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Featured image for “Recent Meeting: 27 Feb 2024 – SEWG, Dunedin”

Recent Meeting: 27 Feb 2024 – SEWG, Dunedin

12 March 2024

27th February 2024 – Otago Regional Council (ORC) and Wenita hosted the SEWG (Southern Environmental Working Group) in Dunedin. Covering topics…
Featured image for “NZ Forestry Industry Safety Council faces funding cuts”

NZ Forestry Industry Safety Council faces funding cuts

12 March 2024

The New Zealand forestry industry is facing a potential setback in its safety efforts due to a recent funding cut…
Featured image for “Audit finds ‘major non-conformities’ in forest certification”

Audit finds ‘major non-conformities’ in forest certification

1 March 2024

In last week’s issue, we built in several stories relating to east coast forest companies, local Councils and other landowners…
Featured image for “NZ Government announces review of forestry ETS costs”

NZ Government announces review of forestry ETS costs

1 March 2024

New Zealand Forestry Minister Todd McClay has announced an independent review into the forestry component of the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) Register to ensure it…
Featured image for “Toroawhi initiative comes to an end”

Toroawhi initiative comes to an end

1 March 2024

The Forest Industry Safety Council (FISC) is announcing today that our Toroawhi / Worker Champion initiative is coming to an…
Featured image for “Vale John Purey-Cust”

Vale John Purey-Cust

1 February 2024

Many in the industry late last week heard about the sad news of the passing of John Purey-Cust on Tuesday…
Featured image for “NZ log market update – January 2024 (Forest360)”

NZ log market update – January 2024 (Forest360)

31 January 2024

Opinion Piece: Marcus Musson, Director, Forest360 The Christmas holidays have come and gone all too quickly for most and we…
Featured image for “NZ forestry industry establishing pan sector body”

NZ forestry industry establishing pan sector body

30 January 2024

Ten organisations have signed an accord establishing as a pan sector body. Called the NZ Forest & Wood Sector Forum (NZFWSF),…
Featured image for “Wood industry watching shipping costs”

Wood industry watching shipping costs

29 January 2024

The New Zealand wood industry is closely watching the conflict in the Red Sea, as global shipping costs rise as…
Featured image for “December 2023 NZ log market update”

December 2023 NZ log market update

12 December 2023

Opinion Piece: Marcus Musson, Director, Forest360 December’s export prices were like the early Christmas present from Aunty Doris that you…
Featured image for “Pan Pac on the road back to full production”

Pan Pac on the road back to full production

5 December 2023

Nine months ago, Pan Pac Forest Products’ Whirinaki site was flooded under 2m of silt and water when Cyclone Gabrielle…
Featured image for “72% of region’s energy needs through biomass”

72% of region’s energy needs through biomass

5 December 2023

Forestry owners and biomass suppliers in the Nelson, Marlborough and Tasman regions of NZ can expect to see increased demand…
Featured image for “NZ forestry’s briefing to incoming Ministers”

NZ forestry’s briefing to incoming Ministers

5 December 2023

Both the Forest Owners Association and the NZ forest and wood processing sector collectively have submitted Briefings to the Incoming…
Featured image for “New Forests to sell NZ assets”

New Forests to sell NZ assets

17 November 2023

Global nature-based real assets manager New Forests is selling four of its New Zealand forestry assets. The four estates, located…
Featured image for “Council’s proposed new rules could cost millions”

Council’s proposed new rules could cost millions

30 October 2023

“Extreme” new rules proposed by the Otago Regional Council for Otago’s forestry industry could cost the sector more than a…
Featured image for “Changes to Environment Standards for Plantation Forestry”

Changes to Environment Standards for Plantation Forestry

3 October 2023

On 14 June, NZ Government Ministers announced changes to the National Environment Standards for Plantation Forestry (NES-PF). In summary: •…
Featured image for “Farm forestry sign not meeting Council’s standards”

Farm forestry sign not meeting Council’s standards

29 September 2023

Timber — the Clutha District Council is calling for the felling of a new sign promoting farm forestry. A sign…
Featured image for “Wood-fired hospital boilers replace coal”

