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Gisborne father faces a forestry campaign

A Gisborne, New Zealand father of two young children who was killed in a forestry accident is the face of a campaign demanding a Government inquiry into safety in the industry. Source: The Gisborne Herald

Kenny Aaron Callow was killed in 2011 when he was crushed by a rotten tree while working as a tree feller in the Wharerata forest.

The solo dad was the main caregiver of his two sons Ali and Max (now seven and five) and would have turned 33 this May.

His parents Caroline and Roger Callow say it is still a struggle at times to fill the “big gap” in their grandchildren’s lives left after their father was killed.

Mr Callow said agreeing to allow their son to be the face of the Council of Trade Union’s campaign was by no means spur of the moment, they thought long and hard before giving them the nod.

Mr Callow said Ali recently told them that when he grew up he wanted to “cut trees down like my dad”, which scared him.

Mrs Callow emphasised they hold no-one responsible for their son’s death — “it was an accident”.

“We would like to see some changes in the regulations of the industry, though,” she said.

“It happened and we can’t do anything about it or to bring him back.

“But if we can contribute to making the industry safer and helping to save another life, it will be worth it.

“It is all very well to make health and safety ‘recommendations’ but it is not law and we would like to see some legally-binding regulation changes concerning safety in the field.”

The couple is aware of the dangers in forestry — their two sons-in-law also work in the industry and have both had major injuries.

The Council of Trade Union’s (CTU) campaign includes an online video of Mr and Mrs Callow, near the Wharerata Forest, talking about their son’s tragic death.

Their son had 15 years experience in the industry and had all his tickets. He was aware of the danger involved but worked hard every day — his parents saw how exhausted he was when he got home every night.