Forest Talk

Nelson has the opportunity to pivot to a 21st Century approach to forestry says carbon management company Ekos’ CEO Dr Sean Weaver, speaking at the public forum for the Nelson City Council meeting on the Adoption of Forestry Activity Management Plan last month.

“Nelson is looking down the barrel of massive risk to ratepayer property and infrastructure from extreme weather events that promise to get worse under a changing climate,” Mr Weaver said.

“We need to..... more

OneFortyOne has committed to invest $11 million dollars in its Kaituna Sawmill over the next three years.

General Manager of Kaituna Sawmill Tracy Goss says the investment consists of three major projects to increase the sawmill’s drying and treating capacity.

“By purchasing new equipment, we will be able to extract greater value from each log, meaning more local timber can be produced for New Zealand’s housing market.

“With an improvement in our proce..... more

Penske New Zealand has added another string to its bow, welcoming DEUTZ engines to its product portfolio.

Representing the complete DEUTZ product range, Penske New Zealand will further strengthen its off-highway offering, particularly in the energy solutions, agriculture, marine, and construction applications. 

“DEUTZ’s range of efficient, reliable, and high performing engines and power systems will perfectly complement our current mtu portfoli..... more

Commercial forests and climate change are regularly cited as contributors to an increase in unwanted rural fires in New Zealand. However, evidence suggests other factors are exacerbating the causes and impacts of fires says the New Zealand Institute of Forestry (NZIF).  It is calling for current Crown land management policies to be re-examined to improve prevention rather than cure. 

For the past decade throughout New Zealand, significant unwanted fires ..... more

With robotics and automation set to replace 465 of day jobs by 2040, a new national strategy has been launched to grow the New Zealand sector that currently employs around 3200 people and generates $1 billion in annual revenue.

The New Zealand Robotics, Automation and Sensing (NZRAS) network has released a roadmap for the industry, funded by Kiwinet, NZRAS researchers and Callaghan Innovation, that says a common vision for the sector is vital for New Zealand to pr..... more

Log prices were at near record levels early in 2021, but late last year sunk to lows not seen since 2015.

As a result the amount of logs heading to ports slowed significantly, with many harvesting crews being told to work at a reduced capacity, or down tools.

Forest Owners Association (FOA) President, Phil Taylor, says a "perfect storm" caused the sudden drop in prices. This included reduced processing capacity at sawmills in China and significant increases ..... more