We grow people and forests

Looking for forestry teams
that always deliver?

Dependable ● Efficient ● 100% Drug-Free Crew ● Consistent High Quality ● New Zealand Wide ● Award-Winning

Who we are

The dependable forestry services company

We understand that a thriving forest is not just about planting trees – it’s an investment in your future. That’s why our mission aligns with your needs: delivering quality forestry services when needed, ensuring your forest is not just growing but thriving.

AOS crew members are planting, thinning, pruning, and chemical-releasing forests all over New Zealand.

With over 6 million trees and thousands of forest hectares planted and cared for our skilled teams are equiped to care for your forest.

Our trained and certified teams of planters, thinners, pruners, and spot sprayers get forests growing.

Ready to see your trees grow profitably? If you need a forestry service you can rely on, we’re just a call away. Get in touch now and put your forest on the path to success.

How we help

We help forests thrive.

Planting

From April to October each year our teams of 6 to 30 men plant Pinus radiata seedlings throughout New Zealand. With 6 million seedlings planted – our teams are known for giving forests their best start possible. Remote work on steep terrain does not deter us. We sort accomodation. We also source seedlings and deliver them to planting sites.

Thinning

We are good at thinning. We train our thinning teams in house so they learn from the best. Our thinning crew bosses are experts at balancing quality, safety and volume ensuring blocks are thinned optimally and on time. Thinning is often a great investment; increasing harvest value while reducing harvest risk.

Pruning

Pruning’s hard work but needs to be done. Our pruning teams are carefully trained, supervised and equipped to ensure trees are pruned to spec as needed in a safe efficient manner. Whether 1st or 2nd lift pruning – our teams know to make the cuts that maximise log values come harvest time.

Native & Riparian Planting

Do you want to bring an ecological vision to life? This is one of the more rewarding parts of our work – we’d love to help. Our experienced planting crew leaders ensure valuable plants grow into a valuable eco-systems through careful planting practices. We can source and deliver plants at good rates as required if you need them.

Chemical Releasing/Pest Control

If weeds and pests are threatening your forest we can eliminate them. We use modern spray equipment with GPS technology to ensuring proper spray coverage and minimal environmental impact. Our crew leaders are fanatical about the safety of their crews. We ensure all chemicals are handled in a safe manner.

Silvicultural Records/Fire Plans

We can share our work records with you online as carbon registration evidence.

We can help you minimise your fire risk. We operate a central north island forest fire service and can give you the advice you need to minimise fire risk in your forest.

Fire Response

We assist with rural fires, specialising in extinguishing and mopping up forestry and backcountry fires. Working alongside FENZ, we’re often contracted to manage both large and small fires, adapting our response to the needs of each situation.

In December 2023, our team spent 3 days on Matakana Island managing a major forest fire. We also recently deployed 13 men to Te Kaha to cut ahead of a large scrub fire.

We’re ready for any fire response, big or small.

Integrity, Commitment, Strength

Over the last few years, I have had the pleasure of working with Cain and the team from AOS. I have completed an intensive fire training program with them, which continues today with several of their crew members. The crew members involved have shown integrity, commitment, strength, and enthusiasm in being part of plantation fire fighting operations, stand-by work, and controlled burning operations.

I have called upon the skills and knowledge that Cain and his crew have, along with Ben and Damon, to respond to several forest fires within the Central North Island, and they have responded without hesitation or questions. Usually given a short “heads up,” Cain is always happy to help in situations that can be very stressful for landowners and forest owners alike.

The crews, individuals, crew leaders, and firefighters I would highly recommend being called upon in any forest fire situation. They are all qualified for tasks, highly motivated, and I have, and would, lead these teams into battle against any fire, as their experience level is now second to none and always improving.

Jarron McInnes, Protection Forester, Manulife Forest Management

Silvipath

We grow careers, not just trees.

Silvipath, created by Patrick Aislabie, works within and alongside AOS to provide opportunities and development within the Forestry industry.



Work Experience Programme for secondary schools

Students take part in a 6-week Taster Course, where they will spend one day each week working alongside experienced crews, gaining hands-on Silviculture experience in a real work environment under the guidance of a qualified trainer/assessor.

Throughout the programme, students can earn Unit Standards relevant to their chosen field, as well as credits towards NCEA. This is a fantastic opportunity for students to explore potential career paths, develop practical skills, and connect with future employers. Many have gone on to work with Ace of Spades after completing the programme, proving these pathways lead to real career opportunities.

If you’re a school looking to get involved or want more details on how we can design a work experience plan for your students, feel free to get in touch with Patrick Aislabie:

training@silvipath.co.nz
0272662113
silvipath.co.nz

Download Catalogue

Students at Silvipath work experience course

Student at Silvipath work experience course

Future-focused & Innovative

We are thankful to have a future focus company, AOS, open their doors to help develop the future foresters of New Zealand. The company’s innovation and ability to keep their finger on the pulse creates an inspiring work environment for the trainees we bring on board.

