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1 -- From AI to heavy machinery: What’s on at HarvestTECH & Wood Transport Logistics 2026 -- https://innovatek.co.nz/from-ai-to-heavy-machinery-whats-on-at-harvesttech-wood-transport-logistics-2026/

2 -- Biomass trial produces industrial heat at less than $3/GJ -- https://innovatek.co.nz/biomass-trial-produces-industrial-heat-at-less-than-3-gj/

3 -- Caterpillar is bringing to AI deployment what it learned from automating mining -- https://innovatek.co.nz/caterpillar-is-bringing-to-ai-deployment-what-it-learned-from-automating-mining/

4 -- Beyond Woodchips: Australia’s hardwood plantation industry must innovate -- https://innovatek.co.nz/beyond-woodchips-australias-hardwood-plantation-industry-must-innovate/

5 -- UBC-developed ‘wood foam’ enters production -- https://innovatek.co.nz/ubc-developed-wood-foam-enters-production/

6 -- Free program to help SMEs advance AI and digital tech ideas in Queensland -- https://innovatek.co.nz/free-program-to-help-smes-advance-ai-and-digital-tech-ideas-in-queensland/

7 -- Science safeguards NZ’s rarest ecosystems -- https://innovatek.co.nz/science-safeguards-nzs-rarest-ecosystems/

8 -- AI identifies trees from the air as accurately as the human eye -- https://innovatek.co.nz/ai-identifies-trees-from-the-air-as-accurately-as-the-human-eye/

9 -- Canada and Australia are asking similar questions – but arriving at different answers -- https://innovatek.co.nz/canada-and-australia-are-asking-similar-questions-but-arriving-at-different-answers/

10 -- Tairawhiti – Productivity is bigger than the crew -- https://innovatek.co.nz/tairawhiti-productivity-is-bigger-than-the-crew/

11 -- Next generation of Komatsu forestry machines -- https://innovatek.co.nz/next-generation-of-komatsu-forestry-machines/

12 -- Enforcement data reveals where forestry needs to lift its game -- https://innovatek.co.nz/enforcement-data-reveals-where-forestry-needs-to-lift-its-game/

13 -- Learning Through the Storm: Report released -- https://innovatek.co.nz/learning-through-the-storm-report-released/

14 -- Carbon Forestry 2026 – Event Summary -- https://innovatek.co.nz/carbon-forestry-2026-event-summary/

15 -- Testing New Zealand’s first heavy electric loader -- https://innovatek.co.nz/testing-new-zealands-first-heavy-electric-loader/

16 -- New Canopy Class certification raises the bar for contractors -- https://innovatek.co.nz/new-canopy-class-certification-raises-the-bar-for-contractors/

17 -- Forestry confirms new training partnership with Competenz -- https://innovatek.co.nz/forestry-confirms-new-training-partnership-with-competenz/

18 -- Recent spike in log truck & trailer rollovers -- https://innovatek.co.nz/recent-spike-in-log-truck-trailer-rollovers/

19 -- Driver fatigue: What half a billion kms has taught us -- https://innovatek.co.nz/driver-fatigue-what-half-a-billion-kms-has-taught-us/

20 -- FPInnovations launch new forest seeding by drone trial -- https://innovatek.co.nz/fpinnovations-launch-new-forest-seeding-by-drone-trial/

21 -- Extracting knowledge from a forest 3d digital twin using TreeTools SilvaCloud -- https://innovatek.co.nz/extracting-knowledge-from-a-forest-3d-digital-twin-using-treetools-silvacloud/

22 -- Turning forestry waste into Australian-made jet fuel -- https://innovatek.co.nz/turning-forestry-waste-into-australian-made-jet-fuel/

23 -- Opportunities for improved firefighter safety in Australia -- https://innovatek.co.nz/opportunities-for-improved-firefighter-safety-in-australia/

24 -- Project update: Connecting forests, mills and buildings -- https://innovatek.co.nz/project-update-connecting-forests-mills-and-buildings/

25 -- Red Stag’s first-of-a-kind CLT modular production line -- https://innovatek.co.nz/red-stags-first-of-a-kind-clt-modular-production-line/

26 -- Engineered wood products & the future skills needed -- https://innovatek.co.nz/engineered-wood-products-the-future-skills-needed/

27 -- Video: Jubilee Sawmill’s co-generation boiler project -- https://innovatek.co.nz/video-jubilee-sawmills-co-generation-boiler-project/

28 -- Comact acquires Checkmate Precision Cutting Tools -- https://innovatek.co.nz/comact-acquires-checkmate-precision-cutting-tools/

29 -- Annual reputation survey provides insight into public perceptions of forestry -- https://innovatek.co.nz/annual-reputation-survey-provides-insight-into-public-perceptions-of-forestry/

30 -- Revisiting a forest experiment that lay forgotten for 30 years -- https://innovatek.co.nz/revisiting-a-forest-experiment-that-lay-forgotten-for-30-years/

31 -- Excavator fleet at iron ore mine now fully electric -- https://innovatek.co.nz/excavator-fleet-at-iron-ore-mine-now-fully-electric/

32 -- A novel wood bark-based packaging coating material -- https://innovatek.co.nz/a-novel-wood-bark-based-packaging-coating-material/

33 -- HarvestTECH & Wood Transport Logistics 2026 programme released -- https://innovatek.co.nz/harvesttech-wood-transport-logistics-2026-programme-released/

34 -- Linfox rolls out 26 heavy-duty electric trucks -- https://innovatek.co.nz/linfox-rolls-out-26-heavy-duty-electric-trucks/

35 -- Kesla introduces new F-Series forwarder crane range -- https://innovatek.co.nz/kesla-introduces-new-f-series-forwarder-crane-range/

36 -- Hexagon acquires ITRES to expand the scope of airborne mapping -- https://innovatek.co.nz/hexagon-acquires-itres-to-expand-the-scope-of-airborne-mapping/

37 -- How ‘digital twins’ could help predict the fate of a forest -- https://innovatek.co.nz/how-digital-twins-could-help-predict-the-fate-of-a-forest/

38 -- Call for Presenters – ForestTECH 2027 -- https://innovatek.co.nz/call-for-presenters-foresttech-2027/

39 -- CarbonScape to accelerate industrial scale-up of sustainable bio-based graphite materials -- https://innovatek.co.nz/carbonscape-to-accelerate-industrial-scale-up-of-sustainable-bio-based-graphite-materials/

40 -- NZ safety gains drive drop in forestry’s injury claims -- https://innovatek.co.nz/nz-safety-gains-drive-drop-in-forestrys-injury-claims/

41 -- Ensuring safety in native timber harvesting -- https://innovatek.co.nz/ensuring-safety-in-native-timber-harvesting/

42 -- We’re targeting 35% electrification in 10 years – but 35% of what? -- https://innovatek.co.nz/were-targeting-35-electrification-in-10-years-but-35-of-what/

43 -- Hundreds of wood manufacturers lift their safety game -- https://innovatek.co.nz/hundreds-of-wood-manufacturers-lift-their-safety-game/

44 -- FWPA sets future direction for timber durability research -- https://innovatek.co.nz/fwpa-sets-future-direction-for-timber-durability-research/

45 -- WoodTECH 2026 Event Summary -- https://innovatek.co.nz/woodtech-2026-event-summary/

46 -- Government backs major North Island freight hub -- https://innovatek.co.nz/government-backs-major-north-island-freight-hub/

47 -- New data provides opportunities for wildfire hazard analysis -- https://innovatek.co.nz/new-data-provides-opportunities-for-wildfire-hazard-analysis/

48 -- Reducing bushfire extent, a key benefit of prescribed burning -- https://innovatek.co.nz/reducing-bushfire-extent-a-key-benefit-of-prescribed-burning/

49 -- Early fire detection installed in the Far North -- https://innovatek.co.nz/early-fire-detection-installed-in-the-far-north/

50 -- Wood fuelled boiler installed at Invercargill Prison -- https://innovatek.co.nz/wood-fuelled-boiler-installed-at-invercargill-prison/

51 -- Building finds its balance in groundbreaking earthquake test -- https://innovatek.co.nz/building-finds-its-balance-in-groundbreaking-earthquake-test/

52 -- Plantations essential for QLD housing & future timber plan -- https://innovatek.co.nz/plantations-essential-for-qld-housing-future-timber-plan/

53 -- Empowering forestry and wood through tech -- https://innovatek.co.nz/empowering-forestry-and-wood-through-tech/

54 -- Scientists discover unexpected climate benefit hidden in forest soils -- https://innovatek.co.nz/scientists-discover-unexpected-climate-benefit-hidden-in-forest-soils/

55 -- Record-breaking apartment building gets 3D-printed in just 34 days -- https://innovatek.co.nz/record-breaking-apartment-building-gets-3d-printed-in-just-34-days/

56 -- Eucalyptus bark could help clean water and air -- https://innovatek.co.nz/eucalyptus-bark-could-help-clean-water-and-air/

57 -- Putting red needle cast (RNC) management tools into the hands of foresters -- https://innovatek.co.nz/putting-red-needle-cast-rncmanagement-tools-into-the-hands-of-foresters/

58 -- Transport cost index – Unprecedented impact of fuel pricing -- https://innovatek.co.nz/transport-cost-index-unprecedented-impact-of-fuel-pricing/

