Welcome to HarvestTECH News.
This month, we look at how technology, safety and skills are reshaping forestry. From PermaPine trialling New Zealand’s first heavy electric log loader to Fortescue operating fully electric excavator fleets, electrification is moving from the workshop into the forest.
Safety is also in focus, with Safetree’s new Canopy Class certification, renewed attention on log truck rollover risks, and evolving approaches to fatigue management. We also look at a new forestry training partnership with Competenz aimed at building the skilled workforce the industry will need.
Our next event, Residues2Revenues 2026, heads to Brisbane for the first time, followed by HarvestTECH & Wood Transport Logistics 2026 in Rotorua.
Grab a coffee and enjoy this month’s stories.
11 Aug 2026
Testing New Zealand’s first heavy electric loader
A Volvo L120 Electric wheel loader is helping PermaPine test what sustainable equipment can really deliver in one of New Zealand’s most demanding timber processing environments. Set on a 100-acre site outside Taupō, PermaPine is New Zealand’s largest manufacturer of ...
Read more
11 Aug 2026
New Canopy Class certification raises the bar for contractors
When Skipps Logging became one of the first contractors to achieve Safetree’s new Canopy Class certification recently, they celebrated the win with a special presentation in Cambridge. The certification, which Skipps helped pilot, is designed to recognise contractors who demonstrate ...
Read more
11 Aug 2026
Forestry confirms new training partnership with Competenz
New Zealand’s forestry sector has confirmed it will align its workplace vocational training with the new Engineering and Manufacturing Private Training Establishment (PTE), operating under Competenz. The decision follows extensive consultation with employers, contractors and training providers, led by the ...
Read more
11 Aug 2026
Recent spike in log truck & trailer rollovers
Recent industry discussions and safety incident data have highlighted a concerning increase in log truck and trailer rollover events across New Zealand. Industry leaders, Forest Owners, Transport Operators, and the Log Transport Safety Council (LTSC) have acknowledged that this trend requires ...
Read more
11 Aug 2026
Driver fatigue: What half a billion kms has taught us
The launch of Transporting New Zealand’s Fatigue Management: Road Freight Update at their recent 60th Anniversary Conference provides an opportunity to reflect on how our understanding of driver fatigue is evolving. AutoSense was proud to support the report because it brings together ...
Read more
11 Aug 2026
Excavator fleet at iron ore mine now fully electric
The first of Andrew Forrest’s giant iron ore mines in the Pilbara is now operating with an entirely electric fleet of huge excavators, as testing continues nearby on the first of its in-house 6 MW fast chargers, likely the biggest ...
Read more
HarvestTECH Partners
FIEA Partners
Media Partner
Proudly brought to you by FIEA
Upcoming Events
Residues2Revenues 2026
23-24 September 2026, Brisbane, Australia
New technologies in biofuels, bioenergy and renewable bioproducts for wood processors.
HarvestTECH & Wood Transport Logistics 2026
10-11 November 2026, Rotorua, New Zealand
Smarter Technologies to Improve our Industry
ForestTECH 2027
9-10 March 2027, Brisbane, Australia
16-17 March 2027, Rotorua, New Zealand
For 20 years, ForestTECH has been the 'must-attend' technology event for forest resource managers, remote sensing, GIS and mapping specialists, inventory foresters, and tree crop and forest establishment managers from across Australasia.
Environmental Forestry 2027
25-26 May 2027, Rotorua, New Zealand
This series is dedicated to advancing sustainable forestry practices and environmental stewardship within the sector.
Woodflow & Logistics 2027
3-4 August 2027, Brisbane, Australia
Our Woodflow & Logistics conferences have served as a key forum for professionals in the forestry and wood harvesting and log transport sectors across Australasia
Carbon Forestry 2027
17-18 August 2027, Rotorua, New Zealand
This event covers key issues of interest to local and international forest managers and investors. Industry leaders and government will discuss government policy, ETS regulation, markets, certification, voluntary carbon markets - including biodiversity and nature-based credits.
Bioeconomy Innovations 2027
14-15 September 2027, Rotorua, New Zealand
Join industry leaders, researchers, and innovators, where the latest advancements in sustainable bioproducts and forest-based materials come to life. Be part of shaping a $30 billion bioeconomy.
Residues2Revenues 2027
14-15 September 2027, Rotorua, New Zealand
We have the potential to transform the forestry sector into a provider of biofuels, bioenergy and a range of renewable bioproducts. This event highlights the real value of wood residues.
WoodWorks 2027 Conference
19-20 October 2027, Hastings, New Zealand
Growing the capability & use of wood in commercial and multi-residential buildings