Mike Hurring
Mike Hurring Logging & Contracting – one of Otago and Southland’s largest forestry and contracting companies. With a strong focus on training, a wide range of machinery, and diverse work across forestry, engineering, and heavy transport, MHL offers real pathways into rewarding, practical careers – no pre-trade required.
From humble beginnings in 1986 clearing farmland in the Catlins with just a couple of machines and chainsaws, Mike Hurring Logging & Contracting (MHL) has grown into a major operation with over 60 staff, 8 crews, and 2 workshops across Southland and Otago. Their work has even taken them as far as Canberra and Geraldine.
Keen to learn on the job? MHL places a strong focus on training the next generation. With machine simulators, week-long block courses with two qualified in-house trainers, they’re serious about upskilling their team. Their training efforts were recognised in 2018 & 2021 when MHL won the Training Contractor/Company OTY award at the Southern Wood Council Forestry Awards.
What kind of work does MHL do?
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Forest harvesting (cable & ground-based)
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Mechanised thinning & woodlots
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Farm roading, hedge trimming, root raking, and willow clearing
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Heavy haulage, machine transport, and wide load piloting
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Machine hire, diesel and firewood deliveries
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Residential section work
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Forestry training and chainsaw courses
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Servicing and pre-COF checks for vehicles
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Hydraulic hose repairs, traffic management, and on-site engineering
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Fire suppression and more
Equipment you'll find here:
From excavators (1.7–40 tonne), skidders, bulldozers, and haulers to wheeled harvesters, graders, Moxie dump trucks, machine simulators, and even a hydraulic hose truck – MHL operates an impressive fleet and range of gear.
Career pathways at MHL:
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Machine Operators
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Truck Drivers
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Mechanics
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Engineers
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Administration
No pre-trade required! New team members are usually brought on for a few months, and if it’s a great fit, an apprenticeship may be offered.
- Sector: Primary Industries
- Locations:
- Country: New Zealand
Opportunities
Pathway Chat
Have a relaxed, one-on-one chat with someone in a local business. Ask questions, get CV tips, talk about job expectations, and see what skills or training might help you move forward.
What is a Pathway Chat? Find out more here
Mentoring
Mentoring is when someone with experience helps guide and support you as you learn. It can be formal or casual, short-term or ongoing – it all depends on what works best for you and the business.
Workplace Experience
Try out a job through training, Gateway, internships, or apprenticeships. Businesses may not be hiring, but it’s always worth reaching out and showing your interest.
Business Walkthrough
Take a short visit to a workplace to see how it runs and what the job involves. A great way to get a feel for the industry before diving in.