59 -- Simplify logging operations with forestry equipment technology -- https://innovatek.co.nz/simplify-logging-operations-with-forestry-equipment-technology/

60 -- Carbon Forestry 2026 programme highlights -- https://innovatek.co.nz/carbon-forestry-2026-unveils-full-programme-for-rotorua-event/

61 -- Gas transition loan scheme a positive step forward for wood products industry -- https://innovatek.co.nz/gas-transition-loan-scheme-a-positive-step-forward-for-wood-products-industry/

62 -- Residues2Revenues 2026 unveils full Brisbane conference programme -- https://innovatek.co.nz/residues2revenues-2026-unveils-full-brisbane-conference-programme/

63 -- Forest owners endorse adaptive, evidence-based change -- https://innovatek.co.nz/forest-owners-endorse-adaptive-evidence-based-change/

64 -- Review disputes claims that logging drives bushfire risk -- https://innovatek.co.nz/review-disputes-claims-that-logging-drives-bushfire-risk/

65 -- World’s first in forest drone-assisted tree harvest -- https://innovatek.co.nz/worlds-first-in-forest-drone-assisted-tree-harvest/

66 -- Call for Speakers: HarvestTECH & Wood Transport Logistics 2026 -- https://innovatek.co.nz/call-for-speakers-harvesttech-wood-transport-logistics-2026/

67 -- Should New Zealand do more to keep manufacturing jobs here? -- https://innovatek.co.nz/should-new-zealand-do-more-to-keep-manufacturing-jobs-here/

68 -- AKD investing in innovation and resilience at Tumut mill -- https://innovatek.co.nz/akd-investing-in-innovation-and-resilience-at-tumut-mill/

69 -- Industrial waste used to develop non-toxic wood protection -- https://innovatek.co.nz/industrial-waste-used-to-develop-non-toxic-wood-protection/

70 -- Project update: Managing moisture during construction and early life stages -- https://innovatek.co.nz/project-update-managing-moisture-during-construction-and-early-life-stages/

71 -- Public comment invited on Australia & NZ Sustainable Forest Management Standard -- https://innovatek.co.nz/public-comment-invited-on-australia-nz-sustainable-forest-management-standard/

72 -- FWPA releases new fastener testing standard to strengthen confidence across the timber industry -- https://innovatek.co.nz/fwpa-releases-new-fastener-testing-standard-to-strengthen-confidence-across-the-timber-industry/

73 -- Empowering the next generation of NZ forestry innovators -- https://innovatek.co.nz/empowering-the-next-generation-of-nz-forestry-innovators/

74 -- Australia at “tipping point” for switch to electric trucks as half its diesel fleet nears replacement -- https://innovatek.co.nz/australia-at-tipping-point-for-switch-to-electric-trucks-as-half-its-diesel-fleet-nears-replacement/

75 -- EV shift needs systems: Toll -- https://innovatek.co.nz/ev-shift-needs-systems-toll/

76 -- Sector Innovation & impact on show at Fieldays Forestry Hub -- https://innovatek.co.nz/sector-innovation-impact-on-show-at-fieldays-forestry-hub/

77 -- Diesel powertrains vs battery electric powertrains explained -- https://innovatek.co.nz/diesel-powertrains-vs-battery-electric-powertrains-explained/

78 -- Swisslog installs New Zealand’s first retail AutoStore system for IKEA -- https://innovatek.co.nz/swisslog-installs-new-zealands-first-retail-autostore-system-for-ikea/

79 -- King’s Birthday Honours 2026: Warwick Wilshier’s work on transforming log truck safety on NZ roads -- https://innovatek.co.nz/kings-birthday-honours-2026-warwick-wilshiers-work-on-transforming-log-truck-safety-on-nz-roads/

80 -- Mapping walk hindrance with LiDAR – a new layer of insight -- https://innovatek.co.nz/mapping-walk-hindrance-with-lidar-a-new-layer-of-insight/

81 -- Embracing VR in thinning training -- https://innovatek.co.nz/embracing-vr-in-thinning-training/

82 -- Komatsu expands smart forestry tools with AI, drones, and precision mapping -- https://innovatek.co.nz/komatsu-expands-smart-forestry-tools-with-ai-drones-and-precision-mapping/

83 -- Industry leaders to convene in Rotorua for Carbon Forestry 2026 as sector transitions -- https://innovatek.co.nz/industry-leaders-to-convene-in-rotorua-for-carbon-forestry-2026-as-sector-transitions/

84 -- WoodTECH 2026: Moving from AI hype to mill floor reality -- https://innovatek.co.nz/woodtech-2026-moving-from-ai-hype-to-mill-floor-reality/

85 -- Niagara Sawmilling Company’s NZ$115 million expansion -- https://innovatek.co.nz/niagara-sawmilling-companys-nz115-million-expansion/

86 -- Australian Forest & wood products industry could reach net zero by 2029 -- https://innovatek.co.nz/australian-forest-wood-products-industry-could-reach-net-zero-by-2029/

87 -- 20,000 Trees to Boost Koala Conservation Initiatives -- https://innovatek.co.nz/20000-trees-to-boost-koala-conservation-initiatives/

88 -- PlantIT opens free trial for forest nursery tracking -- https://innovatek.co.nz/plantit-opens-free-trial-for-forest-nursery-tracking/

89 -- Hybrid holds up within forestry trial -- https://innovatek.co.nz/hybrid-holds-up-within-forestry-trial/

90 -- Managing slash on steep hill country -- https://innovatek.co.nz/managing-slash-on-steep-hill-country/

91 -- Scientists check tiny taxis for troublesome fungal passengers -- https://innovatek.co.nz/scientists-check-tiny-taxis-for-troublesome-fungal-passengers/

92 -- America’s largest landowner is using AI to digitise the forest -- https://innovatek.co.nz/americas-largest-landowner-is-using-ai-to-digitise-the-forest/

93 -- Minecraft game launched to grow future forestry workforce -- https://innovatek.co.nz/minecraft-game-launched-to-grow-future-forestry-workforce/

94 -- Electric vehicle truck conversions surge as fuel crisis pushes freight industry to reinvent itself -- https://innovatek.co.nz/electric-vehicle-truck-conversions-surge-as-fuel-crisis-pushes-freight-industry-to-reinvent-itself/

95 -- Tesla Semi Truck has officially started mass production -- https://innovatek.co.nz/tesla-semi-truck-has-officially-started-mass-production/

96 -- Can’t see the trees (Video) -- https://innovatek.co.nz/cant-see-the-trees-video/

97 -- 2026 Endeavour Fund extensions supporting Bioeconomy Science Institute research -- https://innovatek.co.nz/2026-endeavour-fund-extensions-supporting-bioeconomy-science-institute-research/

98 -- Michigan Tech researchers develop sustainable building material from wood waste -- https://innovatek.co.nz/michigan-tech-researchers-develop-sustainable-building-material-from-wood-waste/

99 -- Shredded wood for roading: Innovative use of harvesting residues -- https://innovatek.co.nz/shredded-wood-for-roading-innovative-use-of-harvesting-residues/

100 -- Permitting progress for 6040 carbonizer -- https://innovatek.co.nz/permitting-progress-for-6040-carbonizer/

101 -- Comact launches new generation Miller Planer -- https://innovatek.co.nz/comact-launches-new-generation-miller-planer/

102 -- Leading the charge on fuel-efficient operations -- https://innovatek.co.nz/leading-the-charge-on-fuel-efficient-operations/

103 -- USDA announces availability of new log truck route planner tool -- https://innovatek.co.nz/usda-announces-availability-of-new-log-truck-route-planner-tool/

104 -- WoodTECH 2026: Showcasing the next wave of innovation -- https://innovatek.co.nz/woodtech-2026-showcasing-the-next-wave-of-innovation/

105 -- Wood Energy: NZ’s strategic hedge against global instability -- https://innovatek.co.nz/wood-energy-nzs-strategic-hedge-against-global-instability/

106 -- Sawmilling at scale: A different path forward -- https://innovatek.co.nz/sawmilling-at-scale-a-different-path-forward/

107 -- Kaitāia timber mills may close with loss of hundreds of jobs -- https://innovatek.co.nz/kaitaia-timber-mills-may-close-with-loss-of-hundreds-of-jobs/

108 -- Development of slash grapples for residue removal -- https://innovatek.co.nz/development-of-slash-grapples-for-residue-removal/

109 -- Forestry company parks electric truck despite spike in diesel prices -- https://innovatek.co.nz/forestry-company-parks-electric-truck-despite-spike-in-diesel-prices/

110 -- Landmark forest valuation standard launched -- https://innovatek.co.nz/landmark-forest-valuation-standard-launched/

111 -- Building the Future: Minecraft in NZ Forestry -- https://innovatek.co.nz/building-the-future-minecraft-in-nz-forestry/

112 -- Exotic Forestry Description improvements move ahead -- https://innovatek.co.nz/exotic-forestry-description-improvements-move-ahead/

113 -- NZ Govt to drive investment in new energy projects -- https://innovatek.co.nz/?p=128168

114 -- Dwelling growth driven by townhouses & apartments -- https://innovatek.co.nz/?p=128131

115 -- FICA fuel adjustment factor calculation -- https://innovatek.co.nz/fica-fuel-adjustment-factor-calculation/

116 -- Waratah Forestry Equipment introduces the new FL90 directional felling head -- https://innovatek.co.nz/waratah-forestry-equipment-introduces-the-new-fl90-directional-felling-head/

