He leads by example to "the highest of standards' and now Shayne Maxwell has been crowned the Northland Forestry Skilled Professional of the Year.
Mr Maxwell, who works as a health and safety manager and company trainer at Kohurau Contracting, took out the top award at last night's Northland Forestry Awards at Forum North in front of 500 of his peers.
He was awarded the prestigious trophy by Government Minister Louise Upston after being nominated in three categories - health and safety, felling and harvesting. Mr Maxwell also took out the Individual Harvesting Excellence award and was joint winner, with Rosewarne Cable Logging, of the Outstanding Health and Safety Management Award.
He still keeps his hand in as a faller, breaker out and hauler driver. He grew up in the central North Island and started his career as a hauler before moving to Northland.
The citation said he is known for his integrity, morals, character and values, which he integrates into his work days.
Known as somebody who doesn't rest on his laurels, Mr Maxwell is part way through a bachelor's degree in psychology, which he is already putting to good use out in the forests he works in.
His employer says he brings mana to the company and as a expert hauler faller he can truly walk in the shoes of those he works with.
Mr Maxwell developed the company's health and safety systems, with a particular focus on falling and breaking out. He pioneered the use of video and photographs for the company, recording faller behaviour and techniques and using them to teach crews.
He also helped develop the company's use of scanning technology and smartphones to record and share vital information. And his peers say the much-improved safety record for the company is a huge credit to Mr Maxwell.
Judge Jacqui Coyne-Apiata said Mr Maxwell as the stand out winner in a competitive field.
"Shayne has shown he has the qualities to become a legend of our industry. He is someone we felt could stand before the industry and be celebrated," Ms Coyne-Apiata said.
"He has a high level of discipline and wisdom and is continually developing himself so he has more to offer."
Full results, and pictures, from the awards night will appear in the Northern Advocate next week.