Forest Talk

The Forestry Hub at Fieldays, opened by Forestry Minister, Stuart Nash, drew plenty of attention earlier this month. Farm Forestry Association President, Graham West, says the farm forestry section of the hub had a team of practical experts on hand to provide advice on how to use a range of tree species, also demonstrating a new tree crop planning web-tool called Treefarmer.  

Forest Owners Association President, Grant Dodson, adds that forestry..... more

At 9.5 metres long and 285 horsepower, the Tigercat 635H is one big mother of a skidder. And big is what Tainui Logging owner Phil Hemopo was looking for when he planned this new machine purchase a bit over a year ago.

“You know you are on to a good thing when a machine is out of stock and you need to order it a year in advance,” he says. 

“Here in central Kaingaroa the Douglas fir blocks we harvest have a smaller and lighter piece size th..... more

The name Henry Fear is synonymous with innovation in New Zealand forestry circles. Whether it be as an early disruptor in silviculture with mechanical planters; introducing ‘smart spades’ which identify exactly where to plant a tree seedling; or hydrogel to extend the planting season, where there’s transformation, you’ll find Henry in the thick of it. His latest project is no exception. The Kobelco BR 160, aka the Bladerunner, using an MDE Koala 400 Tree S..... more

The Government’s recent announcement to increase onshore fuel holdings to 21 days for diesel is a significant step forward, says the National Road Carriers Association (NRC). 

NRC CEO, Justin Tighe-Umbers, says onshore fuel holdings are a critical part of our domestic supply chain resilience. 

“Ninety-three per cent of our goods are delivered via diesel trucks, including the critical exports that pay our way such as logging, dairy and..... more

A wildfire at Lake Tekapo earlier this month, fanned by extremely strong winds, has burnt through a range of vegetation on privately-owned land, including forestry, farmland and wilding pines.  

The fire prompted a strong warning for landowners to make sure any old land management fires are completely extinguished.

Fire and Emergency Incident Controller, Steve Ochsner, says the fire was reported at 2.45am, very close to the Tekapo Power St..... more

A Christchurch scientist whose pioneering research is making work safer for people on the frontline of forestry and rural firefighting has been recognised by his peers at Scion.

Richard Parker has received the Roger Newman Award for Science or Engineering Excellence – one of 12 awards presented to more than 30 Scion staff during the Crown Research Institute’s (CRI) 2022 Employee Recognition Awards.

The awards coincide with Scion’s 75th annivers..... more