117 -- Ponsse launches the next generation Opti 5G information system for track-based machines -- https://innovatek.co.nz/ponsse-launches-the-next-generation-opti-5g-information-system-for-track-based-machines/

118 -- Fenning Timber introduces innovative robotic technology -- https://innovatek.co.nz/fenning-timber-introduces-innovative-robotic-technology/

119 -- Energy resilience: Australia’s alternative fuel opportunities -- https://innovatek.co.nz/energy-resilience-australias-alternative-fuel-opportunities/

120 -- QLD Govt and CSIRO launch program to grow innovation -- https://innovatek.co.nz/qld-govt-and-csiro-launch-program-to-grow-innovation/

121 -- Biodiversity benefits of large scale Mānuka forest planting -- https://innovatek.co.nz/biodiversity-benefits-of-large-scale-manuka-forest-planting/

122 -- A$1.5m AFWI funding to advance autonomous forestry machinery -- https://innovatek.co.nz/a1-5m-afwi-funding-to-advance-autonomous-forestry-machinery/

123 -- Nature plays big role in shaping regional carbon storage -- https://innovatek.co.nz/nature-plays-big-role-in-shaping-regional-carbon-storage/

124 -- A key reason 84% of fleets are investing in safety tech -- https://innovatek.co.nz/a-key-reason-84-of-fleets-are-investing-in-safety-tech/

125 -- Hyne Timber embracing robotics -- https://innovatek.co.nz/hyne-timber-embracing-robotics/

126 -- Can trees and fungi revolutionise forest management? -- https://innovatek.co.nz/can-trees-and-fungi-revolutionise-forest-management/

127 -- Visy introduces recyclable Paper Bubble wrap -- https://innovatek.co.nz/visy-introduces-recyclable-paper-bubble-wrap/

128 -- Building a wildfire business case for biomass harvesting -- https://innovatek.co.nz/building-a-wildfire-business-case-for-biomass-harvesting/

129 -- Forest-based resins challenge fossil materials -- https://innovatek.co.nz/forest-based-resins-challenge-fossil-materials/

130 -- Help shape the future of Australian forestry -- https://innovatek.co.nz/help-shape-the-future-of-australian-forestry/

131 -- New timber research to address Australia’s housing challenge -- https://innovatek.co.nz/?p=128125

132 -- Historic first at Eastland Port -- https://innovatek.co.nz/historic-first-at-eastland-port/

133 -- FISC safety alert: Yarder stabilising ram failure incident -- https://innovatek.co.nz/fisc-safety-alert-yarder-stabilising-ram-failure-incident/

134 -- Hyne-Pine Gin to celebrate 25 years at Tumbarumba -- https://innovatek.co.nz/hyne-pine-gin-to-celebrate-25-years-at-tumbarumba/

135 -- Bioeconomy Innovations 2025/26 Event Summary -- https://innovatek.co.nz/bioeconomy-innovations-2025-26-event-summary/

136 -- The Guide to Environmental Forestry 2026 -- https://innovatek.co.nz/the-guide-to-environmental-forestry-2026/

137 -- Jubilee Sawmill’s renewable energy upgrade – stage one operational -- https://innovatek.co.nz/jubilee-sawmills-renewable-energy-upgrade-stage-one-operational/

138 -- Wesbeam’s major manufacturing upgrades at Neerabup -- https://innovatek.co.nz/wesbeams-major-manufacturing-upgrades-at-neerabup/

139 -- The global tungsten supply chain crisis -- https://innovatek.co.nz/the-global-tungsten-supply-chain-crisis/

140 -- Updated FPInnovations saw design software tool -- https://innovatek.co.nz/updated-fpinnovations-saw-design-software-tool/

141 -- Biosensors monitoring plant physiology for precision forestry -- https://innovatek.co.nz/biosensors-monitoring-plant-physiology-for-precision-forestry/

142 -- Report: Across Australia, Eucalypt forests are declining -- https://innovatek.co.nz/report-across-australia-eucalypt-forests-are-declining/

143 -- WoodSolutions launches new Condensation Management in Timber Construction guide -- https://innovatek.co.nz/woodsolutions-launches-new-condensation-management-in-timber-construction-guide/

144 -- New tool to help road managers and industry understand the impact of heavy vehicle assets -- https://innovatek.co.nz/new-tool-to-help-road-managers-and-industry-understand-the-impact-of-heavy-vehicle-assets/

145 -- NEFD 2025: What it means for the forestry sector in NZ -- https://innovatek.co.nz/nefd-2025-what-it-means-for-the-forestry-sector-in-nz/

146 -- The Netherlands’ new housing project showcases LVL modular construction -- https://innovatek.co.nz/the-netherlands-new-housing-project-showcases-lvl-modular-construction/

147 -- Safetree NZ – It’s time to focus on the soft tissue issue -- https://innovatek.co.nz/safetree-nz-its-time-to-focus-on-the-soft-tissue-issue/

148 -- Tigercat drum chipper to debut -- https://innovatek.co.nz/tigercat-drum-chipper-to-debut/

149 -- Forest industry could restore degraded soils and strengthen global food security -- https://innovatek.co.nz/forest-industry-could-restore-degraded-soils-and-strengthen-global-food-security/

150 -- New Australian Log Haulage Manual & resources are available -- https://innovatek.co.nz/new-australian-log-haulage-manual-resources-are-available/

151 -- BioCarbon secures first commercial biochar steelmaking project -- https://innovatek.co.nz/biocarbon-secures-first-commercial-biochar-steelmaking-project/

152 -- Forests are changing fast and scientists are deeply concerned -- https://innovatek.co.nz/forests-are-changing-fast-and-scientists-are-deeply-concerned/

153 -- Wildfire research focuses on beech forests -- https://innovatek.co.nz/wildfire-research-focuses-on-beech-forests/

154 -- Vineyard Post Reuse Pilot launch – towards timber circularity -- https://innovatek.co.nz/vineyard-post-reuse-pilot-launch-towards-timber-circularity/

155 -- Timber labelling supported by vast majority of Australians -- https://innovatek.co.nz/timber-labelling-supported-by-vast-majority-of-australians/

156 -- AI-powered robot vehicles team up to fight fires -- https://innovatek.co.nz/ai-powered-robot-vehicles-team-up-to-fight-fires/

157 -- SA’s $400k investment to boost regional forestry training -- https://innovatek.co.nz/sas-400k-investment-to-boost-regional-forestry-training/

158 -- Does forest thinning in Australia reduce fire risk? -- https://innovatek.co.nz/does-forest-thinning-in-australia-reduce-fire-risk/

159 -- Solving the case of the missing carbon -- https://innovatek.co.nz/solving-the-case-of-the-missing-carbon/

160 -- Understanding real-world driver behaviour -- https://innovatek.co.nz/understanding-real-world-driver-behaviour/

161 -- The Patchell Group expands options through Australian joint venture -- https://innovatek.co.nz/the-patchell-group-expands-options-through-australian-joint-venture/

162 -- Environmental forestry: Case studies to applied solutions -- https://innovatek.co.nz/environmental-forestry-case-studies-to-applied-solutions/

163 -- Well-managed forests essential for long-term climate -- https://innovatek.co.nz/well-managed-forests-essential-for-long-term-climate/

164 -- WoodTECH 2026 programmes released and registrations open -- https://innovatek.co.nz/woodtech-2026-programmes-released-and-registrations-open/

165 -- Engineering wood: circular by design, durable to nature -- https://innovatek.co.nz/engineering-wood-circular-by-design-durable-to-nature/

166 -- Horse powertrain joins scania electric timber truck pilot -- https://innovatek.co.nz/horse-powertrain-joins-scania-electric-timber-truck-pilot/

167 -- New fully automated panel production facility for Adelaide -- https://innovatek.co.nz/new-fully-automated-panel-production-facility-for-adelaide/

168 -- New AI cameras stop runaway bush fires in Tasmania -- https://innovatek.co.nz/new-ai-cameras-stop-runaway-bush-fires-in-tasmania/

169 -- Wood industry encouraged to boost energy efficiency -- https://innovatek.co.nz/wood-industry-encouraged-to-boost-energy-efficiency/

170 -- Ecological monitoring in the Greater Blue Mountains -- https://innovatek.co.nz/ecological-monitoring-in-the-greater-blue-mountains/

171 -- FWPA: Alterations & additions growth trends & forecast -- https://innovatek.co.nz/fwpa-alterations-additions-growth-trends-forecast/

172 -- Forestry training changes: Industry consultation open -- https://innovatek.co.nz/forestry-training-changes-industry-consultation-open/

173 -- Changes to NZ forestry earthworks training standards -- https://innovatek.co.nz/changes-to-nz-forestry-earthworks-training-standards/

174 -- Native tree study a NZ first -- https://innovatek.co.nz/native-tree-study-a-nz-first/

175 -- A world review of mild fire and forest decline -- https://innovatek.co.nz/a-world-review-of-mild-fire-and-forest-decline/

176 -- Tree death rates climbing across australian forests -- https://innovatek.co.nz/tree-death-rates-climbing-across-australian-forests/

177 -- 7 supply chain tech breakthroughs from CES 2026 -- https://innovatek.co.nz/7-supply-chain-tech-breakthroughs-from-ces-2026/

