Student Profiles

Rowena Walker is a young Maori woman with a mission. Driven by ambition, having a keen sense of purpose and a desire to see people succeed has propelled  Rowena forward in her career to the point where she is now a Forestry Supervisor with Juken New Zealand Ltd (JNL).

Since discovering her passion for Forestry while at High School Rowena hasn’t looked back. It was at High School that she started taking a class in Forest Foundation Skills Level 2 and learnt a lot of the basic skills that are required of forestry workers. How to sharpen a chainsaw, general requirements and tree planting where are a few of the skills that whetted her appetite for more.

It was more than a coincidence that at this time Rowena was fortunate enough to meet her future boss Sheldon Drummond. Sheldon saw first hand Rowena’s drive and determination and offered the opportunity to work part time during her holiday break. That first opportunity developed into an ongoing relationship between Rowena and Juken New Zealand.

After completing school Rowena began her National Diploma in Forestry (Forest Management) at Turanga Ararau based in Gisborne. After completing her first year of study in Gisborne Rowena packed up her belongings and shifted to Waiariki Institute of Technology to continue her study towards the National Diploma in Forestry (Forest Management) (Level 6).

Two years later after completing the first stage of her education Rowena went in search of employment to grow her practical skills and experience. Once again Juken New Zealand recognised her potential and employed her within a logging crew. It took a little while for the crew to realise she was there not just to to learn but to contribute as well. It didn’t take long for the crew to see the potential that Sheldon had spotted years before.

Forestry has provided Rowena with lots of opportunities for her to develop and grow her areas of skill and influence – people management, planning and leadership. “I love to jump in and help wherever the need is”. That includes spending time on a chainsaw, log making, breaking out or pulling logs with the skidder, or whatever else may be required at that time.

Since beginning full time employment with Juken New Zealand in 2006 Rowena has held various roles and recently made the shift from her home town of Gisborne all the way up to the far north town of Kaitaia. While the two towns are separated geographically they are “very similar in lifestyle and people” Rowena said. “Kaitaia is laid back and warm just like Gisborne. It truly is the winterless north”.

Rowena has her sights set on bigger and better things in the future. Her initial plans are to set sail on an overseas experience. Yes there will be the usual tourist attractions but following true to form Rowena is intent on visiting countries where forestry is a major industry. The sights and sounds of South Australia, Scandanavia and Canada are high on Rowena’s list of places to visit.

Rowena is a woman that has both the potential and the passion to become a true industry in every sense. Forestry is the industry for Rowena and based on her record to date – the sky truly is the limit.