Students across Canterbury, Bay of Plenty, Tairāwhiti and Hawke’s Bay have experienced first-hand the people, technology and opportunities that make New Zealand’s forestry sector such a vital contributor to the country’s economy and communities.

With the support of forestry companies, contractors and log trucking operators, nine primary schools welcomed foresters and truck drivers into their classrooms and playgrounds to share the message that Wood is Good and Pine is Fine through the Discover Forestry programmes. Students learned about sustainable forestry, timber products, tree measurement and the many career pathways available throughout the sector.

Schools visited included Te Pohue, Putorino, Poukawa and Tutira in Hawke’s Bay, Tai Tapu, Lyttelton, Fairlie Primary and Winchester Rural School in Canterbury and Matawai School in Tairāwhiti. The enthusiasm shown by students and industry volunteers highlighted the value of making forestry visible to young people.

Discover Forestry extends a huge “thank you” to the foresters who shared their knowledge and experience, representing Matariki Forests, Pan Pac, Forest360, Ernslaw One and Port Blakely. Their commitment helps inspire the next generation to consider careers in one of New Zealand’s most important industries.

Special recognition also goes to the trucking companies and drivers, who brought forestry to life by allowing students to climb into log trucks, sound the horns and learn about the critical role transport plays in the forestry supply chain. These experiences create lasting connections between young people and the industry.

For secondary students, forestry was showcased at the Whakatāne and Hawke’s Bay Careers Expos, where interactive displays, tree-felling gear challenges and forestry-themed activities attracted strong interest and plenty of laughter.

There was also a successful Grow Me Bus Trip to Castle Peak Forest in Hawke’s Bay. Students from Napier Boys’ High School learned practical forestry skills including logging, planting, pruning, tree assessment and forest measurement, thanks to the team from Forest Management New Zealand and ATS Logging. A visit to Napier Pine Sawmill allowed a demonstration of the advanced technology and innovation that drive New Zealand’s wood processing sector.

These initiatives continue to demonstrate the forestry sector’s commitment to developing future talent and ensuring young New Zealanders understand the important role forestry plays in New Zealand’s prosperity.