Wood-fired hospital boilers replace coal

13 September 2023

South Invercargill residents can breathe a little easier, with Southland Hospital’s massive boilers now fired by wood pellets instead of…
Featured image for “MOTAT steam tram powered by trees”

MOTAT steam tram powered by trees

10 August 2023

It’s out with the coal and in with the biofuel for steam tram no. 100, which will operate on a…
Featured image for “Forest Industry Dinner Meeting – 23 August 2023”

Forest Industry Dinner Meeting – 23 August 2023

4 July 2023

Southern Wood Council, NZ Institute of Forestry, NZ Farm Forestry Association Date: Wednesday 23 August 2023 Venue: Rosebank Lodge, Balclutha When: 5.15pm –…
Featured image for “Forestry careers showcased at 2023 Dunedin EXPO”

Forestry careers showcased at 2023 Dunedin EXPO

29 June 2023

The Southern Wood Council took two adjacent stands at the Dunedin town hall on Wednesday 28 June 2023 to push…
Featured image for “Discover Forestry NZ launched”

Discover Forestry NZ launched

26 June 2023

New Zealand’s eight Wood Councils have joined forces to launch the joint forest education organisation – Discover Forestry New Zealand.…
Featured image for “Energy centre switches from coal in $2.28m project”

Energy centre switches from coal in $2.28m project

21 June 2023

The elimination of coal at a Washdyke (in the north of Timaru, south Canterbury, NZ) energy business will reduce CO2…
Featured image for “Bioenergy funding to better utilise forestry slash”

Bioenergy funding to better utilise forestry slash

9 June 2023

The NZ Government is making a start on a more sustainable forestry industry with investments into a bioenergy plant, research…
Featured image for “Awards 2023 – Forest training & success celebrated in the South”

Awards 2023 – Forest training & success celebrated in the South

22 May 2023

Friday 19 May 2023 saw yet again another outstanding turnout by local forestry companies and contractors from throughout the lower…
Featured image for “More land in south purchased by Ikea franchisee”

More land in south purchased by Ikea franchisee

3 May 2023

Companies associated with Ingka Group, the largest franchisee of Ikea stores internationally, have received consent to buy more sheep and…
Featured image for “PF Olsen NZ Log Market – April 2023”

PF Olsen NZ Log Market – April 2023

1 May 2023

Market Summary At Wharf Gate (AWG) prices for export logs decreased $20-25 per JASm3 in April. The AWG price drop…
Featured image for “Nationwide first bond for slash management”

Nationwide first bond for slash management

1 May 2023

The NZ Government has ordered a ministerial enquiry into forestry practice and the which has filled beaches and destroyed roads…
Featured image for “Another Fonterra site switching boilers from coal”

Another Fonterra site switching boilers from coal

28 April 2023

Fonterra is continuing to progress its decarbonisation work with the announcement of another site transitioning from coal and the installation…
Featured image for “New funding for contractors for biomass innovation”

New funding for contractors for biomass innovation

6 April 2023

EECA has a new fund which could be of assistance to those looking to make a start in the biomass…
Featured image for “Tuatapere farm to be converted to pine”

Tuatapere farm to be converted to pine

5 April 2023

A Malaysian-based company has received consent under the Overseas Investment Act to buy a 286ha sheep and beef farm at…

Dual fuel truck powered by diesel and hydrogen gas

4 April 2023

New Zealand’s largest privately owned transport company has launched what is believed to be Australasia’s first dual fuel truck which is powered by hydrogen gas and diesel. The HW Richardson Group, which has 1400 trucks in its fleet, revealed its first dual-fuel truck at the George Begg Festival at Teretonga, near Invercargill on Friday31 March. The company believes hydrogen is a future fuel that will transform the transport industry from being one of the largest emitters to one of sustainability’s…
Featured image for “GPS accuracy to 10cm from satellite uplink centre”

GPS accuracy to 10cm from satellite uplink centre

27 March 2023

A state-of-the-art satellite positioning service in Southland, in the lower South Island, New Zealand, will bring GPS accuracy to about…
Featured image for “New NZ wood pellet press opened”

New NZ wood pellet press opened

22 March 2023

A NZ business that has increased the amount of wood pellets it can make by more than half, hopes more…
Featured image for “International study tour grants opened”

