The 2026 Canterbury West Coast Wood Council Forestry Awards brought together people, businesses and teams from across the industry to celebrate their contributions to New Zealand’s forestry and wood sector.
The Canterbury West Coast Wood Council represents businesses across the forest and wood products industry, from forestry and harvesting to transportation, processing and port services. The awards celebrate the people and businesses behind this work and recognize their contribution to the industry.
Port Blakely was proud to see seven of our employees, contractors and industry partners recognized as finalists, with four receiving top honors in their respective categories.
Congratulations to our winners:
- Cass Hetherington, Harvest and Planning Forester, Port Blakely – Emerging Talent (Joint Winner)
- Phil Taylor, former Managing Director, Port Blakely, NZ – Outstanding Contribution to Industry
- Qube Ports Timaru, industry partner – Business Innovation
- Central Forestry Services, industry partner – Health and Safety Management
We also congratulate the contractors and industry partners we work alongside who were recognized as finalists:
- Philip Wareing Ltd. – Contractor of the Year
- Tim McLaren, Philip Wareing Ltd. – Distribution Excellence
- Geoff Slade, Paul Smith Earthmoving – Customer Service Excellence
We value the people and businesses we work alongside and the experience, skill and commitment they bring to our industry. Their recognition at the Forestry Awards reflects the important contribution they make to the forestry and wood sector, and we are proud to celebrate their achievements.
Congratulations to all our winners and finalists. We are proud to see such strong representation from the people and businesses connected to Port Blakely and to celebrate their contribution to our industry.