Te Waa Logging was established in May 1993 by former directors Les and Lovey Owens.
Working in Pinus radiata Production Thinning’s working for New Zealand Forest Managers (NZFM) in Turangi.
Les has a vast knowledge in practical harvesting with some 50 plus years in the
Forestry sector. Les started off cutting posts and poles straight out of school and moved around different areas of native forestry. In 1969 Les was involved in planting the first of the Pine plantations within the Lake Taupo Forest, these being the same trees we are now harvesting today. Les is an active kaumātua in Tuwharetoa getting behind local community events.
Waa Owens has been in Forestry since 1991 when he started with a practical logging
course run by Les, and from there going on to gain a NZ Certificate in Forestry. Waa worked for NZ Forest Research in Rotorua from 1994 to 1996 as a Field crew leader in the Mensuration Section. During 1997 Waa did some work for State Forests while working with Forest Data a forest inventory company. In 1998 Waa returned to the Lake Taupo area and has worked for Te Waa Logging, starting on the skids as QC, then Foreman, Operations Manager and now Director of the company. After 30 years at the helm Les and Lovey's sucession of the business continues with Waa and Jay.
Te Waa Logging has a robust management and safety system in specific areas to a high standard. TWL held Tertiary accreditation with the ACC WSMP program for 10 years. We are a Safetree Certified Contractor and have held this certification since August 2018. TWL is approved and registered on the local authority contractor SHEpre-qualification database with the Waikato regional council. We are active members of the Forest Industry Contractors Association (FICA) and Employers and Manufactures Association (EMA). We continue to develop systems in conjunction with our
accountant and forestry advisor (Beker Findlay Allan Ltd), and networks within the forestry sector.
Te Waa Logging strives to achieve high standards in harvesting. Quality & Value recovery in log grades for the forest owner and Safety and Environmental issues are paramount.