International study tour grants opened

9 March 2023

Funding to explore industry innovations and best practice: Who’s doing what and doing it well The WIDE Trust is pleased…
Featured image for “Wahine in Forestry – Answers to a long standing challenge”

Wahine in Forestry – Answers to a long standing challenge

1 February 2023

The question of how to address the gender inequality that exists in our forest sector is not a new one,…
Featured image for “Nominations open for 2023 SWC Forestry Awards”

Nominations open for 2023 SWC Forestry Awards

25 January 2023

Following a few years now of COVID-19 meeting restrictions playing havoc with Wood Council Forestry Training Awards across both New…
Featured image for “Contractor’s training school to address skills shortages”

Contractor’s training school to address skills shortages

1 December 2022

A shortage of skilled machine operators across New Zealand motivated contractor Mike Hurring to open his own training school in…
Featured image for “Forestry firing up largest biomass boiler in NZ”

Forestry firing up largest biomass boiler in NZ

28 November 2022

The largest biomass boiler in New Zealand, which uses by-product waste from the commercial forestry industry, has been commissioned at…
Featured image for “Southland forestry blocks sold for NZ5.1m”

Southland forestry blocks sold for NZ5.1m

21 October 2022

Two Japanese-owned forestry blocks in Southland will change hands for NZ$5.1 million after consent was granted under the Overseas Investment…
Featured image for “Celebrating long-term evergreen harvesting contract”

Celebrating long-term evergreen harvesting contract

13 October 2022

In what must be one of the longest partnerships in NZ forestry, Safetree Certified Contractor Gamble Forest Harvesting celebrated 50…
Featured image for “2022 Awards – Printable list of award winners and photos”

2022 Awards – Printable list of award winners and photos

5 October 2022

As most will be aware, we hosted the 2022 Southern Wood Council Forestry Awards (run in conjunction with Competenz/Te Pūkenga)…
Featured image for “Slash pile probes seek the heat”

Slash pile probes seek the heat

30 September 2022

Spontaneous ignition of a forestry slash pile fire can cost forest companies up to NZ$200,000 or more, so the development…
Featured image for “2022 Forestry Training and Success Celebrated in the South”

2022 Forestry Training and Success Celebrated in the South

31 August 2022

MEDIA RELEASE Last Friday saw yet again another outstanding turnout by local forestry companies and contractors from throughout the lower…
Featured image for “New campaign launched for NZ forestry careers”

New campaign launched for NZ forestry careers

10 August 2022

A new recruitment campaign called ‘Find Your Fit In Forestry’ aims to draw attention to the varied career opportunities available…
Featured image for “Plant’s biomass boiler beginning operation”

Plant’s biomass boiler beginning operation

30 July 2022

A South Otago dairy industry plant hopes to lead the way in green energy, as it brought a biomass boiler…
Featured image for “Heavy transport fleet de-carbonising with hydrogen”

Heavy transport fleet de-carbonising with hydrogen

13 July 2022

A new partnership is helping one of New Zealand’s largest heavy transport fleets decarbonise with hydrogen technology. New Zealand transport…
Featured image for “Helping workers recover from addiction”

Helping workers recover from addiction

15 June 2022

When Joe* failed a random drug test one Monday he expected to lose his contract. But his client Forestry Solutions…
Featured image for “PF Olsen announces new investment partnership”

PF Olsen announces new investment partnership

15 June 2022

PF Olsen and Quayside Holdings (Quayside) are proud to announce Quayside has acquired 44% of PF Olsen, with the deal…
Featured image for “New Log Traders and Forestry Advisors registration”

New Log Traders and Forestry Advisors registration

1 June 2022

From 6 August this year, log traders and forestry advisors operating in New Zealand will be required to register under…
Featured image for “Transport company tackling driver fatigue”

Transport company tackling driver fatigue

19 May 2022

Dynes Transport are on a mission to save lives and livelihoods. They paired together smart technology solutions from Seeing Machines…
Featured image for “IKEA – production not carbon forestry?”

IKEA – production not carbon forestry?

