

“He’s the reason we started the firewood business a few years ago. BJ loves being outdoors, and this is a great way for us to both be out of the house and spend time together as a family,” Kim said.

After Kim and BJ load the trailer, the firewood is taken out of the forests and sold directly to families in Gisborne. Up to two trailer loads are removed each day Kim is in the forests. The side job is the best of both worlds for the former logger, who traded his chainsaw for police blues around 15 years ago. Kim adds that his side hustle feels more like a hobby than another job, and he loves being back outdoors helping both forestry and families.

Neil Woods said Aratu was continuously looking at what else it can implement behind forest gates, that minimises what is left behind.

“As an industry, we have an important role to play in caring for our environment and utilising the material we do produce.

“We’re looking forward to continuing to work with Kim and others to find more innovative uses for woody material, and working with the community that we call home.”