178 -- Radial Timber installs unique automated radial saw -- https://innovatek.co.nz/radial-timber-installs-unique-automated-radial-saw/

179 -- Drax launches biomass tracker for supply chain clarity -- https://innovatek.co.nz/drax-launches-biomass-tracker-for-supply-chain-clarity/

180 -- Future in motion: Canadian zero-emission truck trials -- https://innovatek.co.nz/future-in-motion-canadian-zero-emission-truck-trials/

181 -- Feedback open: NZ workplace drug & alcohol practice guide -- https://innovatek.co.nz/feedback-open-nz-workplace-drug-alcohol-practice-guide/

182 -- FGLT 2026 research focuses on resilience & biosecurity -- https://innovatek.co.nz/fglt-2026-research-focuses-on-resilience-biosecurity/

183 -- Using machine data to boost forest productivity -- https://innovatek.co.nz/using-machine-data-to-boost-forest-productivity/

184 -- Expressions of Interest (EOI) now open for micro-credentials -- https://innovatek.co.nz/expressions-of-interest-eoi-now-open-for-micro-credentials/

185 -- Tonsley Technical College showcase mass engineered timber -- https://innovatek.co.nz/tonsley-technical-college-showcase-mass-engineered-timber/

186 -- WoodTECH 2026 – Call for Speakers -- https://innovatek.co.nz/woodtech-2026-call-for-speakers/

187 -- Get to the wood-chopper: heli-harvesting study now underway -- https://innovatek.co.nz/get-to-the-wood-chopper-heli-harvesting-study-now-underway/

188 -- Green Triangle creates high-strength structural bluegum timber -- https://innovatek.co.nz/green-triangle-creates-high-strength-structural-bluegum-timber/

189 -- Austroads releases recommendations to update its guides for large freight vehicles -- https://innovatek.co.nz/austroads-releases-recommendations-to-update-its-guides-for-large-freight-vehicles/

190 -- Precision & adaptability: Fritch Sawmill’s path to serving niche markets -- https://innovatek.co.nz/precision-adaptability-fritch-sawmills-path-to-serving-niche-markets/

191 -- Environmental Forestry 2026 rescheduled to March 2026 -- https://innovatek.co.nz/environmental-forestry-2026-rescheduled-to-march-2026/

192 -- Interpine welcomes a new era of daily 1m imagery -- https://innovatek.co.nz/interpine-welcomes-a-new-era-of-daily-1m-imagery/

193 -- The forestry sector’s critical role preparing for bushfires -- https://innovatek.co.nz/the-forestry-sectors-critical-role-preparing-for-bushfires/

194 -- Strengthening the voice of AFCA members -- https://innovatek.co.nz/strengthening-the-voice-of-afca-members/

195 -- Introducing Crann – the world’s first AI forestry assistant -- https://innovatek.co.nz/introducing-crann-the-worlds-first-ai-forestry-assistant/

196 -- Workforce insights programme: employers & workers -- https://innovatek.co.nz/workforce-insights-programme-employers-workers/

197 -- Post-event summary: ForestTECH 2025 -- https://innovatek.co.nz/post-event-summary-foresttech-2025/

198 -- FWPA Releases 2024/25 Annual Report: A Year of Growth -- https://innovatek.co.nz/?p=127565

199 -- Fire research in Australia providing lessons and mitigation -- https://innovatek.co.nz/fire-research-in-australia-providing-lessons-and-mitigation/

200 -- Yarram sawmill to close -- https://innovatek.co.nz/yarram-sawmill-to-close/

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? Where is automation making a difference? How are operators managing the transition to new equipment and energy systems? And where can better data and planning deliver real gains? Those are some of the questions on the agenda at HarvestTECH & Wood Transport Logistics 2026, being held in Rotorua on 10–11 November 2026. The two-day event brings together industry leaders, contractors, researchers, technology providers and equipment manufacturers from across Australasia and overseas. Importantly, it brings harvesting and wood transport together in one programme, reflecting the reality that what happens in the forest is closely connected to what happens once the logs leave the roadside. A closer look at what’s coming up The 2026 programme covers a broad mix of technology, equipment and operational experience, with plenty of examples of how new approaches are being applied in the field. AI and smarter transport planning: Artificial intelligence is moving rapidly from the discussion stage into day-to-day forestry operations. Sessions will look at how AI is being used in dispatch and fleet logistics, helping operators move from reactive scheduling towards more predictive decision-making. There are also updates on digital tools being developed for applications such as bark detection on export logs. Automation and mechanised harvesting: Steep-terrain harvesting, semi-automated cable yarding and autonomous machinery are among the technologies featured this year. The focus is less on what the technology promises and more on how it is being used in real operating environments, including New Zealand conditions. Electrification and energy resilience: The move towards lower-emission heavy vehicles and equipment brings its own practical challenges. Presentations from Rewiring Aotearoa and PermaPine, among others, will look at what electrification can mean for forestry and transport operations, including lessons from projects already underway and developments such as range-extender technology. Turning forestry residues into a resource: There is also a practical look at what can be done with material that would otherwise be left as waste. Mobile processing technologies are being developed to turn forestry slash and residues into biochar at or near the source, potentially reducing wildfire risk while creating a saleable product. The human side of performance: Technology and equipment are only part of the equation. Former crisis negotiator Lance Burdett of WARN International will look at the role of neuroscience, focus and personal resilience in demanding operational environments – an area that can have just as much impact on performance and safety as the machinery being operated. Two days focused on the whole supply chain One of the strengths of HarvestTECH & Wood Transport Logistics is the opportunity to look beyond individual machines or technologies and consider how different parts of the operation fit together. From harvesting and mechanisation through to fleet management, transport, safety and logistics, the programme is designed around the challenges faced by people working across the wood supply chain. There will also be opportunities throughout the event to meet equipment manufacturers, technology providers and service companies, and to discuss how the latest developments might apply to individual operations. Registration Specials Super Early Bird registration is available until 11 September, with a saving of $160 per delegate. Group rates are also available for teams of three or more, while WIDE Trust complimentary places are available for eligible forestry professionals under 35. The full programme, speaker lineup and registration details are available at harvesttech.events.…

Biomass trial produces industrial heat at less than $3/GJ

A biomass trial at JBS Riverina’s Yanco facility in New South Wales has produced thermal energy at a supply cost of less than $3 per gigajoule (GJ), highlighting the potential for biomass to provide a lower-cost alternative to conventional industrial fuels. The trial, conducted through an Australian Meat Processor Corporation (AMPC) pilot programme, used a combination of biomass feedstocks including woodchip, sawdust, partially digested grain and grass from animal paunches, and nut shells. The different feedstocks were blended and processed in a biomass boiler to provide thermal energy for the facility. The results compare favourably with the reported costs of other thermal energy sources, with on-site coal estimated at around $10/GJ and grid gas at approximately $25/GJ. For energy-intensive industries facing continued pressure on operating costs, the trial demonstrates how locally available biomass and other organic waste streams could provide an alternative source of industrial heat. It also highlights a broader opportunity for the forestry and wood processing sectors, with woodchip and sawdust forming part of a wider range of biomass feedstocks that can be combined to meet industrial energy requirements. The Yanco trial will be discussed by Gareth Forde, Principal Engineer at All Energy, at Residues2Revenues 2026 in Brisbane on 23–24 September. His presentation will also cover other case studies involving blended biomass feedstocks for thermal energy and low-emissions fertiliser manufacturing. The event will also examine emerging uses for wood residues in liquid fuels, lignin-based products, biochar, carbon removal and other applications, bringing together forestry, wood processing, energy and technology companies. Residues2Revenues 2026 is being held at voco Brisbane City Centre on 23–24 September.2026. Source: FIEA…

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, and now it’s using its experience to deploy AI. Caterpillar’s push into the autonomous space started with mining, where labor shortages and hazardous conditions can make automation particularly useful. Today, it sells automated haul trucks, drilling, underground loaders, dozers, remote-controlled construction equipment, and more. It also offers a software command center, fleet management, and even remote terrain intelligence as part of its autonomous toolkit. “Now we’re in this super exciting time where we can take all of that learning from mining and bring it into much more dynamic environments, jobsites, quarries, and construction sites,” the company’s CTO, Jaime Mineart, told TechCrunch during a fireside chat at the Ai4 conference in Las Vegas earlier this month. The industrial giant is now applying AI more broadly, including in tools used by technicians and its own employees. One example is the Cat AI Assistant, which lets field technicians standing next to a machine use voice commands to pull up repair procedures, troubleshoot potential problems, and identify parts that may be needed before beginning a repair. Mineart said the tool is now being used by customers, operators, and technicians.…

