Forest Talk

The Pasifika Medical Association's (PMA) Medical Assistance Team (PACMAT) has completed its deployment in the Hawke's Bay Region, having supported a large population of Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) workers in the region with primary care, psychosocial and mental health support, following the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle.

Since the 21st February 2023, the team visited orchards, RSE accommodation sites, churches and l..... more

“Green hydrogen is one of the best alternatives to fossil fuels, which is why it is a key factor in the Government’s net zero emissions by 2050 scenario,” says University of Canterbury Chemical and Process Engineering (CAPE) PhD student, Jhulimar Castro.

She is part of a team led by Professor Shusheng Pang that has been working on experimental research to convert wood biomass including pine trees, forest and wood process residues as well as forest sl..... more

Reprioritising the Government’s Transport Strategy to focus on productivity, freight movement and reconnecting communities will be good for business, says the Employers and Manufacturers Association (EMA).

Chief Executive, Brett O’Riley, says the lack of resilience in the country’s infrastructure during the Anniversary Weekend flooding and Cyclone Gabrielle brought this into even sharper focus.

"It’s highlighted how crucial it is to keep many c..... more

Ross Lockyer, now in his late 70s, spent his working life living and working in the forestry and logging industry in remote locations of South-East Asia and the Pacific, including Papua New Guinea, Irian Jaya/West Papua, Borneo, Sumatra, Burma, Thailand, The Philippines, Kiribati and others.

With a gung-ho approach to life, Ross threw himself into his work and immersed himself in the local cultures and communities wherever he went, learning the langu..... more

“We cannot stop cyclones from coming, but we can reduce our vulnerability to them. This will need to include sustainable land management in our erodible catchments so that we do not repeat past mistakes,” says environmental forestry consultant Dr Sean Weaver. 

“Extreme weather events like Cyclone Gabrielle are coming to stay and we absolutely need to get ready for them. This means the right land use for the land in question. In many erosion-pron..... more

While staff and contractors remain focussed on the immediate response to Cyclone Gabrielle, the Eastland Wood Council (EWC) is continuing to advocate for its members’ workforces.

Members of the Council met with Government Ministers to discuss the challenges facing the industry in Tairāwhiti, as well the priorities.  

EWC Chairperson, Neil Woods, says it was a productive meeting: “There was plenty of discussion about opportunities too, how ..... more