RANGITUKIA-based forestry company Rewi Haulage Ltd, operated by Chubb and Agnes Rewi and family, have been named finalists in the primary industries Good Employer awards.

The awards, run by the Ministry for Primary Industries, recognise the work employers do to promote the food and fibres sector as a great place to work.

MPI deputy director-general Karen Adair said the past 12 months had been tough on employers, but the awards finalists had shown passion, innovation and commitment to the food and fibres sector that deserved to be acknowledged.

“Our food and fibres sector plays a vital role in the recovery of our economy. Our people are our most important resource, and the finalists have all demonstrated that they're putting their people first.”

Rewi Haulage have been named finalists in the Maori Agribusiness category, one of four categories.

“It's pretty overwhelming to be honest,” said company operator and director Chubb Rewi.

“It's certainly something positive for the East Coast and for forestry.”

His company trucks logs down to Eastland Port from Te Araroa, working down the whole coast.

“We have nine of our own trucks and we employ 12 subcontracted owner-drivers as well,” Chubb said.

“We've been operating since 2014.”

The winners will be announced at Parliament in Wellington on April 12.