A forestry trainer says new recruits are being brought into the job with too little experience, and there is not enough oversight of the industry.
Radio New Zealand understands the country's largest forestry manager, Hancock Forest Management, has stopped work in its North Island forests for an urgent health and safety meeting on Monday morning.
Two forestry workers, not employed by Hancock, died in separate incidents last week.
Last week, the Forest Owners Association defended itself following government criticism it is not taking responsibility for deaths in the industry. (Nine forestry workers have ded on the job this year.) The union representing workers is calling for action over the accident record.