18 May 2022

The company behind multi-national furniture and home accessories brand IKEA claims its purchase of a large Southland farm is for…
Featured image for “Worksafe: Close scrutiny or radical over-reach?”

Worksafe: Close scrutiny or radical over-reach?

13 May 2022

New Zealand workers are still being maimed and killed in huge numbers, but WorkSafe’s boss is ambitious to deliver change.…
Featured image for “Malaysian Co. buys 264ha of Tuatapere land for forestry”

Malaysian Co. buys 264ha of Tuatapere land for forestry

4 May 2022

A Malaysian company has bought a second swath of western Southland commercial forestry land in the space of 11 months.…
Featured image for “New Guest Speaker for SWC Forestry 2022 Awards”

New Guest Speaker for SWC Forestry 2022 Awards

3 May 2022

We’re delighted to announce that Tangaroa Walker is this year’s rescheduled training awards guest presenter. The SWC Forestry 2022 Awards is…
Featured image for “Ravensdown switching to wood biomass fuel”

Ravensdown switching to wood biomass fuel

27 April 2022

Ravensdown has announced that it has achieved NZ Government co-funding to accompany the co-operative’s investment to install a biomass combustor…
Featured image for “Wood Energy New Zealand Partnership formed”

Wood Energy New Zealand Partnership formed

14 April 2022

A partnership between Pioneer Energy and Niagara Sawmilling Company Ltd in the lower South Island of New Zealand has been…
Featured image for “SWC Awards 2022: New Dates”

SWC Awards 2022: New Dates

10 April 2022

How things can change. With the rising case numbers of Omicron in New Zealand and the obvious reluctance of people…
Featured image for “Wenita gets behind predator initiative”

Wenita gets behind predator initiative

22 March 2022

Wenita Forest Products and asset manager New Forests are teaming up with Predator Free Dunedin to increase protection for native…
Featured image for “Trial of new silviculture mentoring programme”

Trial of new silviculture mentoring programme

10 March 2022

Ten silviculture crews around New Zealand have completed a trial of a new mentoring programme developed by the Forest and…
Featured image for “Pre-training prepares job seekers for forestry work”

Pre-training prepares job seekers for forestry work

8 March 2022

Nathan Fogden has 2,000 hectares of land to plant and prune in 2022 but not the staff to complete the…
Featured image for “Monster Redwood from South Canterbury”

Monster Redwood from South Canterbury

2 March 2022

This log is from a Sequoiadendron giganteum. The tree’s common name is either Giant sequoia or Sierra Redwood. It has…
Featured image for “Invercargill $3.77 m decarbonisation fund now available”

Invercargill $3.77 m decarbonisation fund now available

2 March 2022

A new NZ$3.77 million government fund is being made available to help Invercargill businesses make the change from fossil fuel…
Featured image for “Obituary – Shaun Cawood”

Obituary – Shaun Cawood

17 February 2022

Well known to many in New Zealand’s forestry and wood products industries, Shaun Cawood unfortunately passed away on 24 January…
Featured image for “Yes – big trees, they still exist”

Yes – big trees, they still exist

3 February 2022

Murray Logging owner Andrew Murray said cutting the trees and getting them on a truck was laborious. They were cut…
Featured image for “Funding to increase forestry workforce in Otago”

Funding to increase forestry workforce in Otago

21 January 2022

Forestry’s future workforce has received a boost through a partnership between the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and an Otago…
Featured image for “Plantation forestry debate lights up the South”

Plantation forestry debate lights up the South

8 December 2021

About 70 people attended a panel debate “Plantation forestry — threat or opportunity?” in Dunedin, New Zealand in early December.…
Featured image for “2022 SWC Forestry Awards Dates Announced”

2022 SWC Forestry Awards Dates Announced

8 November 2021

[Update: Please note the Awards has been rescheduled for 27 May 2022] Every year, the forestry industry from throughout the…
Featured image for “Export log shortage expected”

Export log shortage expected

28 October 2021

New Zealand could face a shortage of export logs within the next decade, caused by insufficient planting activity after the…
Featured image for “Biomass favourite for decarbonising SI process heat”

Biomass favourite for decarbonising SI process heat

13 October 2021

Biomass is the clear favourite for industrial process heat users in the South Island of New Zealand looking to decarbonise…
Featured image for “Two pension funds acquire NZ forestry asset”