Beyond Woodchips: Australia’s hardwood plantation industry must innovate

For more than three decades, Australia’s hardwood plantation industry has been built on a simple but largely successful business model: growing world-class plantation fibre for export to Asia’s pulp mills. It has underpinned regional economies, attracted significant investment and established Australia as one of the world’s most reliable suppliers of hardwood fibre. Australia remains a premium provider of high-quality hardwood woodchips. Our plantation estate is among the world’s most productive and well-established, providing a significant resource that serves global pulp markets while also creating opportunities for new domestic markets. But global markets are changing and have been for more than a decade. The export model that has served the industry so well is becoming more competitive.  Australian woodchip exports have fallen over the past year. While commodity markets inevitably fluctuate, the more significant story lies in changing demand from Australia’s largest customer. China’s pulp industry is becoming increasingly diverse in its sources of hardwood fibre. A prolonged slowdown in China’s domestic housing market has released significant volumes of locally sourced fibre into the supply chain, reducing reliance on imported woodchips and enabling manufacturers to produce satisfactory pulp from a lower-cost fibre mix. Vietnam has the market At the same time, competition from Vietnam has intensified. Vietnam now accounts for virtually all of China’s growth in hardwood chip imports, with total Chinese imports increasing 11.4 per cent in early 2026. Vietnam’s growing position reflects, in part, a straightforward competitive advantage – its proximity to China. In a global commodity market where freight is a significant component of delivered cost, Vietnam’s geographic proximity to China’s pulp mills provides its suppliers with a structural cost advantage. This does not diminish the quality or reliability of Australian fibre. Rather, it highlights the exposure that comes with relying heavily on a single export pathway, particularly as competing sources of fibre become increasingly available. This is a structural change For many years, Australian hardwood plantations enjoyed a clear competitive advantage. High-quality Eucalyptus globulus, alongside Eucalyptus nitens, dependable supply and Australia’s reputation as a politically stable trading partner meant local fibre attracted a premium whenever global pulp markets strengthened. Those advantages remain but the competitive environment is changing as Chinese manufacturers diversify supply sources, optimise fibre blends and reduce dependence on Australian imports. Taken together, these trends point to something far more significant than a cyclical downturn. They represent a structural shift in the global fibre market and one that reinforces the importance of diversification.  The critical question for Australia is no longer whether we can compete harder in an increasingly crowded commodity market. It is whether exporting raw fibre should remain the only significant pathway for capturing the highest-value use of one of our most important renewable resources. Diversification to meet sovereign needs The same plantation estate is equally capable of producing higher-value engineered wood products that support advanced manufacturing of dwelling components and dwellings, skilled regional employment and sovereign industrial capability. There is no better demonstration of this potential than Phase One of The Precinct project – the Hardwood Timber Manufacturing Hub.  The now delivered first feasibility study proves that instead of exporting low-value fibre and importing finished building products, Australia has an opportunity to capture more economic value through domestic processing and integration into the built environment. The timing could not be better.  As export markets become more competitive, Australia faces an unprecedented housing challenge. Governments across the country are actively pursuing faster, more productive construction methods through prefabrication, modular housing and mass timber construction. The release of the National Housing Strategy at the recent ALP National Conference reinforces the growing policy focus on housing productivity, sovereign manufacturing and modern methods of construction. From plantations, to products, to prefabrication Yet despite this opportunity, Australia continues to import around $1 billion worth of engineered wood products, plywood and wood panels each year, while exporting much of the raw fibre needed to manufacture them. One argument is that Australia is exporting the raw material while importing the finished products needed to build homes. The Precinct approach captures manufacturing jobs, innovation and economic returns offshore, despite Australia possessing the plantation resource, technical capability, relatively stable and growing domestic market to do that work locally. Shifting from exporting fibre and importing value-added products, Australia has the opportunity to extend an integrated domestic manufacturing sector that converts plantation resources into engineered wood products, prefabricated building systems and integrated dwelling solutions. This is precisely where The Precinct represents a fundamentally different proposition. The Precinct is being designed as an integrated, advanced manufacturing ecosystem that brings together plantation resources, engineered wood products, prefabrication, dwelling component manufacturing and circular economy principles, within a single regional supply chain. Its importance lies in recognising the future for the value chain lies in integrated manufacturing that has a laser focus on delivering dwelling solutions, in the national interest. Importantly, this transition aligns with the direction of government policy. Housing productivity, sovereign manufacturing, regional industrial development and lower-emissions construction are no longer separate policy objectives, they are increasingly part of the same national agenda. Developments to deliver this integrated agenda will define much of Australia’s housing future. The latest export figures should therefore be viewed not as a hurdle for Australia’s plantation industry, but as a catalyst for transformation opportunities. Australia has always adapted to changing markets. The next chapter will be led and won by maintaining our established global fibre markets while at the same time creating more value from our resources and developing sophisticated and integrated sovereign supply chains focussed on delivering the next generation of housing, employment and regional economic resilience.…

UBC-developed ‘wood foam’ enters production

Inside a new facility at Main Street and Terminal Avenue, wood fibre is moving through a production line and emerging, transformed, as a block of lightweight “wood foam.” For Dr. Feng Jiang, who first developed the material in his laboratory at the University of British Columbia, the moment is years in the making. For Reg Ogen, president and CEO of Yinka Dene Economic Development Limited Partnership (YLP) and a leader of the Wet’suwet’en First Nation, it signals a shift in the Canadian bioeconomy: a new economic relationship between Indigenous communities and the forests they have stewarded for generations. Millions of tonnes of plastic foam packaging end up in landfills each year, where they can persist for more than 500 years. This new facility aims to change that. By transforming wood waste resulting from logging or forest fires—material that might otherwise be burned or discarded—into biodegradable packaging and insulation, the partnership is turning a costly liability for the forestry sector into a high-value, sustainable product. Indigenous-led commercialisation The pilot plant is operated by DicinFoam, a majority-owned subsidiary of YLP, the business arm of the Wet’suwet’en First Nation. Dicin (pronounced DIH-chun), the Wet’suwet’en word for wood, reflects the company’s connection to both the forest and Wet’suwet’en culture. The underlying intellectual property is co-owned by UBC and YLP. “This partnership is a blueprint for the future of the forestry industry,” said Ogen. “Today’s forestry industrialization models have extracted value from all forest dwellers, communities, and our Indigenous cultures.” From lab to pilot-scale production The plant converts softwoods such as spruce, pine and fir into a lightweight wood foam using heat, mechanical processing and minimal chemical additives. In packaging applications, the material is designed to break down in soil within months. The facility also produces insulation panels treated to meet building performance requirements, a market that currently relies heavily on imported wood-based products. The technology originated in the lab of Dr. Jiang, a professor in UBC’s faculty of forestry and environmental stewardship whose research focuses on turning underused forest biomass into high-value bio-based materials. His lab continues to support DicinFoam’s scale-up, testing new feedstock combinations and expanding the range of applications as the company grows.…

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, Innovate to Grow connects businesses with experienced researchers and industry mentors at the state’s regional universities. Dr George Feast, CSIRO’s Executive Manager  for Industry-Research Collaboration, said the program helped SMEs make confident, informed decisions about their research. “Many businesses want to invest in R&D but aren’t sure where to start, or whether an idea is worth pursuing,” Dr Feast said. “Innovate to Grow works through that with them – helping SMEs test their thinking, connect with researchers and mentors, and decide how to move forward.” Queensland Chief Scientist Professor Kerrie Wilson said Queensland’s digital technology and AI sector offered strong potential to lift productivity across the state’s economy.   “Queensland businesses are developing digital and AI solutions that can make a real difference across industries, from agriculture to manufacturing,” Professor Wilson said. “Connecting these businesses with research expertise through Innovate to Grow helps turn that potential into practical technology that benefits Queensland.” Ray Kwon of BeeSTAR , participated in a previous Innovate to Grow program. The Queensland-based agritech company developed a data-driven platform that turns pollination into a measurable service, tracking more than 1,500 hives daily across four states. “CSIRO’s Innovate to Grow will support our future R&D planning and improvements, with the exercises serving as a compass while we’re already working in the field,” Mr Kwon said. CSIRO’s Innovate to Grow: DigiTech and AI is open to Queensland SMEs developing or supplying solutions in the following subsectors: Applications are now open and close on 20 September 2026. The program will commence in October.…

Science safeguards NZ’s rarest ecosystems

Some of New Zealand’s most remarkable ecosystems are also among its rarest. Now, new research is aimed at helping councils and land managers better understand and protect them. Led by the Bioeconomy Science Institute Maiangi Taiao, the two-year project will develop practical tools and monitoring approaches for naturally uncommon ecosystems such as coastal sand dunes, gravel beaches, coastal wetlands and geothermal areas. These ecosystems comprise only a small part of New Zealand’s landscape but support unique plants, animals and ecological communities that have adapted to survive in challenging conditions. Many of them change naturally due to wind, waves and storms, making it challenging to distinguish between normal environmental change and emerging threats. Project co-lead Sarah Richardson says these areas are familiar to many New Zealanders but often overlooked as important biodiversity hotspots. “They are also often isolated and can be particularly vulnerable to pressures such as land-use change, invasive species and climate change. “Their locations can make them challenging to monitor effectively,” she says. The work will focus on improving how naturally uncommon ecosystems are identified, assessed and tracked over time, providing councils with clearer information about ecosystem health and change. “The project will help provide a stronger evidence base for protecting some of the country’s most distinctive natural environments – helping land managers identify environmental change, prioritise conservation efforts and make more informed decisions,” Sarah says. “By combining ecological expertise with new monitoring technologies and environmental data, the project aims to give councils a more accurate picture of ecosystem condition and change. The tools developed will help identify areas at risk, prioritise management actions and improve long-term environmental stewardship – helping ensure these ecological treasures are preserved for future generations.” The Bioeconomy Science Institute is partnering with regional councils and other environmental stakeholders to ensure the tools developed are practical, cost-effective and meet real-world management needs. More >> Source & image credit: Bioeconomy Science Institute…

