Forest Talk

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.

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Penske Australia & New Zealand has appointed Stephen Kelly as the General Manager of its Penske New Zealand business.

Having joined Penske in November, Mr Kelly brings vast senior leadership experience across dealership, sales, parts and service operations.

In his role, he will oversee all New Zealand branch operations, including energy solutions, mining, commercial vehicles, defence, marine and rail, and he will continue to be based at Penske’..... more

This month’s Iron Test takes place in the Kaingaroa Forest, just off the Million Dollar Highway between Murupara and Kawerau, where the Thomassen crew is operating.  The target is the robust and powerful looking John Deere 953M, coupled with a New Zealand-made Quadco QB4400 fixed felling head.

The 9 litre, 330HP, John Deere is running three hydraulic pumps, 532 litres per minute (l/min), 114 l/min and 135 l/min. It impresses with its seamless po..... more

This month our Iron Test team visits the Mangatu Block to test Hill Logging's new Sany 245F fitted with a Falcon Winch Assist financed by TDF Solutions.

The 245F is powered by a 6.37 litre, 147kw/297HP Mitsubishi engine with two Kawasaki hydraulic pumps, pushing 260 litres per minute each pump. Agility and fuel efficiency are two of the standouts noted so far by its owners.

The geography of the test site under the lee of the main Raukumara Rang..... more

Just four months after being declared clinically dead, Kiwi axeman Kahu Woolley is back on the chopping block this weekend – literally.

Australian-based Woolley makes an emotional return to home soil this week - at the STIHL TIMBERSPORTS® New Zealand Nationals - for the first time since suffering a near-fatal heart attack mid-competition in Victoria last November.

The 44-year-old mechanic was brought back to life multiple times after collapsing..... more