Two pension funds acquire NZ forestry asset

4 October 2021

Two European pension funds, APG Asset Management (APG) on behalf of its Dutch pension fund client ABP, and UK’s Pension…
Featured image for “Funding support for local Forestry Pathways Programme”

Funding support for local Forestry Pathways Programme

30 September 2021

In its latest funding round, Otago Community Trust awarded a NZ$19,611 grant to the Tokomairiro Training Pathways course to assist…
Featured image for “Ikea acquires Otago land for forestry”

Ikea acquires Otago land for forestry

16 September 2021

The parent company of Swedish retail giant Ikea has acquired 5,500 hectares of New Zealand farmland for forestry plantation. A…
Featured image for “Contracting industry becoming ‘cut throat’”

Contracting industry becoming ‘cut throat’

2 September 2021

NZ contractors are losing out on work as forest owners cancel pending contracts to hold out for log prices to…
Featured image for “Another major NZ industrial plant switches to biomass”

Another major NZ industrial plant switches to biomass

27 August 2021

Nelson-based company biomass fuel company Azwood Energy is building a production facility near Milton to service a burgeoning biomass fuel…
Featured image for “New video for NZ primary school students”

New video for NZ primary school students

19 August 2021

The second video, What is a Forester for the Wood is Good program was filmed in Masterton and features again,…
Featured image for “Father and son graduate forestry course together”

Father and son graduate forestry course together

18 August 2021

A father and son duo from Southland have shown there’s value in getting back to the books, even after four…
Featured image for “Fonterra announce another switch to wood biomass”

Fonterra announce another switch to wood biomass

27 July 2021

As Minister for Energy and Resources Hon Dr Megan Woods officially opened Fonterra’s wood pellet boiler at its Te Awamutu…
Featured image for “WorkSafe reminder on forest safety”

WorkSafe reminder on forest safety

21 July 2021

(WorkSafe) Health and Safety Paramount On Forestry Sites A tragic forestry fatality on the East Coast could have been avoided…
Featured image for “Southland farm bought for forestry”

Southland farm bought for forestry

21 July 2021

A Malaysian company has been given consent to buy a nearly 460ha sheep and beef farm in Western Southland. The…
Featured image for “Digital communications rolled out across forestry operations”

Digital communications rolled out across forestry operations

15 July 2021

A new digital radio system from Motorola Solutions and communications partner Central Radio Services (CRS) is helping New Zealand’s City…
Featured image for “Optimistic outlook for tree seedlings supplier”

Optimistic outlook for tree seedlings supplier

1 July 2021

“Strong momentum and supportive tail winds” have created an optimistic outlook for the New Zealand operation of a global genetics…
Featured image for “Wood is Good on the road in the South”

Wood is Good on the road in the South

1 July 2021

The first day of the industry’s Wood is Good roadshow started at Outram School for 176 Students, Principal Kim Allan…
Featured image for “Biofuel in Southland being hit by log prices”

Biofuel in Southland being hit by log prices

2 June 2021

An Invercargill businessman is worried that international demand for logs is driving up the price of woodchips used to fuel…
Featured image for “Southern Wood Council update – Rural South”

Southern Wood Council update – Rural South

1 June 2021

Southern Wood Council is an industry grouping of companies sharing an interest in forestry based in Otago, Southland and South…
Featured image for “2021 Forestry Training and Success Celebrated in the South”

2021 Forestry Training and Success Celebrated in the South

24 May 2021

Last Friday saw again an outstanding turnout by local forestry companies, contractors and transport operators from throughout the lower South…
Featured image for “NZ Council seeking controls over carbon forestry”

NZ Council seeking controls over carbon forestry

20 May 2021

Following concerns raised by the public and a visit to the site of October’s Livingstone fire, Otago Regional Councillors and…
Featured image for “Southland Forestry Open Day attracts local students”

Southland Forestry Open Day attracts local students

1 April 2021

With the enthusiastic support of industry front-line staff, the 2021 Be the Future of Forestry Day went off without a…
Featured image for “NZ$30 million biomass boiler on track”

