Forest Talk

Gavin Wilson of Havard Logging in Masterton was so impressed when he bought the first in the world Hitachi ZX400L-7G  that he got busy and bought the second one in the world as well, says Iron Test writer Tim Benseman.

He continues: “Gavin started out at Havard Logging straight from school in 1985 and, along with his wife Donna, bought the company in 2021. With a fleet of 18 Hitachi’s (23 if including subcontractors) it’s fair to say Havard Logg..... more

A fungus discovered in 2020 can process wood and agricultural waste more effectively than traditional commercial enzymes – helping transition forestry into a high-value manufacturing sector, according to new Bioeconomy Science Institute research.

The fungus, Penicillium rotoruae, was discovered as a new species growing on radiata pine in the “timber graveyard” at Scion – now part of the Bioeconomy Science Institute – and named after Rotorua..... more

“Wood energy is the largest untapped ready-to-use source of energy across New Zealand, far bigger than many oil fields. This recognition from Government will encourage the use of wood energy to address the emerging energy supply crisis,” says Executive Officer of the Bioenergy Association, Brian Cox, in response to recent Government recognition of bioenergy being an important part of New Zealand’s future energy mix.

Minister for Climate Change, Simon..... more

“The government's consulting on modernising outdated land transport rules is long overdue and welcomed by National Road Carriers Association (NRC). It will start to get rid of unnecessary red tape that trips up transport operators and thereby help dial up supply chain productivity and safety,” says NRC GM Policy and Advocacy, James Smith. 

Minister of Transport, Chris Bishop, announced last month that public consultation has begun on:

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This month NZ Logger meets up with Ngahere Oho’s Cherie Rangiahua. With 30-plus years in forestry, her history dates back to her great-grandfather, Hamuera Rangiahua. He worked for the Fletcher Timber Company, which would later become Fletcher Challenge in Ruatāhuna.

She says her father, Lucky Rangiahua, used to share stories of carrying his father’s gas tin for him as an eight-year-old, starting his own forestry journey.

Lucky’s offic..... more

A new partnership between Northland Inc and Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University is set to strengthen education, research, and innovation opportunities across Te Tai Tokerau’s food and fibre sector, with the signing of a Waka Hourua (Heads of Agreement) in Whangārei earlier this month.

The agreement, signed by Northland Inc Board Chair, Suzanne Duncan, and Massey University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Jan Thomas, signals a shared commitment to bu..... more