As leaders in forestry management, we know success is achieved through engaging passionate people who have a thorough understanding of the industry and work as a team to deliver exceptional results for our clients
We employ only the best and contract in staff as and when necessary to achieve the results we need for our clients.
MORT SHEPHERD
Director
Mort has over 20 years of forestry industry experience in New Zealand, Canada, and Southeast Asia. He manages FMA data collection, pre-harvest appraisals, log sales, and harvests for various forest owners, combining practical and technical skills. Mort is a registered consultant with the New Zealand Institute of Forestry and holds a Bachelor of Engineering from the University of Canterbury.
He founded Venture Forestry in 2011 after working in diverse roles across NZ and overseas.
mark byrnes
Forest supervisor
Mark, based in Lawrence, Otago, manages silviculture operations and leads FMA data collection for Venture Forestry. With 16 years' experience in regulatory compliance at ORC and a sound knowledge of the RMA (1991), NES CF, and Otago Regional Plans, he oversees health and safety, and environmental commitments for forestry operations for Venture Forestry.
Mark joined Venture Forestry in July 2022.
scott McCammon
forest supervisor
With over 20 years in the forestry industry, especially harvesting, Scott leads Venture Forestry’s harvesting operations and managed planting through 2025. Raised on a farm, he developed a passion for forestry working in logging crews across South Island while completing his I.T.O Forestry programme. His experience includes logging, production thinning, merchandising, and he holds qualifications in Health and Safety, Environmental Management, and log quality. Scott first joined Venture Forestry in November 2019 as Forest Supervisor, took a brief break, and returned with renewed enthusiasm in December 2024.
eddie collins
Forestry Technician
Eddie trained as a teacher before switching to forestry in 2016, quickly advancing to crew leader and winning Silviculture Apprentice of the Year in 2022. After five years in silviculture and moving from Dunedin to Gore, he joined Venture Forestry in June 2024, where he now oversees Forest Inventory and Silviculture work in Southland. Eddie contributes strong expertise, a positive attitude, and an excellent work ethic.
Julie Farr
financial administrator
Julie is based in Mosgiel and manages the Venture Forestry office, making sure everything runs smoothly and accounts are paid on time. Venture Forestry is a great fit for her broad finance and administration skills, and despite having very little Forestry knowledge before she came onboard, she has quickly come up to speed with the industry.
Julie joined the Venture Forestry Team in February 2024.
Alex Chamberlain
Forestry Graduate
Alex, originally from Christchurch, worked in pipeline inspections after the earthquake before becoming a qualified builder. He later earned a Bachelor's Degree in Forestry Management from Canterbury University, prompting his move to Dunedin to start his forestry career with Venture Forestry. As a recent graduate, Alex quickly adapts, pays attention to detail, and is diligent in all assigned tasks. He joined the Venture Forestry team in February 2025.
Scarlett Michelle
Data Science & ETS Specialist
Scarlett is a Data Science and ETS Specialist, with strong ties to Otago, New Zealand. She holds degrees in Applied Management and Data Science and previously worked as a Data Scientist in London.
Since joining Venture Forestry in November 2021, Scarlett has taken charge of ETS client portfolios after quickly mastering ETS processes. Her expertise has greatly enhanced operations: she’s implemented a custom client database, developed ETS forecast models, digitised data recording, and created live dashboards for real-time forestry insights.