Te Puke tree climber representing NZ

Te Puke tree climber Andy Neverman in action. Image: YouTube.

Local man Andy Neverman is among five New Zealanders vying for a world title in tree climbing this week.

More than 60 of the world's best male and female professional tree climbers representing 18 countries will compete for the title of world champion at the International Tree Climbing Championship from July 28 -30 at the U.S. National Arboretum in Washington, D.C.

Others representing New Zealand include Chrissy Spence (Morrinsville) 2016 Women's Champion and four-time ITCC winner; Nicky Ward-Allen (Eltham, Taranaki); Stef White (Hamilton); and Scott Forrest (Auckland).

The International Society of Arboriculture provides training and education on safe work practices for tree care providers, especially for those working aloft. The ITCC will showcase arborists in action and help educate consumers about professional tree work, and the training and expertise it requires to be done safely. Organized by ISA and presented by The Davey Tree Expert Company, the event is free and open to the public.

'With safety as one of our core values, Davey is proud to be the presenting sponsor of ITCC,” says Davey Tree vice president Sandra Reid. 'The competing climbers demonstrate not only magnificent skill and technique, but also extreme attention to safety and its importance in arboriculture. ISA has cultivated an environment of both competition and education around the ITCC, and we are proud to be associated with this event.”

The ITCC begins with the climbers competing in five preliminary events, before the competition wraps up with the Masters' Challenge championship round, sponsored by Husqvarna, where the male and female competitors with the highest scores from preliminaries move on to compete for the title of World Champion.

Competitors earn the opportunity to compete at the ITCC by winning local and regional competitions held by ISA chapters and associate organizations.

A three-day Arbor Fair and Expo provides additional opportunities for children and adults to learn about the benefits of trees through such activities as the Limb Walk and Fun Climb, discovering secrets about trees from Professor Elwood Pricklethorn, wildlife rescue educational displays, live music and more.

Along with watching the ITCC, these additional activities highlight safe, proper tree work practices and the skills it takes to care for trees.

This event is followed by the ISA Annual International Conference and Trade Show at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center running Sunday, July 30 through Wednesday, August 2. Having the two events together provides an opportunity for ISA members attending the conference, and local groups, like the host chapter Mid-Atlantic ISA, to interact with the public about the benefits of trees and the importance of proper tree care.

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