Forest Talk

Log exports had a slow start to the year however, the sector recovered to return to forecasted volumes ahead of a market slowdown in June, the recovery contributing to Port Nelson’s resilient 2023 financial year results. Despite challenging trading conditions the Port achieved a $4 million dividend for the community.

Underlying Net Profit after Tax result (NPAT) (excluding one-offs and property valuations) was $7.7 million, down $0.1m on the budget p..... more

“Everyone wins when we can support growth in our wood products sector and at the same time tackle our climate change challenges,” says Wood Processing and Manufacturers Association Chief Executive, Mark Ross of the 2023 Timber Design Awards held this month.  

“Collectively the winning projects shine a light on the role that wood construction can play to increase the demand for use of our domestically produced timber and addressing our sustainabi..... more

Safety-conscious organisations from New Zealand and Australia have been recognised for working hard to reduce incidents involving at-work drivers and vehicles during the ninth annual Australasian Fleet Champions Awards. 

The awards, run by Brake, the road safety charity and supported by Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, acknowledge companies and individuals who have implemented successful initiatives, products or services to tackle fleet safety. ..... more

The latest numbers released by Stats NZ this month show that unemployment increased from 3.6% to 3.9% in the September quarter. This brings the total number of unemployed New Zealanders to 118,000.

The Employers and Manufacturers Association (EMA) says the fact that unemployment continues to rise comes as no surprise given the conversations it has been having with its members, who are feeling the impact of a slowing economy.

EMA Head of Advocac..... more

Businesses involved in forestry, wood processing and log transport are being invited to take part in an ACC Recovery at Work trial.

The trial will identify and evaluate initiatives that make a difference to how well people working in these industries recover and return to work after an injury.

It will run for six months, from February to August 2024, and if successful, could be rolled out across the wider forestry, wood processing and log trans..... more

While New Zealand’s trade and tourism border security is among the strictest in the world to protect against unwanted pests and diseases, aerial invaders (insect and pathogen pests arriving by wind) are harder to control.  

Examples of such pests include myrtle rust and fall army worm.

Scion researchers are aiming to fix the aerial invader hole in the biosecurity net and have received investment funding of $10.85 million over five years th..... more