AI identifies trees from the air as accurately as the human eye

A new remote sensing method identifies the species of individual trees with an accuracy of up to 90 percent. Detailed data on species makes forestry more efficient and improves the monitoring of biodiversity. Thanks to recent research on tree species classification, it is now possible to identify tree species from the air more comprehensively and rapidly than before. The new method combines multispectral laser scanning with machine and deep learning methods, or, in practice, AI. The study was conducted by researchers at the Finnish Geospatial Research Institute (FGI) under the National Land Survey of Finland, together with researchers at several universities. During the past 15 years, forest resources data, describing the structure and tree species of forests, has mainly been generated using a method based on laser scanning, aerial imaging and field measurements. “Among these, aerial images that combine the wavelengths of visible light and near-infrared have produced data on tree species which has not been available using conventional laser scanning, as it only relies on one wavelength. This is why aerial imaging has played a significant part so far,” says Markus Holopainen, Professor of Geoinformatics at the Department of Forest Sciences of the University of Helsinki. The more advanced, multispectral laser scanning method measures several wavelengths, in the same way as aerial imaging. This means that more detailed data can now be generated by laser scanning alone. “With multispectral laser scanning the accuracy of tree species classification comes very close to that of aerial imaging. In the future, forest inventorying might not require both laser scanning and aerial imaging. Instead, one measurement can give both sets of data,” Holopainen says. Exceptional scope of study on tree species classification “In remote sensing, AI methods can produce data similar to that perceived by the human eye. Like humans, deep learning can identify a tree species even if the shades of colour between individual trees vary across an image or a data set.” The new method developed by the FGI and the universities combines multispectral laser scanning with machine and deep learning, thus further improving the accuracy. Deep learning is capable of rapidly and efficiently combining complex data, such as the shape and geometry of trees and the reflections of different wavelengths of trees. Holopainen says that the study is one of the broadest among research on tree species classification even on an international scale, focusing on multispectral laser scanning and the development of laser scanning methods.…

Canada and Australia are asking similar questions – but arriving at different answers

New Canadian research echoes themes explored by Australia’s System 600 while highlighting different approaches to industrialised housing. When Perkins&Will recently released its research into a modular mass timber housing system for Canada, the immediate takeaway was straightforward: another country is exploring how prefabrication, standardisation and offsite manufacturing might help address housing supply. Look a little closer, however, and another story emerges. Although developed independently and for different purposes, the Canadian research and Australia’s System 600 initiative appear to be grappling with many of the same questions. How can housing become easier to manufacture? How can design, approvals and construction become more repeatable? And how can industrialised construction support domestic manufacturing rather than relying on isolated proprietary systems? The answers, however, are not identical. Shared questions, different starting points The Canadian project, developed by Perkins&Will in collaboration with industry and academic partners, is built around a rationalised structural grid, a concise kit of prefabricated components, coordinated building services and modular planning principles. The objective is to streamline design, manufacturing and assembly while supporting Canada’s housing and climate objectives. Many of those themes will sound familiar to Australians following Building 4.0 CRC’s System 600 research, which also explores standardised design rules, coordinated interfaces and component-based construction. Neither project simply asks how to manufacture buildings in a factory. Instead, both investigate whether greater coordination across design, manufacturing and construction can improve productivity, simplify delivery and create more repeatable outcomes.…

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 from a logging family originally based in Tokoroa. When his father’s contract ended, the family relocated to Tairāwhiti and Tony has spent much of his career on the East Coast, most recently working for Ricky Kuru before establishing his own business. Like many contractors in the region, Tony speaks highly of Ricky’s role in mentoring operators and helping them transition into business ownership. Hill Logging is a great example of that legacy. Today, Tony operates two crews in Tairāwhiti: a fully mechanised SWY operation and a fully mechanised ground-based crew. On the day of my visit, his father was working on a digger on the skid site. That morning, Tony’s main concern was a failed access road into his ground-based operation. The issue had been ongoing, leaving the crew parked up while waiting for the forest manager to complete repairs. Approximately 200 loads were sitting in stock awaiting transport to the port. His SWY operation had effectively been carrying the business during the disruption, but as Tony pointed out, downtime caused by infrastructure issues is not something accounted for in the Forme costing model. Tony has recently invested in a new winch system that was featured in NZ Logger Magazine and is awaiting the arrival of a reconditioned Madill feller buncher. Given the significant cost of new equipment, refurbished machinery is becoming an increasingly attractive option for contractors across the industry. Through his work as Iron Tester, Tony has gained valuable insights into a wide range of machines and operating systems, and it is clear he spends a lot of time thinking about equipment performance and productivity. When I asked him which feller buncher is best suited to Tairāwhiti conditions, his answer covered everything from geology and topography through to piece size, stocking rates, ground clearance, undercarriage design, slew power and harvesting head selection. If you’re in the market for a feller buncher, a conversation with Tony would be time well spent. Investing in People One of Tony’s key mantras is “no scratches on machines”. While this may sound simple, it reflects the high standards he expects from his team when it comes to operating, maintaining and greasing equipment. From the housekeeping standards I observed, it is a philosophy that has been fully embraced by his crew. More >> Source & image credit: FICA…

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 comfort and long-term reliability. The launch includes a complete update of Komatsu’s harvester portfolio as well as a new generation of six-cylinder forwarders. Across both segments, the upgrades are centred around a new engine platform, enhanced driveline performance and a more refined operator environment. At the core of the new generation is the AP Core engine, designed to deliver higher power and torque while enabling more efficient operation. The increased engine performance makes it possible to operate at lower engine speeds while maintaining – or in many cases improving – productivity. In the harvester range, all seven models have been upgraded. New crane designs play an important role in this development. The cranes feature a more robust design, with additional cast components and increased dimensions in key areas. This improves durability, particularly in demanding operations, while maintaining high performance and precision. The hydraulic system has been optimised to reduce pressure losses and improve overall efficiency, while a revised hydrostatic transmission enables high performance at lower engine speeds. Together with the engine updates, these improvements contribute to reduced fuel consumption and lower CO₂ emissions, while supporting efficient performance in a wide range of operating conditions. “We have focused on delivering more performance where it matters, while also improving efficiency,” says Joakim Johansson, Product Manager, Harvesters. “The new generation gives operators more capability in demanding conditions, while enabling lower engine speeds and more fuel-efficient operation in everyday work.” The new forwarders – Komatsu 855, 875 and 895 – benefit from similar core upgrades, including the same engine platform and an updated transmission. These changes enable higher transport speeds, improved traction and increased productivity in challenging terrain. “We continue to develop our forwarders with a clear focus on productivity and usability,” says Daniel Grabbe, Product Manager, Forwarders. “The improvements in engine efficiency, driveline performance and serviceability all contribute to lower cost per cubic metre and a more reliable machine in daily operations.” Additional updates in the forwarder range include flexible load configurations, improved crane performance and several design changes that simplify service and maintenance. A redesigned access system and improved component layout also enhance operator safety and daily usability. With the Next Generation range, Komatsu Forest continues its focus on delivering machines that combine productivity, operator experience and environmental consideration – supporting forestry operations both today and in the future.…

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 in four assessments resulted in enforcement action, with 131 assessments leading to notices or other enforcement measures. In total, 207 enforcement measures were issued. The data provides a snapshot of the key hazards and system failures inspectors are identifying in forestry operations around the country. The largest single category of enforcement activity was system-related notices, which accounted for 39% of all enforcement measures. According to WorkSafe, these notices generally did not relate to a specific hazard, but instead highlighted weaknesses in the systems, processes and management practices that underpin safe operations. Key areas of concern included regulatory compliance, risk management systems, competency and training, supervision, health and safety management systems, emergency preparedness, and contractor and PCBU coordination. “The prevalence of system-related enforcement indicates that strengthening organisational capability, planning, supervision, and risk management remains critical to preventing the top harm events experienced in the forestry sector,” the WorkSafe overview states. Among the specific harm categories, being hit by a vehicle or moving plant was the most common reason for enforcement action, accounting for 26% of measures issued. Inspectors identified recurring issues including inadequate traffic management, machine rollover risks, damaged operator protective structures and unsafe mobile plant. Exposure to hazardous substances acounted for 17% of measures issued. Many notices related to deficiencies in worker health monitoring, exposure monitoring and hazardous substance management, as well as shortcomings in personal protective equipment and respiratory protection. Being hit by a falling object accounted for 12% of enforcement measures. These notices were primarily linked to tree felling and log management activities, with inspectors identifying unsafe felling practices, falling stems and branches, unstable log stacks and chain-shot hazards. Falls from height made up 6% of enforcement measures. Most notices were associated with arboriculture work, tree climbing, tower yarder activities and maintenance work at height. Common issues included inadequate rescue planning, fall-risk assessments and controls. While the data highlights ongoing risks around forestry’s traditional high-hazard activities, the high number of system notices points to a broader challenge. Effective safety systems, competent supervision and robust risk management remain the foundations for preventing serious injuries and fatalities across the industry.…

