Forest Talk

A new tax incentive, “Investment Boost”, that allows businesses to immediately deduct 20% of the costs of new assets (or second-hand assets purchased from overseas) – such as machinery, equipment, tools and buildings – from taxable income on top of the existing depreciation write-offs, came into effect last month. This can also be applied to investments that were started before the 22 May, if they are available for use the first time after that date.

Janus Electric Holdings, the pioneering Australian manufacturer of electric truck conversion systems and swappable battery infrastructure, commenced trading on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) last month, marking a major milestone in the commercialisation of zero-emission transport technology.

Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Janus Electric, Lex Forsyth, says following a successful $8.8 million capital raise, backed by a group of instit..... more

In a landmark acquisition, forestry and sawmill business, OneFortyOne, has taken ownership of the former New Forests-managed Limestone Coast plantation forestry estate. This marks a significant milestone in Australian forestry investment. 

OneFortyOne CEO, Wendy Norris, says the acquisition represents the first investment in forestry of this scale by an Australian company, in the past decade.  

“We are thrilled to expand our Green Tri..... more

In an unpleasant surprise for the freight industry, Auckland Council-owned Port of Auckland has announced that Port access charges for road transport operators in 2026 will be increased by 77%.

“The Port’s previously announced 35% increase for 2026 charges has already been baked in by port customers and transport operators, so a doubling in that planned increase has been a bitter pill to swallow,” says Justin Tighe-Umbers, Chief Executive of the Nati..... more

When our Iron Test team arrives at A&R Logging’s Patutahi swing yarder operation, the recently upgraded i.Log Madill 124 is pulling logs downhill. The team is testing two machines – the Madill upgraded by i.Log and Shaw’s and A&R Logging’s new 40-tonne Sany SY415HGW Pro running a Woodsman Pro 850 processor.

Iron Test writer, Tim Benseman, continues: “I don’t know a heck of a lot about yarders, being a shovel logger, but I do know if you’re going to h..... more

Forestry is at a crossroads in Gisborne as declining contractors, economic challenges and environmental scrutiny threaten the lifeline of this vital industry, says writer, Sophie Rishworth.

Five years ago, there were 22 towers in the region - 70 foot machines that get logs up hills. Today, only eight are left.

Three years ago, there were 118 forestry contractors (who employed teams) working in this region. Today, 36 are left.

The pandemic..... more