Welcome to HarvestTECH News.
With HarvestTECH & Wood Transport Logistics 2026 coming up in Rotorua, our major story this month looks ahead to an event focused squarely on the challenges facing the wood supply chain – from harvesting and mechanisation through to fleet management, transport, safety and logistics.
In the meantime, grab a coffee and catch up on the latest news, technology and developments from across the industry.
07 Sep 2026
From AI to heavy machinery: What’s on at HarvestTECH & Wood Transport Logistics 2026
Forestry operations are under pressure from all directions – rising costs, tighter margins, changing workforce requirements and growing demands for greater efficiency and safety. That makes the practical side of technology increasingly important. What is actually working in the forest? ...
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07 Sep 2026
Caterpillar is bringing to AI deployment what it learned from automating mining
Nearly every company that’s trying to deploy artificial intelligence runs into the same problem: it’s hard to integrate the tech into everyday operations. Industrial heavyweight Caterpillar has spent decades dealing with a version of that problem in the physical world, ...
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07 Sep 2026
Free program to help SMEs advance AI and digital tech ideas in Queensland
The free eight-week online program, delivered by Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, helps businesses turn early-stage ideas into actionable R&D plans while building connections with expert facilitators and researchers. Offered through the Queensland Government-funded Regional University Industry Collaboration (RUIC) program, ...
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07 Sep 2026
Tairawhiti – Productivity is bigger than the crew
Tony Hill of Hill Logging picked me up at 6:00am for a visit to his steep country winch-assist (SWY) operation east of Mangatu Forest. Many readers will know Tony through his role as NZ Logger Magazine’s “Iron Tester”. Tony comes ...
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07 Sep 2026
Next generation of Komatsu forestry machines
Komatsu Forest presents a new generation of forestry machines, where both harvesters and forwarders have been comprehensively updated to meet the evolving demands of modern forestry. The new range combines improved productivity with reduced environmental impact, focusing on efficiency, operator ...
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07 Sep 2026
Enforcement data reveals where forestry needs to lift its game
Strengthening organisational capability, planning, supervision and risk management remains one of the forestry sector’s biggest challenges, according to new enforcement data released by WorkSafe New Zealand. During the 2025/26 business year, WorkSafe conducted 526 assessments across the forestry industry. One ...
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Upcoming Events
WoodWorks 2026 Conference
28-29 October 2026, Hastings, New Zealand
Growing the capability & use of wood in commercial and multi-residential buildings
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, TBC, New Zealand
Growing the capability & use of wood in commercial and multi-residential buildings