Hall of Fame

Meeting Annie, enjoying the industry, it’s a very challenging industry to be in with its constant changing rules and new developments.

I am in the background, letting the next generation lead the way.

Everybody is working together for the greater good in the sawmilling and forestry industry

I think we are around 100 employees at present, a mixture of men and woman and mostly community locals.

Surviving over fifty years in an evolving industry and world particularly in the last twenty years as expectations on business owners have increased significantly.

Without exception my wife, son Chris, and daughter Rebecca, have been on the same journey, luckily we all share the same outlook and sense of humour which has kept us grounded enough to take it how it comes in keeping the Murphy family together in business and in life. If you put more in than you take out I’ve found it makes you appreciate what you have and the respect of your peers.

My son Chris now owns the family business and my allocated role is SML Brand Ambassador. I am passionate about our company and sector and its great to be able to not be too PC and specific on issues but try to give thoughtful insights at times when needed. As we have a habit of repeating ourselves at times in business while not forwarding unsolicited advice, when there are two leaders there is no leader.

I will continue to promote our brand within our sector and support our local industry whenever needed and role fill as the company needs.
I have always enjoyed the challenges of projects and still do so Chris enables me to fluff about the place restoring classic- trucks fixing up old machines and generally keeping engaged.

SML is established as the regions primary logistics and transport service. Canterbury being home base but always looking for opportunity to maintain sensible business through put to enable service level consistency. We have a great rapport with other regions operators and network to ensure resources are balanced and industry issues/pressures shared. SML will continue to be a big part of the Canterbury forestry sector supporting and evolving with customers, resource and markets under Chris’s leadership and his commitment to our industry at a national level.

I am proud of our achievements and will continue to support the business in my role as Ambassador, driver, or whatever the job may be on the day while still having time out with Jill and the family.

I’ve always focused on creating strong working relationships with staff, contractors, customers and other industry and community stakeholders. I particularly enjoyed my time at either ends of my career with the Forest Service and with Rayonier culminating in various leadership and management roles. My last dual role as Canterbury Regional Manager / General Manager of Operations for Rayonier Matariki Forests was a highlight in my Industry career.

I’ve been retired now for just over a year but still take a keen interest on what’s happening in the forest and timber processing industry.

I enjoy getting involved in community activities both on the home front and professionally, it’s satisfying to give your time in this space and on the work front to be seen as a good corporate citizen especially where we were able to promote our industry with educational groups in particular.