Staff Profile

Ollie Kemp

Ollie Kemp is originally from Auckland, where he graduated from Auckland University with a Bachelor of Science majoring in botany. Ollie then entered the forest industry as a Technician at the Forest Research Institute, Rotorua (now Scion). He worked in forest establishment, silviculture and special species research. During this time Ollie completed a NZ Certificate in Science (Forestry). In 1975, he joined Fletcher Forests in Taupo as Forest Research Officer where he was involved in tree nutrient research and practice. Following an extended time overseas, which included time working as a consultant to a Canadian forestry company in BC, he returned to Taupo to take up a role with Fletchers in log utilisation research. Upon re-location to Rotorua with Fletcher subsidiary Tasman Forestry, he filled several roles over subsequent years ranging from; Harvesting Research Officer, Harvesting Supervisor, Marketing Executive, Forest Protection Manager and Strategic Planning Executive. In 1997, he began work at Waiariki Institute of Technology’s School of Forestry, Wood Processing & Biotechnology as Lecturer in wood processing and forestry, teaching over a range of subject areas. Since starting here he has completed a Certificate in Adult Teaching and is currently undertaking study toward a Masters degree in environmental management. Ollie’s outside interests are jogging, landscape gardening and motor racing. He has been married to the same woman for 34 years and they have two adult children.

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