Silvipath’s Mission

A person standing on a ladder trimming a tall pine tree in a forested mountainous area under a clear blue sky.

Our mission is to provide opportunities for New Zealanders to grow in one of New Zealands largest industries. By providing a high level of training we are ensuring the next generation of foresters are competent, compliant and adding value to the industry.

Silvipath was set up to give young people the opportunity to gain hands-on/practical experiences in the forestry industry. We have identified the need to promote forestry in a positive light, and show New Zealanders that there are numerous pathways within the sector, which caters to a wide range of people. We offer work experience, unit standard courses in secondary schools and training and assessing for forestry contractors.

We work in partnership with Ace of Spades Contracting to achieve success for future Forestry workers. Trainees get to work within crews at Ace of Spades Contracting, to help develop their skills in the workplace before deciding which operation they show strengths in, and which path to take. Silvipath’s training covers all aspects of silviculture, and our scope in forestry continues to grow.

A firefighter wearing a red helmet, orange safety shirt, and work pants stands confidently with arms crossed in a forested area of burned trees and ash.

Patrick Aislabie

Director, Trainer/Assessor

With more than 10 years experience in secondary education and silviculture, Patrick's strengths are in developing and implementing robust training programmes to suit contractors and secondary schools alike. “Using transferable skills from my teaching background and combining it with my passion for forestry, has helped me to create positive exposure for the industry and develop pathways for young people.

A young man wearing a helmet and orange safety shirt stands outdoors with trees in the background.

Damon Morgan

Co-Trainer/Assessor

Damon has been an important addition to the training team at Silvipath. He brings with him a broad scope of skills and knowledge in Silviculture

Man smiling outdoors in a forest, wearing an orange safety vest and black tactical vest, with tattoos on his arms, crossed arms, and a watch on his left wrist.

Cain Mckenzie

Managing Director of Ace of Spades Contracting Limited

It is important for the training we deliver to have an outcome. Cain and the team at Ace of Spades Contracting work closely with trainers at Silvipath to find the right candidates who are wanting to take the next step into employment. We have had several success stories of Silvipaths trainees gaining part time, seasonal and full time employment with A.O.S.