Patrick Aislabie, Silviculture Crew Manager at Silvipath

Silvipath Courses

We offer customised Unit Standard packages designed to suit secondary school careers and gateway programmes. These packages can also be adapted for contractors and businesses in the industry sector, ensuring your team has the skills and certifications they need.



Chainsaw Training Course

Duration: 2 Days
Our Chainsaw Course is designed for both beginners and those looking to sharpen their skills. Day one covers the basics, including theory and chainsaw maintenance. On day two, you’ll get hands-on experience at one of our training sites, learning how to operate a chainsaw safely, sharpen the blade, and tackle more advanced maintenance. This course is especially popular with secondary schools, agricultural workers, and forestry contractors, but it can be tailored to suit your specific needs.
Certifications:

US6917 – Basic Chainsaw Use
US43 – Chainsaw Maintenance



General Requirements for Forestry

Duration: 1 – 1.5 Days
Starting a career in forestry? This course is perfect for you. It covers the essential theory behind forestry work, including health and safety, environmental guidelines, and the nutritional needs of forestry workers. Whether you’re just beginning or looking to refresh your knowledge, this course is the baseline requirement for entering forestry operations.
Certifications:

US17769 – General Requirements for Forestry
US17772 – Environmental Requirements & Expectations
US22994 – Factors that Affect Worker Performance (Nutrition)



Production Planting Course

Duration: 1 – 2 Days
This practical course teaches you how to plant trees correctly in a plantation forest. You’ll learn how to interpret job prescriptions, create work plans, and plant at the required density. It’s perfect for those who want hands-on experience with planting and forest management. The course is most popular in winter when we have access to plantation trees and our planting sites.
Certifications:

US1234 – Plant Plantation Trees
US1221 – Explain & Interpret Job Prescriptions for Forestry Operations



Vegetation Fire Safety Course

Duration: 1 Day
This course combines theory and hands-on training for those interested in vegetation fire safety, rural firefighting, or supporting fire seasons. You’ll learn about fire behavior, operating portable pumps, and using hand tools to build firelines. With practical scenarios in a controlled environment, this course prepares you for real-world fire situations. As your skills grow, you may have opportunities to assist in actual fire control efforts.
Certifications:

US3285 – Knowledge of Working Safely at Vegetation Fires
US20386 – Operating Portable Pumps for Firefighting
US3286 – Using Hand Tools & Constructing Fire Lines to Control Vegetation Fires

Download Catalogue

work, learn, and grow

Forestry, adventure, and career growth—are you in?

Ace of Spades crew member during plating season

Ace of Spades is hiring!

Get hands-on experience and start your career in forestry today.

Looking for a job that gets you outdoors, pays well, and actually builds your future? Ace of Spades Contracting wants YOU to join our forestry crew! Whether it’s planting trees, thinning forests, pruning, or tackling pests, you’ll be working across New Zealand’s epic landscapes—earning cash, learning cool skills, and making a real impact on the environment.

We’re all about safety, training, and giving you the tools to succeed. With a 100% drug-free team and solid career opportunities, this is more than just a job—it’s a chance to grow (literally and figuratively!). If you’re ready to get your hands dirty and start a career that matters, we’ve got your back.

Keen to jump in? Book a call back or get in touch today and join a crew that’s not just growing forests, but also growing future careers!

See us in action Join us



Ready to work with us?

Give Cain a call today.

Call now Book a call back

CASE STUDY

Rotorua Farm

“Ace of Spades Contracting, completed a variety of services for us over the last two years, including weed control, pruning, planting, and tree guarding operations. Their work exceeded all expectations, and we couldn’t be more pleased with the results.”

Professional, Efficient, Precise

From the moment they arrived on-site, it was clear that Ace of Spades Contracting takes pride in their work. Their team was professional, and efficient in every aspect of the job. They handled the weed control with precision, ensuring that unwanted growth was effectively managed without harming the surrounding environment. The pruning was expertly done, and they took the time to ensure that the plants and trees looked both healthy and aesthetically pleasing across poplars, radiata, maples, oaks and redwood species. As the property is a very unique one, it entailed precise operations while operating around other contractors and being dynamic when encountering any potential issues. Throughout the entire process, the team was respectful of the property and communicated with us every step of the way. Their professionalism and excellence truly stood out, and the results speak for themselves. I would highly recommend Ace of Spades Contracting services to anyone in need of reliable, top-quality crews.

Ashley Verry, Forest Manager

7 million

Trees planted

65

Crew members

thousands

of hectares cared for

100%

Drug free

Ace of Spades

Meet our crew.

Cain McKenzie

Director / Operations and People

Thomas Te Kurapa

Director / Finance

Kyle Paterson

Director / Farm and Forestry Establishment

Damon Morgan

Director / Training and Compliance

Dan Murry

Crew Leader / Compliance

Matutaera Vaka