Learning Through the Storm: Report released

The Top of the South Wood Council, with support from Te Uru Rākau – New Zealand Forest Service, has recently released  Learning Through the Storm, a report on the widespread windthrow caused by the severe storm events of 2025.  On July 11th 2025, following weeks of heavy rain, an estimated 7,500-8,000 hectares of radiata pine in Tasman District forests were windthrown by strong north-easterly and easterly winds. Standing trees left within wind-damaged blocks were estimated to account for 25% of all trees affected. Further windthrow occurred over subsequent months as destabilised trees in damaged areas continued to fall over. Damage caused by southerly winds in October was significant, with a further estimated 2,500-3,000 hectares of trees blown down. The Learning Through the Storm report was commissioned to understand the impact of the storm. The report is packed with learnings and practical information about the forestry sector’s response to, and recovery from, the widespread windthrow caused by the severe storm events of 2025. The report can be accessed here: Learning Through the Storm – Report – Top of the South Wood Council Source & image credit: Top of the South Wood Council…

Carbon Forestry 2026 – Event Summary

The Carbon Forestry 2026 Conference, held in Rotorua on 4–5 August, brought together forest managers, investors, industry leaders and government representatives to explore some of the big questions facing carbon forestry. The Government’s commitment to forestry was reinforced by Climate Change Minister Hon Simon Watts, who told delegates that forestry remains an essential part of New Zealand’s Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) and the country’s wider climate response. Across two days, discussion ranged from the future of the NZ ETS and emerging carbon markets to biodiversity, natural capital and the practical challenge of protecting forest assets from wildfire. A recurring theme was that the frameworks underpinning carbon forestry are changing – and that investors and forest owners will need to adapt with them. Where the ETS is heading The future of the NZ ETS was a major focus. Catherine Leining, Policy Fellow at Motu Economic and Public Policy Research, argued that the current system cannot deliver New Zealand’s long-term climate goals on its own. She proposed a Removals Investment Mechanism (RIM) that would separate emissions pricing from removals and create greater incentives for a more diverse forestry sector. Christina Hood of the New Zealand Climate Foundation highlighted another shift, with international compliance markets increasingly favouring long-lived and durable carbon removals. Eva Murray, Principal Analyst at the Climate Change Commission, warned that under current settings the NZ ETS could lose its ability to drive net emissions reductions after 2034, adding urgency to the policy debate. John Saunders, Director at the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), provided an update on regulatory changes, including the Tupu-ake portal, while acknowledging ongoing concerns around carbon price volatility and perceptions of land-use change. Beyond Carbon Another strong theme was the emergence of natural capital as a broader investment opportunity, with carbon, biodiversity and other environmental outcomes increasingly viewed as complementary sources of value. David Brand of the International Sustainable Forestry Coalition outlined how institutional investors are beginning to consider climate mitigation and biodiversity alongside traditional measures of risk and return when designing portfolios. Several speakers explored what this can look like on the ground. Rebecca Lee of the Kaimai Mamaku Restoration Project highlighted the need for nature finance to extend beyond carbon sequestration, including support for native afforestation and landscape-scale pest control. Lucas MacDonald, Carbon Project Manager at Zero Invasive Predators (ZIP), discussed work in South Westland investigating whether carbon gains from predator elimination could help fund ongoing native forest protection. Meg Graeme shared findings from a Tāne’s Tree Trust project exploring the use of radiata pine as a transitional nurse canopy for re-establishing native forests on marginal land, with effective animal browser control critical to the success of the approach. Managing Wildfire Risk With increasing climate volatility, wildfire risk is becoming another important consideration for forest owners and investors. In a dedicated workshop, National Wildfire Manager Tim Mitchell introduced a session in which Veronica Clifford of the Bioeconomy Science Institute outlined a semi-quantitative fire hazard framework. The research identified rotational exotic forests as having the highest fire hazard potential, particularly during the first 10 years of growth. Grant Pearce, Wildfire Scientist at FENZ, explained how the Fire Weather Index (FWI) system combines weather information with fuel moisture and fire behaviour indicators to help trigger operational restrictions. From an industry perspective, Peter Casey, CEO of Nateva, outlined an estate-level fire-risk model that scores individual forests against factors including powerline corridors, road frontage and neighbouring land uses. He also highlighted practical measures such as targeted grazing and fuel reduction that can reduce exposure before a fire starts. Taken together, the discussions at Carbon Forestry 2026 highlighted a sector in transition – from the future design of carbon markets and the growing importance of natural capital to the practical realities of managing increasingly complex forest risks.…

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 timber posts and poles. The site runs 24/7, peeling up to 11,000 meters of timber per day and steaming and treating up to 11,000 cubic meters per month. Moving material efficiently across such a large site is critical to keeping production running smoothly. At the same time, the business is on an ongoing journey to reduce its environmental footprint. Having already invested in renewable energy through a biomass boiler – which uses timber residues to produce the steam required to dry and fixate products – PermaPine saw the L120 Electric as the next step. The trial set out to determine whether electric equipment could meet both sustainability goals and the realities of industrial-scale operations. Ian Potter, Operations Manager, PermaPine, said: “New Zealand is known for its outdoor environment, and we’ve got a great country. We need to ensure we’re protecting it. As a business, we’re always striving to improve, and sustainability is something we’re really working on. It’s part of a journey, not something you do once, but something you think about on an ongoing basis.” A first-of-its-kind electric wheel loader trial The L120 Electric trial marked a significant milestone, becoming the first fully electric wheel loader in New Zealand fitted with log forks and operating in a true 24/7 environment. Rather than limiting the machine to light duties, PermaPine deliberately deployed the L120 Electric across multiple areas of the site to fully test its capability. Potter continued: “I’ve been pleasantly surprised. The L120 Electric got passed around – it went over to our log yard, the treatment plant and did some work in the yard as well. The general feeling from everyone was positive. Moving around the site is effortless, no matter the ground conditions, it’s responsive, has good lifting capabilities, great visibility from the cab and is comfortable. It’s working well in our application, and we’re enjoying using it.” More >> Source: Volvo…

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 excellence in health and safety and create a pathway for continuous improvement. When assessing Contractor Certification, Safetree auditors take note of those exceeding expectations in specific areas and assess whether they should be awarded the higher Canopy Class status.  For years, Skipps Logging’s Mandie Skipps has championed the idea of a tiered certification system that rewards contractors committed to raising standards, not just meeting them.  “Safetree Contractor Certification is the baseline, and in my opinion, everyone in logging should have it,” she says. Skipps says what she likes about Canopy Class is the recognition of those businesses that want to keep moving forward. “It encourages you to keep asking: ‘What can we do better?’ rather than just settling for the minimum. “As a contractor, you’d hope the effort that goes into achieving Canopy Class status helps build your reputation, brings more opportunities, and makes it easier to attract and retain good people.” Safetree Certification Manager Mark Preece presented the certification to Skipps in person and says the pilot has been a great success. “For contractors looking to stand out, strengthen their culture and demonstrate leadership in health and safety, Canopy Class offers a way to show they are operating above and beyond the baseline. We’re really excited that this is now in place for the sector. We believe it reflects a real evolution in our industry’s health and safety approach.” Skipps says that after moving away from the corporate environment, Skipps Logging realised the health and safety expectations could vary from one forest manager to another. “Rather than letting our standards change, we chose to keep setting the bar high within our own business,” she says. “It’s (Canopy Class) been great recognition just to make sure that we are still on track, still at the bar we want to be at, and to see if we can learn any new things or develop new approaches within our own company. “It made us think a bit differently about where we could improve but also reinforced the importance of the things we’ve always done well and not taking those for granted.” Skipps says it can be easy to fall into the ‘don’t spend, you don’t know what tomorrow will bring’ mindset. “You can’t control what the industry is going to do next, but you can control how you look after your people. That’s an investment we will never question. At the end of the day, you’ve still got to maintain that safety is an investment in your business. So, you can make sure everyone gets home safe, every day.” Want to know more about Canopy Class? Contact Safetree Certification Manager Mark Preece. Source & image credit: Safetree…

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 New Zealand Forest Owners Association (NZFOA) and Forest Industry Contractors Association (FICA) joint Forestry Training Committee (FTC). The NZFOA and FICA have endorsed the move, saying it provides the strongest platform to maintain consistent, industry-led training across silviculture, harvesting, engineering and forest management while improving long-term capability. “This is about ensuring forestry continues to have a training system designed by industry, for industry,” says Forestry Training Committee Chair, Kevin Ihaka. “Our employers invest heavily in training because they know a skilled workforce is essential for safe, productive and sustainable forestry operations. This arrangement gives the sector greater influence over how that training evolves in future.” Forestry is New Zealand’s fourth-largest primary export earner, directly employing more than 8500 people. Over 90 percent of the workforce participates in formal training, with the vast majority of learning taking place on the job. Following consultation with more than 200 industry participants, employers, contractors and training providers, the FTC developed a clear set of requirements for any future training provider. These included strong industry input into decision-making, transparency around investment in forestry training, continuity of existing capability and minimal disruption for learners and employers. “In assessing potential training providers against these requirements, the proposed primary industry Private Training Establishment (PTE) was initially preferred, but after engaging with the Competenz Board and leadership team, it became clear that Competenz’s Engineering and Manufacturing PTE would be better suited to forestry’s training needs,” says Kevin. Under the new arrangement, forestry will have: “Industry told us it wanted stronger influence, greater accountability and continuity for learners and employers. We believe this model delivers on those priorities while creating opportunities to modernise training delivery over time,“ Kevin says. Higher-level forestry qualifications, including diplomas, university degrees and other tertiary programmes, will continue to be delivered by existing universities, polytechnics, wānanga and other PTEs. The FTC will now work with Competenz, the Food and Fibre Industry Skills Board and industry stakeholders to support implementation. An online briefing for industry will be held in early August to outline the transition process and next steps. Source: NZFOA / FICA Image credit: FICA…

