Logging Legend: Bryant Logging

A pioneer of ‘two-staging’ in Nelson, Nig Bryant at Bryant Logging has been out working in the bush for almost 55 years. While logging has seen many changes in that time, Nig’s reputation as a hands-on logger with a big personality has cemented Bryant Logging’s status as a logging legend.

Founded by Nig in the mid-1970’s at the age of 21, Bryant Logging first took on a contract with Nelson Pine Forest.

“Dad is a hands-on logger with a big personality,” says son Kim.

“One time he went hunting with his fox terrier Jacko. When it was time to go home, Jacko came sprinting out of the scrub with 4 pig dogs right on his tail.”

“Dad scooped Jacko into the truck, but Jacko wasn’t having it. Next thing Dad knows, in all the commotion the dog has locked him out of his wagon. It was pretty funny and classic Dad.”

“But joking aside, he’s a good businessman and always thinking outside the square as well,” says Kim.

Nig was a pioneer of ‘two-staging’ in the Nelson region, utilising haulers and carriages on steep and unstable clay and granite terrain to remove and carry logs to more accessible skid sites.

They were also one of the first Nelson logging businesses (outside of Moutere Logging) to acquire a DC Equipment Falcon Winch Assist machine.

Pictured: Bryant Logging's Winch Assist

“It’s a reliable machine which is the biggest thing for us. It doesn’t break down and from a safety perspective it works how it’s meant to work, which is key,” says Kim.

There wasn’t always such a focus on mechanisation though. As a kid, Kim recalls working in the school holidays in the Motueka Forests, working on steep terrain with no hi vis and old worn-out sneakers.

It’s a far cry from where the company is today, as one of the largest logging operations at the Top of the South.

“It’s fair to say the focus on safety has come along way since those early days,” says Kim.

After a stint overseas, Kim re-joined the family business in 2006 fulltime, putting his forestry degree to use. It was a time when the health and safety landscape was going through a period of rapid change.

Pictured: Nig holding one of the team members new baby - A sense of a family culture is shown amongst the company.

“With health and safety evolving pretty quickly, I wanted to get involved to give Dad a hand with things,” he says.

“It’s like night and day with the health and safety changes. Everything is better; there’s more mechanisation and technology, and there is a really strong safety culture now.”

Bryant Logging has grown from 2 crews in the early 2000’s to now running 10-12 crews at any given time.

Kim works with the team mainly on a Macro level (including planning and scheduling the crews) and works closely alongside Dad Nig and Mum Karen with logistical matters of the business.

“It’s not just about us though. We’ve got some great people who have been with us 20+ years too,” says Kim.

While the company has grown, a family-focused culture remains. It’s a testament to Nig and the Bryant family who personify the title of a Logging Legend.

Pictured: Kim towing Nig's boat!

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