They're dotting the length and breadth of the Far North – fragile trees endangering homes and powerlines after being pounded by the surly summer weather earlier this year.
Turns out, though, those very trees are providing job opportunities — and specialist training — for the region's rangatahi, and at the same time benefiting the elderly and low-income families.
In short, hundreds — and potentially thousands — of trees that pose a threat to properties and power supplies are being felled and cut up for firewood, which is then given away to those in need.
Two crews of workers are traversing the Far North led by qualified forestry supervisors, who instruct the young people to enhance their work skills.
Devante Hita, 18, is one of those newcomers who's gaining valuable experience working alongside his forestry veteran father, Verran.
Working just off State Highway 1 near Mangamuka, Devante said he was loving his new-found mahi.
"This is fantastic. I'm learning about chainsawing and techniques with the axe and wood splitters," he said.
"I really enjoy working with whānau. It's good vibes with lots of positive energy."
Verran said he was impressed with Devante's work ethic and his eagerness to get busy.
"It's actually good father and son bonding," he said.
"It's been a struggle trying to get him into a job.
"He's learned heaps and there's more to learn — so much more."
The funded work scheme — which has the support of the Far North, Kaipara and Whangārei district councils and the region's Emergency Management Group — is a spinoff from the Enhanced Taskforce Green programme.
LJ Walker, one of the scheme's managers, said it was "so much more than a project".
"This is a kaupapa that delivers on so many levels. I see teamwork, dedication and knowing what their purpose is, what their 'why' is," Walker said.
"It's a privilege to work alongside and help the community in the way that we do."
Louis Walters is one of the workers improving his forestry skills and, at the same time, getting satisfaction out of helping the wider community.
"We are a crew of all sorts, to be honest, but we all come together as one unit," he said.
"We wake up every morning with aspirations to do better, be better, worker harder."
He said he signed up for the scheme in a bid to shrug off his "bit of a naughty past" and it had made him feel better about himself.
Seven Sharp was with the crew when they delivered a free trailer load of firewood to a kuia and her brother.
"I'm sorry that I am crying but it's tears of joy to see all of you come in with love and bringing this firewood into our whare," she said, becoming emotional.
"I just want to say thank you, thank you so much from our whānau.
"We will never forget what you have done for us today."
Along with cutting up and delivering firewood, the workers are also helping remove fallen trees from rivers and creeks, and assisting farmers to dispose of downed trees.
"I'm having awesome fun with awesome people and I'm proud of our mahi," Devante said.
The work programme is expected to run for at least two years.
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