NZ$30 million biomass boiler on track

26 February 2021

The first steam from Danone Nutricia NZ’s innovative new biomass boiler plant in South Otago is expected in August. In…
Featured image for “Forestry industry post COVID-19 busier than ever”

Forestry industry post COVID-19 busier than ever

2 December 2020

COVID-19 recovery training numbers tracking well in the New Zealand forestry sector, with more trainees than ever carving out a…
Featured image for “Funding boost for Generation Programme”

Funding boost for Generation Programme

1 December 2020

Eastland Wood Council’s Generation Programme has received a huge boost from Te Uru Rākau (Forestry New Zealand) who have topped…
Featured image for “Southland sawmill sold”

Southland sawmill sold

20 November 2020

The sale of a Southland sawmill has been described as “devastating” for the local community, but the company that has…
Featured image for “Southland woman inducted to Road Transport Hall of Fame”

Southland woman inducted to Road Transport Hall of Fame

15 November 2020

Anita Dynes is the first woman to be inducted in the NZ Road Transport Hall of Fame for 2020. Dynes,…
Featured image for “New Canterbury West Coast Wood Council formed”

New Canterbury West Coast Wood Council formed

12 November 2020

The eighth Wood Council in New Zealand is a combination of forestry, transport, processing, regional councils, contractors, nurseries and Canterbury…
Featured image for “Update to Forestry Careers Resources”

Update to Forestry Careers Resources

9 November 2020

Forestry Careers is an important initiative designed to promote New Zealand forestry as an exciting career choice. The website is…
Featured image for “Fire and Emergency honours’ award recipients”

Fire and Emergency honours’ award recipients

22 October 2020

Fire and Emergency New Zealand Chief Executive, Rhys Jones has congratulated five firefighters and support personnel from Cromwell, Kaikoura, Ranfurly,…
Featured image for “Training course attracting women to forestry”

Training course attracting women to forestry

19 October 2020

In New Zealand, an Eastland Wood Council forestry training programme aimed at keeping pace with the demand for forestry workers…
Featured image for “Forestry industry in the South remains resilient”

Forestry industry in the South remains resilient

16 October 2020

While forestry was one of the first industries to be impacted by the Covid-19 crisis, the sector remains resilient with…
Featured image for “Latest NZ Forestry Facts and Figures out”

Latest NZ Forestry Facts and Figures out

6 October 2020

The latest NZ Forestry Facts and Figures 2019/20 produced by the Forest Owners Association is now available on-line. Due to…
Featured image for “The 2021 Southern Wood Council Forestry Awards”

The 2021 Southern Wood Council Forestry Awards

23 September 2020

The 2020 forestry awards programme for the lower South Island unfortunately had to be cancelled because of COVID-19.  We weren’t…
Featured image for “Invercargill City Council finds buyer for forestry”

Invercargill City Council finds buyer for forestry

22 September 2020

The Invercargill City Council has a buyer for its forestry estate and the sale now sits with the Overseas Investment…
Featured image for “Primary industry centre of vocational excellence”

Primary industry centre of vocational excellence

15 September 2020

Fiona Kingsford, CEO of New Zealand’s industry training organisation, Competenz, has welcomed the government’s announcement of the stakeholder group to…
Featured image for “Silvicultural work highlighted in new videos”

Silvicultural work highlighted in new videos

15 September 2020

Silviculture workers are crucial to the success of New Zealand’s forestry industry. However sometimes the important work they do can…
Featured image for “New posts on Rural Fire Research Blog”

New posts on Rural Fire Research Blog

15 September 2020

As a result of the recent research burns and associated publicity, Scion’s fire team now has a number of new…
Featured image for “SWC describes forests amendment bill as ‘a lemon’”

SWC describes forests amendment bill as ‘a lemon’

14 July 2020

Southern forestry groups are wary of an amendment that would attempt to control log market prices for the industry.  The…
Featured image for “SWC Forest Products Scholarship 2020”

SWC Forest Products Scholarship 2020

23 April 2020

University of Canterbury forestry student picks up major award A University of Canterbury forestry student has just received top forest…
Featured image for “Southern Apprentice of the Year awarded”

