Jack Johnson says it’s fantastic to be on the cusp of being involved in Aotearoa’s largest landscape restoration programme. 

In fact, he can’t wait to get started on the Kaipara Moana Remediation Programme (KMR).  

His planting team is primed, as are his key Supervisors who are all integral to the success of his long established business. 

“The protection of the Kaipara Harbour and its resources for generations to come is really important. Key to collaborating and problem-solving to restore the health and mauri of the Kaipara Moana is having the same values and goals,” says Jack. 

“This important mahi is about taking charge and caring for current and future assets – our environment – for generations to come.” 

And he can’t wait to take his whānau, friends and others in the community on the journey by training and employing more of them to advance their careers and prospects in life. 

Now living in Whangarei, Jack was raised in Awanui and whakapapa’s back to Muriwhenua. 

He has learnt over the years the benefits of being driven to succeed and helping others along the way. Just as others have given him opportunities in his career, he likes to do the same. 

“I have five children – four boys and a girl – and nine Grandchildren. My daughter has taken over the family farm in Awanui that has been passed down from my Great-Great Grandfather through the generations.” 

As for Jack’s journey from growing up in the Far North to finishing up at Kaitaia College, a career in banking and then a leap of faith into forestry, it has been an interesting ride. 

“When I left a job in a local bank in Kaitaia after eight years, I teamed up with my mate Glen Subritzky and along with 10 workers we started planting lupin around the Herekino Harbour to stop erosion. A year later we planted that same 400ha in pines. 

And that started his career in forestry, one which has seen him work with the Forestry ITO to assist in growing the sector by setting skill standards for the industry, delivering training and providing industry leadership on skill and training needs.