All our products are made from commercially grown Pinus Radiata logs. Pinus Radiata makes up about 90% of NZ’s plantation forests and is a sustainably grown resource.The majority of our posts logs are sourced from our own forest, Apiti, and from Kaingaroa Timberlands’ processing plant in Kaingaroa forest. The logs for our poles and piles are nearly all sourced from Kaingaroa Timberlands’ processing plant. This processing plant is unrivalled for supplying quality logs in large volumes. It enables us to supply large projects within a relatively short timeframe.
At the centre of our post operation we have two remotely operated modified Morbark post peelers. Most post peeling operations in New Zealand have the operator standing at the in-feed end of the peeler. However, at Hautapu Pine the operator is positioned in a cabin, which is slightly elevated and directly in front of the post peeler. The operator can clearly see the whole length of the post as it is being peeled and so this enables him to better gauge the depth to peel the log and to get a clean, even finish.
Having the operator in a room also provides a better working environment for him to concentrate on the peeling – it is much quieter and safer in the room and the operator is seated which reduces fatigue.
The posts are split into halves and quarters using a band saw, which has a much thinner cut than a circular saw.
The finished products are fed onto a slowly rotating circular table. The slow movement of the table means that the graders are under no pressure to grade quickly and it also gives them time to assess the post for any deformities.
All these features of our production process contribute to the manufacture of quality roundwood.
Once the posts are counted and strapped, they are ready for steaming and treating.
Poles are peeled over a Morbark pole peeler. After peeling all poles are individually measured, graded and assessed for defects.
High category poles are tested on our strength tester in accordance with NZS 3605. The results are recorded for each pole and the pole is given a unique identifying number.All poles are strapped and then steamed and treated.
Hautapu Pine has a highly efficient pile mill. Selected logs are fed into the mill and make two passes through circular saws to become squares. The full length then moves to the docking station, where the operator assesses the square for deformities before deciding what lengths to dock the square into.
Our anchor piles are tested at Scion, New Zealand’s leading Crown Research Institute in forestry, in accordance with NZS 3605:2001.
Every pile is stacked, labelled and strapped before being steamed and treated.
The steaming process prepares the wood for preservative treatment. All product is placed in a steaming cylinder and is slowly brought up to over 120o C and is held at pressure for 4-16 hours depending on the diameter of the wood. The pressure is then suddenly released, and this process removes water as well as opening up pathways for the preservative treatment to enter into.
All steam produced for this process is created from a wood waste boiler which is fuelled on the waste produced from our production processes.
Radiata Pine is classed as a non-durable wood species. Radiata Pine wood products require treatment with preservative to provide long term durability. The most effective preservative for providing durability in outdoor applications is CCA. CCA preservative is made up of Copper, Chromium and Arsenic and it protects the wood against fungi and insects.
Hautapu Pine can treat products to the H3.2, H4, H5, and H6 hazard classes. We use Arxada’s Tanalith CCA wood preservation chemical, most commonly known by the “Tanalised” trademark. Tanalith CCA has a 50 year guarantee against decay for all products treated H3.2, H4 or H5.
The key aspect to ensuring that products have a long life-span is to ensure the steaming and treating processes are conducted correctly.
The staff at our treating plant are carefully trained in the processes and we have an internal monitoring programme to ensure the correct treatment of wood is achieved. In addition, Hautapu Pine engages Grade Right NZ Ltd under the “Treat Right” programme to independently audit its treatment processes.
Grade Right NZ Ltd is an Independent Verification Agency (IVA) qualified to assist and audit companies producing treated timber products. An auditor from Grade Right NZ Ltd visits our site on a quarterly basis and inspects our treatment plant processes and testing plan, and also tests samples of treated products to ensure compliance with National Treatment Standards.
Belonging to Grade Right NZ Ltd’s “Treat Right” programme provides our customers with reassurance that they are buying products which comply with the treatment standards.
Hautapu Pine is a large specialist producer of fence posts, poles, and house piles.
To find out more, call or email us today.
Phone:
06 388 1264
Email:
enquiries@hautapupine.co.nz
Location:
State Highway 1, Taihape
Postal Address:
PO Box 310, Taihape,4742