Southern Apprentice of the Year awarded

3 April 2020

Wood Council’s across New Zealand this year have had to cancel their annual awards programmes. Measures to tackle the COVID-19…
Featured image for “SWC 2020 Forestry Awards: Event has been cancelled”

SWC 2020 Forestry Awards: Event has been cancelled

20 March 2020

The SWC 2020 Forestry Awards has been cancelled. This decision was made after consultation with Members and is due to…
Featured image for “SWC Awards 2020’s Guest Presenter: Simon McKinney”

SWC Awards 2020’s Guest Presenter: Simon McKinney

31 January 2020

The eagerly awaited 2020 Southern Wood Council Forestry Awards is quickly approaching. On Friday, 8 May 2020, the forestry industry…
Featured image for “City Forests contribution to the region”

City Forests contribution to the region

19 December 2019

Forestry may be getting a bad rap lately particularly from the farming community, but there is no arguing with its…
Featured image for “Nominations are Open for 2020 SWC Forestry Awards”

Nominations are Open for 2020 SWC Forestry Awards

25 November 2019

The 2020 Southern Wood Council Forestry Awards is being held on Friday 8 May 2020 in Dunedin, New Zealand. This is…
Featured image for “The 2020 Southern Wood Council Forestry Awards [New Date]”

The 2020 Southern Wood Council Forestry Awards [New Date]

28 August 2019

Mark the date into your diaries, Friday 8 May 2020.  This is the date set down for the eagerly awaited…
Featured image for “Transpower / Forestry Workshop [2 Oct 2019]”

Transpower / Forestry Workshop [2 Oct 2019]

9 August 2019

If you’re a forestry contractor, harvest planner, forestry manager or owner involved in wood harvesting operations in the Otago or…
Featured image for “Otago-Southland Forest Products Industry Dinner Meeting [2 Oct 2019]”

Otago-Southland Forest Products Industry Dinner Meeting [2 Oct 2019]

6 August 2019

It’s time to gather as an industry again. It’s been a long winter, log prices have probably seen better days…
Featured image for “Forestry opportunities offered to school students”

Forestry opportunities offered to school students

18 June 2019

A group of young foresters put their best foot forward at Otago’s annual Careers Expo that ran in the town…
Featured image for “Paige picking up top honour in forestry awards”

Paige picking up top honour in forestry awards

10 June 2019

Paige Harland was born to be in the bush.  Miss Harland (21) comes from a Southland family who have sap…
Featured image for “The future in forestry – a combined approach”

The future in forestry – a combined approach

4 June 2019

Southern forestry employers are adopting a collaborative approach to ensure the next generation of workers are not only keen on…
Featured image for “Forestry Training and Success Celebrated in the South”

Forestry Training and Success Celebrated in the South

27 May 2019

Last Friday saw an outstanding turnout by local forestry companies, contractors and transport operators from throughout the lower South Island…
Featured image for “The future of forestry for Southland schools”

The future of forestry for Southland schools

27 March 2019

Southland students have been encouraged to become the future of forestry.  To coincide with the UN International Day of Forests,…
Featured image for “Inaugural Forestry Scholarship Recipients Named”

Inaugural Forestry Scholarship Recipients Named

14 March 2019

Three Southern tertiary students are among the eight recipients of an inaugural forestry scholarship. The Nga Karahipi Uru Rakau scholarships…
Featured image for “Southern forestry training course starts”

Southern forestry training course starts

26 February 2019

A new forestry training course set up by Tokomairiro Training in partnership in the lower South Island of New Zealand…
Featured image for “Scott Thomas – multi-million dollar machine operator”

Scott Thomas – multi-million dollar machine operator

21 December 2018

Scott Thomas is a young man with an exciting future. Aged just 21, he is currently working for Gamble Forest…
Featured image for “2019 Forestry Award Nominations”

2019 Forestry Award Nominations

10 December 2018

This is a unique opportunity for all those involved in training, in growing, processing and transporting wood and for those…
Featured image for “2019 SWC Awards Guest Presenter”

2019 SWC Awards Guest Presenter

10 December 2018

Davey Hughes, Founder, Swazi Most working in forestry know of the kiwi outdoor clothing brand, SWAZI® Proudly designed and manufactured…
Featured image for “2019 SWC Forestry Awards Programme”

