Forest Talk

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), New Zealand’s environmental regulator charged with ‘protecting the environment and enhancing a safe and sustainable way of life’, may need to cut one in five roles.

In a response to Government spending cuts, the EPA is proposing to cut a net 42 roles, including 21 currently vacant, representing around one in five roles across the authority as it looks to cut spending by $2.1m.

"This is just the late..... more

A major employer has been forced to put a two-week “operational pause” in place across its sites.

Ruapehu’s Karioi pulpmill and Tangiwai sawmill are under a two-week “operational pause”. 

Employing close on 300 staff, the mills are operated by Winstone Pulp International.

Chief Executive, Mike Ryan says energy prices are the main driver behind the move.

“Since September 2021, energy prices have increased more than 600% - from $..... more

Official figures show alcohol and drugs are the number one contributing factor in fatal road crashes in New Zealand. In 2022 alcohol and drugs were contributors to 200 fatal crashes on our roads. Despite this, only 26% of drivers think they are likely to be caught drug driving. 

Government’s new legislation to enable roadside drug testing will reduce drug-related road accidents, reduce injuries, save taxpayer money, and most importantly, save li..... more

Scion has launched a new interactive learning app designed to empower rangatahi (young people) and communities with knowledge about myrtle rust.

Developed with a focus on accessibility and engagement, the ‘E heke e Heka!’ app combines innovative technology with culturally relevant content in both Te Reo Māori and English, for a diverse audience aged 12 and above.

Students from three kura (Whakarewarewa School, Te Rangihakahaka Centre for Scienc..... more

According to the Climate Forestry Association (CFA) the blame for the failure of last month’s Emission Trading Scheme (ETS) auction can be laid squarely at the feet of the Climate Change Commission along with the previous Labour Green Government - reflecting a series of manufactured crises rather than a fundamental issue with the market.

The quarterly ETS auction failed to attract any bids, following a partial clearance of units in March – raising $1..... more

It’s obvious somebody is doing something very different with this Komatsu PC300FX at PJ and DA Stephens Logging Contractors Taupo, and judging by the glowing report that owner and part-time operator, Pete Stephens, has on this machine, different is Very good, says Iron Test writer, Tim Benseman.  

He continues: “As great operators get harder to come by, it's critical that cabs become better places to work and cooling is a key component to air qu..... more