Forest Talk

Autumn has been open day season for dealers and manufacturers across the central North Island.

First cab off the rank was Warataha’s Tokoroa factory. The open day doubled as the signing off of Waratah’s two latest design projects - the 628HX harvester head and the FL90 felling head, which were both on display.

Waratah is owned by John Deere and the parent company’s Vice President of Worldwide Forestry, Mary Pat Tubb, was there.

“The turno..... more

The recent Innovatek Environmental Forestry Conference highlighted both old and new environmental challenges faced by the forestry industry, from pest control to the impact, benefits and value of long term forestry experiments.

Pre-conference, there was a morning workshop looking at recent regulatory changes.

To start the conference proper, James Newman’s keynote address covered last year’s Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment (PCE) r..... more

Hundreds of Canterbury students and teachers recently explored the world of forestry through Discover Forestry’s  Wood is Good days and Grow Me bus trips, gaining first-hand experience of the people, processes and technology that drive the sector.  The interactive days allow students and teachers to engage directly with foresters, logging trucks, drones, measurement and science, giving them a deeper appreciation for the work behind the wood we us..... more

The forest has always been a special place for Kiana Sayer-White. And with her father, Aaron, and older brother, Kasey, being in the industry, you could say forestry is in her blood.

But throughout her early years of school, that wasn’t where she was heading. For a long time, she planned a future in farming. Despite being accepted for university, the love of the forest kept chipping away at Kiana, and towards the end of school, she decided to try and..... more

There is still time to nominate outstanding native forest initiatives for the 2026 Growing Native Forest Champions Awards, but only just, with nominations closing on Friday 17 April.

Now in their second year, the awards recognise individuals and organisations leading the establishment and restoration of native forests across New Zealand. They celebrate practical, on‑the‑ground efforts that support biodiversity, strengthen land resilience, and deliver..... more

OneFortyOne and Port Nelson are the new naming sponsors for the 2026 Top of the South Wood Council Forestry Awards.

Taking place on 31 July at the Trafalgar Centre, Nelson, the flagship biennial event celebrates excellence, innovation and leadership across the forestry sector in Te Tauihu (top of the South Island).

Top of the South Wood Council Chairman, Steve Chandler, says the partnership marks an exciting step forward for the awards.

“..... more