Sam Cairns

For Sam Cairns, forestry isn't just a job. It's a passion that defines his daily life. As a forester for Pāmu, Sam oversees forestry operations across 18 different farms spanning two beautiful southern regions, planning and implementing contractor operations while staying true to a core principle: caring for the whenua and ngāhere for future generations. 

When the opportunity arose for an experienced forester in his local region 12 months ago, Sam couldn't pass it up. Now, he combines the strategic work of planning and forecasting from home with the hands-on reality of travelling across diverse landscapes, working with great southern folk, and ensuring every forest block reaches its full potential. 

For Sam, te ao Māori isn't an abstract concept. It's woven into how he approaches his work every day. He takes genuine pride in caring for the whenua and ngāhere, knowing that the decisions made today will shape what future generations inherit. This perspective informs everything from daily operations to long-term planning strategies. 

Three things stand out most in Sam's role: 

• Flexibility and variety - Being able to plan and forecast from the comfort of home, then travel across two regions working on 18 different picturesque farms
• The landscapes - Working across diverse, beautiful properties throughout the southern regions
• The people - Collaborating with a variety of great southern folk who share a commitment to the land 

For Sam, farming excellence means caring for and managing the whenua to the highest ability possible — maximising sustainability, environmental growth, and productivity in equal measure. 

It's about recognising that forestry and farming aren't separate pursuits but interconnected systems where good land management benefits everything around it. Excellence shows up in the balance between productivity and environmental stewardship. 

When asked which of Pāmu values resonates most, Sam doesn't choose just one — he relates to them all: 

Grounded through practical, real solutions to problems, Genuine in relationships and commitments to his role, Shoulder-to-Shoulder working alongside farming operations to see essential tasks through to completion, Bold in leadership, decision-making, and speaking up for the ngāhere 

This combination shapes how Sam operates: solving problems practically, building authentic relationships, working collaboratively, and having the courage to make decisions that protect and enhance the forests under his care. 

One of Sam's proudest achievements has been putting together a Pāmu-dedicated pruning crew, creating new business opportunities and a secured work programme for a young team of workers. Watching them develop their knowledge and seeing their performance grow while delivering real value to both the ngāhere and the farms — represents exactly the kind of positive impact Sam values most. 

What makes him proud at Pāmu? Leading the farm and forestry industry with bold but calculated decisions that push boundaries while staying grounded in what's practical and sustainable. 

When Sam thinks about the next five years, he sees himself tackling new challenges within Pāmu. The business faces potential harvesting challenges on the horizon, and Sam knows this is where his deepest expertise lies. 

It's a vision that combines passion with practicality — moving toward the work he loves most while providing strategic value to the organisation during a critical period. 

Sam Cairns represents a new generation of forestry professionals who understand that managing the ngāhere isn't just about timber production. It's about stewardship, sustainability, and caring for the land in ways that honour both its productivity and its place in the wider environment. With his hands-on experience, strategic thinking, and genuine passion for trees, Sam is helping shape how Pāmu forestry operations balance present needs with future responsibilities.