Wāhine in Forestry has launched a new mentorship programme. The idea of the programme is to connect women studying forestry with women working across the sector.

The goal is simple: create practical, supportive connections that help students learn from real careers, real experiences and real people in forestry. Students gain insight into career pathways and industry realities. Mentors have the opportunity to give back and help shape the next generation entering the sector.

The organisation is in search of women working in forestry, across roles including forest management, harvesting, GIS and spatial analysis, forest planning, carbon and sustainability, wood supply and logistics, forest technology, consulting, research and leadership to be part of the programme.

It is not a formal coaching programme. It’s about sharing experience, asking questions and building confidence for a career in forestry.

Students must be studying forestry or a related discipline at university.  For students and mentors wanting to be part of the programme, there is a short registration form to fill in. The Wāhine in Forestry team will then review and match participants based on interests, experience, and goals.

An introduction email will then connect matches.  The idea is for there to be one conversation per month with the programme lasting around six months. Meetings can be online or in person. Sign-up at https://wahineinforestry.co.nz/mentorship-programme/

Wāhine in Forestry is also supporting the next generation of women looking at forestry careers by sending five students to the NZIF conference in Dunedin later this month.
 
 The five students selected are from the School of Forestry at the University of Canterbury.
 
 Sending students to conferences like the 2026 NZIF Conference, titled Back to Business: Forward with Confidence, gives them the chance to step beyond the lecture theatre and become part of the wider forestry community.
 
 They will hear directly about the issues shaping the sector and meet people already working in the industry. These early connections can make a real difference as they move into their careers.