Carbon Forestry 2026 programme highlights

This year, Carbon Forestry 2026 is taking place on 4–5 August 2026 at the Distinction Hotel in Rotorua. Following a sold-out 2025 event that attracted more than 300 delegates, this year’s conference reflects a major shift in the sector as forestry moves beyond traditional carbon sequestration models toward the broader and fast-emerging Natural Capital economy.

With carbon markets facing increasing scrutiny and New Zealand’s regulatory landscape continuing to evolve, the newly released programme provides practical insight for forest managers, landowners, iwi groups, corporate emitters, investors, and financial professionals seeking clarity around long-term opportunities and risk.

Programme highlights and key sessions

The finalised programme features a broad mix of policy, investment, operational, and market-focused sessions addressing the key forces shaping the sector.

Day 1 Pre-Conference Workshop
Facilitated by the Ministry for Primary Industries / Te Uru Rākau – New Zealand Forest Service, the interactive Tupu-ake / Emissions Trading Scheme User Forum will provide delegates with direct engagement on ETS systems, processes, and operational requirements.

Global and policy keynotes
David Brand, Chair of the International Sustainable Forestry Coalition, will deliver the international keynote examining the emergence of Natural Capital as a global asset class. Independent expert Catherine Leining, Policy Fellow at Motu Economic and Public Policy Research, will then outline the policy frameworks influencing the future direction of the sector.

Ministerial and regulatory updates
Day 2 opens with an address from Hon Simon Watts, Minister of Climate Change, providing an update on government climate policy direction. Eva Murray, Principal Analyst at the Climate Change Commission, will follow with independent analysis of NZ ETS settings and future considerations.

Voluntary carbon and nature markets
A dedicated session featuring Sean Weaver, CEO of Ekos Kamahi, and Rebecca Lee of Manaaki Kaimai Mamaku Trust will explore two decades of lessons from nature markets, the transition from exotic to native forests, and the growing role of nature-based finance mechanisms.

Risk mitigation and resilience workshop
Closing the conference, a technical post-event workshop hosted by Te Uru Rākau and Fire and Emergency New Zealand will present new Bioeconomy Science Institute findings on fire risk management and weather-related hazards in carbon forests.

Supporting the next generation

Recognising the growing importance of long-term land-use planning and environmental stewardship, Carbon Forestry 2026 (with support from the WIDE Trust) is offering a limited number of complimentary registrations for forestry and environmental professionals under the age of 35. The initiative aims to ensure emerging leaders can participate alongside policymakers, institutional investors, and industry decision-makers.

To view the full programme, speaker lineup, and registration details, visit the official event platform at carbonforestry.events.