Forest Talk

Port Nelson’s 2024 financial year results show a dividend of $4.5 million and initiatives that reinforce its commitment to sustainable growth and regional prosperity amidst challenging national and international trading conditions, says Chief Executive, Hugh Morrison.

“Port Nelson’s purpose is to facilitate regional prosperity. Delivering a $4.5 million dividend for the benefit of our local community is a priority here at the Port, considering the po..... more

Back in 1970, Tapio Kajavala was a tree planter in Murupara who shot deer on the weekends to sell. His wife was a night shift nurse and together they saved up the deposit for a new Clark 664 log skidder. From there they progressed to full-sized log skidders, haulers and dozers with arches, running the first crew to harvest in Tarawera Forest.

Many will have followed son Jacob Kajavala’s story as he changed the business model to the superskid system w..... more

A key connection was all it took for Silviculture Crew Manager, Patrick (Paddy) Aislabie, to shift into the world of forestry after many years in teaching. 

During his time working casually for Ace of Spades Contracting in Papamoa, Paddy’s potential was soon recognised by Director Cain McKenzie, who saw the value in his teaching background.

“I wasn’t sure if I was doing the right thing,” Paddy admits, reflecting on his shift from education..... more

Government has successfully removed trade barriers affecting nearly $190 million worth of exports to help grow the economy, says Minister for Trade and Agriculture, Todd McClay.

“In the past year, we have resolved 14 Non Tariff Barriers (NTBs), returning significant value to kiwi exporters. These efforts directly boost our trade value and make it easier for businesses to expand into key international markets,” Mr McClay says.

“Returning value t..... more

This country's leadership tells us burning natural gas emits less greenhouse gases than other fossil fuels! Going by Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon's quotes to the media, it’s a simple matter of exchanging natural gas for coal to solve our energy problems, says forestry stalwart, jim Childerstone. 

Mr Luxon goes on... "The bottom line is, less gas means more coal. More coal means higher emissions because coal has around twice the carbon inten..... more

The Government Low Emissions Heavy Vehicle Fund (LEHVF) recently announced will help the road transport industry’s transition to clean technologies says National Road Carriers Association (NRC) GM Policy & Advocacy, James Smith.

He says moving to a low emissions model is challenging for the freight sector for various reasons including infrastructure limitations with charging stations or hydrogen refuelling, high initial costs of electric or hydrogen ..... more