Jon Dronfield
Having worked exclusively in indigenous timber production and continuous-cover forestry for 25 years I’m still not sure if I’m at the tail-end of a sunset industry or the cutting edge of a bright new future. After starting at Timberlands West-Coast I helped develop the Forever beech forest resource and brand. This act of faith 20-years ago by three passionate advocates for continuous- cover forestry, in pulling together a resource of 5,000 hectares under multiple management plans, has sustained a regional industry employed many people and kept the flame alive.
In 2019 my wife and I purchased the business and continue forest management, helicopter harvesting and sawmilling operations. It has been a frustrating and difficult career choice, but ultimately deeply rewarding and with the bonus of offering the best office in the world.
Jon is also a trustee of Tāne’s Tree Trust.