Forest Talk

The announcement of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between New Zealand and India, which eliminates tariffs on over 95% of forestry and wood exports to over 1.4 billion Indian consumers, offers new opportunities for Kiwi forest owners and wood processors in a significant growth market says the New Zealand Forest Owners Association.



“The New Zealand-India FTA is a big win for all New Zealand exporters, but especially those in the forestry space,” says ..... more

Bans and restrictions on outdoor fires came into force across most of Marlborough, Nelson and Tasman this week.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand is introducing the measures in response to the increasing risk of wildfire. District Manager, Grant Haywood, says the top of the south is experiencing high fire danger due to the hot and dry weather and has asked the whole community to do their bit to prevent fires.

"Fires will start and spread very easi..... more

Rounding a corner in the sand dunes to see a new 350 horsepower Timberpro forwarder certainly makes an 11 hour drive to the Far North worthwhile, says Iron Test writer, Tim Benseman: “It’s a monster of a machine. The design engineers must have had a great time getting this beast into production.”

He continues: “The crew at Subritzky Clark Logging is a small one with just three operators but these keen young men comprehend the advantage of big gear an..... more

The launch of a new government multimedia platform is set to help New Zealand businesses address chronic workforce shortages by enabling greater participation of disabled workers.

The move comes as the manufacturing, engineering and logistics industries, including wood manufacturing, prepare for an economic recovery and with rising demand for skilled labour driven by record levels of infrastructure investment and an ongoing exodus to Australia. The G..... more

The delivery of the latest Komatsu 951XC harvester to Rodwell Logging of Bomballa New South Wales (NSW), last June marked the 40th anniversary of purpose-built wheel harvesters. Komatsu’s long-standing history in this field began with its acquisition of the Swedish forest machine manufacturer Partek Forest AB, which originated from the Valmet brand, a pioneer in modern harvester design.

Valmet Logging AB released the first Valmet 901 harvester in Swe..... more

With nearly 600,000 cubic metres of large woody debris removed from river catchments and beaches across the Gisborne region since Cyclone Gabrielle, significant progress continues to be made to reduce woody debris risks.

Final work to address remaining debris in rivers in the Ūawa, Waiapu, Waipaoa and Northern catchments will get underway in early 2026. Work to scope the remaining 4km of the lower Waimatā River (from the Cheese Factory to the William..... more