Hundreds of Canterbury students and teachers recently explored the world of forestry through Discover Forestry’s Wood is Good days and Grow Me bus trips, gaining first-hand experience of the people, processes and technology that drive the sector. The interactive days allow students and teachers to engage directly with foresters, logging trucks, drones, measurement and science, giving them a deeper appreciation for the work behind the wood we use every day.
At Sefton Primary School, the Discover Forestry team, with Emma and Gurmaan from Matariki Forests, showed students how forestry links to science and mathematics. Steve Murphy Transport took along a logging truck and taught students about the safety considerations of logging trucks, including their blind spots, a lesson that had students thinking carefully about road safety. The day ended with a highlight for many – a drone demonstration that left the students fascinated.
The following day at Darfield Primary School, forester Aaron, along with University of Canterbury School of Forestry student Rylee and the Discover Forestry team, talked forestry with the students while Jess from T Croft Ltd let students explore his logging truck.
Day three saw 27 students from Rangiora High School visit Sulphur Springs Forest, where Corban and Leith, from Forest Managers Ltd, guided them through practical measurement activities. Meanwhile, the Davaar Logging crew demonstrated mechanical falling and harvesting. The day ended at the Daikin MDF plant, giving students a complete view of how logs become processed wood products.
The programmes highlight the vital role of forestry in New Zealand’s economy, while inspiring the next generation to consider careers in the sector. By connecting students with real-life foresters, forestry operations and wood processing, Discover Forestry makes learning both engaging and meaningful, showing that forestry is science, maths, technology, people, innovation and community.