2019 SWC Forestry Awards Programme

1 December 2018

Mark the date into your diary. Yes, it’s that time again. The forestry awards programme for the lower South Island…
Featured image for “Southland Youth Futures working with students”

Southland Youth Futures working with students

27 November 2018

Southland Youth Futures is a community programme being run in the lower part of New Zealand. It’s linking young people…
Featured image for “Forestry apprentices growing the industry”

Forestry apprentices growing the industry

26 November 2018

In a recent issue of Friday Offcuts, we asked for more good news stories to profile the industry, particularly to…
Featured image for “Future Foresters quick growing”

Future Foresters quick growing

26 November 2018

A group of young New Zealand foresters is working to raise the profile of their industry and provide support for…
Featured image for “Logging machinery attract students”

Logging machinery attract students

12 June 2018

Mike Hurring Logging, the largest harvesting contractor in the Otago and Southland region, held an open day on Saturday 2nd…
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SWC Forestry Awards 2018 Winners

28 May 2018

2017 Forestry Training and Success Celebrated in the South. Friday 12 May 2017 saw another outstanding turnout by local forestry…
Featured image for “Farming fresh water crayfish in Southland forests”

Farming fresh water crayfish in Southland forests

27 May 2018

Southern Crawlies: A marine scientist farms fresh-water koura (crayfish) in forestry ponds across the south, giving a new lease of…
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2018 SWC Forest Products Scholarship

9 April 2018

University of Canterbury forestry student picks up major award A University of Canterbury forestry student has just received top forest…
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Guest Speaker for 2018 SWC Awards Evening

2 March 2018

Aaron Fleming is an award-winning New Zealand leader, athlete, and author with one of the most moving tales you will…
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Nominations for the SWC Awards End 30 March 2018

2 March 2018

The 2018 SWC Forestry Awards evening is, once again, is shaping up again to be a huge night out for the…
Featured image for “MEDIA RELEASE: Robotics opportunities in forestry being explored”

MEDIA RELEASE: Robotics opportunities in forestry being explored

20 February 2018

MEDIA RELEASE 20 February 2018 Robotics opportunities in forestry being explored Forest safety, improving productivity and getting workers off the…
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New training programme for Southern harvesting crews

30 November 2017

Skills shortages and attracting new entrants into harvesting operations is a major issue within the forestry industry right now. It’s…
Featured image for “The 2018 SWC Forestry Awards Programme”

The 2018 SWC Forestry Awards Programme

10 November 2017

Yes, it’s that time again. The forestry awards programme for the lower South Island is running again in 2018. The…
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Spotlight: Working in Forestry

25 August 2017

In this video produced by Southland Youth Futures, a local forestry company, Rayonier/Matarikia, outline the variety of roles that are…
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Careers in Forestry

21 July 2017

Check out the stories of three young women, Pauline Edge, Acacia Farmery and Briony Hooper, who have all recently picked…
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NZ Forest Industry Important Nationally, Regionally and Environmentally – NZIER Report

21 July 2017

A report on the plantation forest industry has highlighted its value to national and regional economies, as well as forestry’s…
Featured image for “SWC Forestry Awards 2017”

SWC Forestry Awards 2017

15 May 2017

2017 Forestry Training and Success Celebrated in the South. Friday 12 May 2017 saw another outstanding turnout by local forestry…
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The changing the face of the industry

15 March 2017

“Women are the answer to New Zealand’s skilled worker shortage,” says Pamela Bell, CEO PrefabNZ. “Wood is going to be…
Featured image for “SWC Forest Products Scholarships 2017”

SWC Forest Products Scholarships 2017

15 February 2017

University of Canterbury forestry student picks up major award A University of Canterbury forestry student has just received top forest…
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SWC Forestry Awards 2016

15 May 2016

2016 Forestry training and success celebrated in the South   Around 120 National Training Certificates that had been achieved in…
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SWC Forestry Awards 2015

15 May 2015

2015 SWC Awards Programme The Southern Wood Council in conjunction with the country’s Industry Training Organisation, Competenz, runs an annual…