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 immediate attention and action. While every rollover has its own circumstances, the industry continues to see common contributing factors including: These events not only place drivers at risk but also threaten the safety of other road users, damage equipment and infrastructure, and compromise the forest industry’s social licence to operate. Seven of the twelve recent rollover events reportedly occurred on public highways, highlighting the importance of safe transport practices both inside and outside the forest gate. Our industry has done significant work over the past 10 years to reduce rollovers and protect road users. It is important that we maintain high standards, continue to improve, and avoid any deterioration in safety performance. The Log Transport Safety Accord – Everyone Has a Responsibility The Log Transport Safety Accord and the Log Transport Safety Improvement Plan provide a framework for maintaining and raising safety standards across the industry. The Accord recognises that safety is a shared responsibility. Forest Owners, Harvesting Contractors, Loading Operators, Transport Companies, Drivers, and Logistics Managers all have overlapping duties of responsibility to ensure loads are safe, legal, and fit for transport. A failure at any point in the supply chain can contribute to a serious event. Key Actions for Industry Forest Owners and Logistics Managers Transport Operators Drivers More >> Source: Log Transport Safety Council (LTSC)…

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 many of the same lessons we’ve learned while working alongside fleets across New Zealand. Drawing on insights from our own Guardian Insights Report 2025/26, which captures driving behaviour recorded in 6,098 vehicles that have completed almost half a billion kilometres of commercial driving, we’ve come to understand that fatigue is far more complex than many of us once believed. The report highlights an encouraging trend. New Zealand Transport Agency data shows fatigue-related fatal crashes have declined steadily over the past four years. That’s a positive reflection of the transport industry’s commitment to improving road safety. Yet fatigue still contributed to 11 fatal crashes and 71 serious non-fatal crashes in 2025, reminding us there is still much more to do. For many years, fatigue management quite rightly focused on work-time rules, mandatory breaks and ensuring drivers had opportunities to rest. Those safeguards remain fundamental. But experience tells us they are only part of the solution. The reality is that fatigue begins long before someone gets behind the wheel. It develops through disrupted sleep, changing routines, underlying health conditions, operational pressures and the cumulative demands of everyday life. By the time a driver shows obvious signs of fatigue, the contributing factors have often been building for days. Perhaps the biggest shift in our thinking is recognising that fatigue is not a sign of poor judgement or a lack of professionalism. In our experience, it often affects highly experienced, conscientious drivers who simply don’t realise how their alertness has changed. That’s why the conversation is moving beyond compliance and towards understanding the human factors that influence safety. One of the strongest examples featured in Transporting New Zealand’s report is Auckland transport operator VT Transport. As part of its proactive approach to fatigue management, the company uses Guardian by Seeing Machines technology to better understand fatigue risk and support conversations with drivers about their wellbeing. In one instance, those insights led AutoSense Fatigue and Sleep Specialist Katrina Aubrey to identify a driver’s previously undiagnosed sleep apnoea. Following treatment, the driver experienced no further fatigue events – demonstrating how early intervention can improve both health and safety outcomes. The example illustrates how the right technology, combined with a supportive workplace culture, can improve both driver wellbeing and road safety. Technology will continue to play an increasingly important role in fatigue management, but it isn’t the whole answer. The fleets making the greatest progress are those that combine data with education, supportive leadership, thoughtful rostering and open conversations about wellbeing. They recognise that technology can identify risk, but it’s people who ultimately manage it. That represents an important shift for our industry. Fatigue management is no longer just about complying with the rules. It’s about understanding the people behind the wheel and creating workplaces where they can perform at their safest. After almost half a billion kilometres on New Zealand roads, that’s perhaps the most important lesson we’ve learned. Source & image credit: AutoSense…

FPInnovations launch new forest seeding by drone trial

In the wake of wildfires, bringing affected areas back into production poses a major challenge, particularly in remote or hard-to-reach areas. In Canada, wildfires affect an average of 2.8 million hectares of forest each year, underscoring the importance of exploring innovative solutions to support restoration efforts. With financial support from the Quebec Ministry of Natural Resources and Forests (MRNF), FPInnovations is evaluating the potential of aerial seeding using drones as a complement to traditional reforestation methods. In the spring of 2026, field trials were conducted to test various drone systems and validate several aspects of this approach: their operational capability, the accuracy of remote sensing technologies in targeting the most suitable sites, and the germination performance of different seed capsules and seeds. The goal is to assess not only the technical feasibility of this technology but also its economic viability and the contexts in which it could offer the greatest benefits. The results of this study will help determine the role that drone seeding could play in future reforestation strategies. Conducted in collaboration with government, academic, and industry partners, this project could expand the toolkit available to forest managers and offer new options for accelerating the regeneration of fire-affected areas. The preliminary results of the study will be released in the fall of 2026. More >> Source & image credit: FPInnovations…

Extracting knowledge from a forest 3d digital twin using TreeTools SilvaCloud

Modern LiDAR technology is transforming the way we understand forests. With the introduction of sensors such as the DJI Zenmuse L3, collecting detailed three-dimensional information about forest structure, terrain, and vegetation has become more accessible than ever before. At Interpine, we’re passionate about helping the forestry sector unlock the potential of these new technologies. To showcase what’s possible, we’ve published an interactive LiDAR dataset that you can explore directly in your web browser. The dataset is presented as a classified point cloud, allowing users to navigate through the forest and interact with the data in three dimensions. Together with an interactive dashboard extracting knowledge from the millions of data points, showcasing the benefits of transforming your forest operations using TreeTools SilvaCloud powered by the team at Interpine. While TreeTools SilvaCloud supports a wide range of LiDAR data sources, including publicly available and custom airborne datasets, recent advances in drone-based LiDAR technology have made high-quality forest measurement more accessible than ever. Sensors such as the DJI Zenmuse L3 enable the rapid collection of detailed three-dimensional information across individual stands or entire forest estates. Yet the greatest value is realised when this data is transformed into meaningful forest inventory metrics, operational insights, and decision-ready reporting. In this first article, we explore the source data itself, before demonstrating in Part 2 how TreeTools SilvaCloud unlocks the full potential of these datasets for forest inventory and analysis. See the Forest Through Millions of Measured Points Unlike traditional aerial imagery, LiDAR captures the world as millions of precise measurements. Each point represents a location where a laser pulse interacted with the environment, creating an incredibly detailed representation of the landscape. Within the viewer you’ll be able to: This dataset demonstrates the level of detail achievable with today’s airborne LiDAR platforms and highlights why the technology is rapidly becoming an important part of modern forest measurement workflows. Why LiDAR Matters LiDAR has become one of the most valuable remote sensing technologies available to the forestry sector. It provides a comprehensive view of forest structure across entire estates, helping forestry professionals better understand: However, while the data collection itself is impressive, collecting data is only the first step. The Challenge with Modern LiDAR As LiDAR systems continue to improve, the volume of information they produce continues to grow. A single survey can generate millions, or even billions, of individual measurements. The real challenge for many organisations is not acquiring the data. It is converting that data into information that supports decision-making. Raw point clouds are incredibly powerful, but they require specialised processing, analytics, and reporting workflows before they become actionable forest intelligence. Part 1 of 2: The Data This article is the first part of a two-part series exploring how modern forestry organisations can leverage LiDAR technology.…

Turning forestry waste into Australian-made jet fuel

The federal government has announced a $32 million investment to help support a plan to convert forestry waste into Australian-made jet fuel. The funding, made through the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), will be provided to Melbourne based company HAMR Energy as it seeks to develop a series of low-carbon liquid fuels (LCLF) projects using residual forestry biomass. HAMR, founded in 2020, is in developing several sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) projects, including one that uses residual forestry biomass and renewable energy to make low-carbon methanol, which is then converted into low-carbon methanol or other low-carbon liquid fuels. SAF has emerged as the likely best way to decarbonise hard-to-abate transport industries such as aviation and shipping, which still rely on liquid fuels because batteries do not, and likely will not, be able to meet all their clean power needs. The company has already secured partnerships and investments from big-name stakeholders including Thyssenkrupp, Honeywell, OneFortyOne, Qantas, and Airbus. More >> Source: The Driven Image credit: HAMR Energy…

Opportunities for improved firefighter safety in Australia

John O’Donnell Opinion Piece Firefighter safety in Australia requires urgent attention as forest structure, fuel loads and fire behaviour shift toward more dangerous conditions. Past crown fires have created dense shrub dominated understoreys, abundant dead wood, reduced height stratification and continuous vertical and horizontal fuel pathways. These changes favour highly combustible species, replace grassy forest types and generate higher fuel loads, easier crown access and more uniform landscape connectivity. The result is greater intensity, severity and duration in subsequent fires and a recurring cycle of extreme bushfire behaviour that significantly increases firefighter risk. O’Donnell (2023) identifies 21 major firefighter safety concerns across southeastern Australian forests. These include insufficient prescribed burning, inadequate resilient forest management, unsafe access and evacuation routes, poorly located water supplies, ineffective suppression techniques, declining backburning expertise, misuse of aircraft, under adoption of safety technologies, loss of local knowledge, hazardous smoke exposure, declining skilled workforce and other concerns. O’Donnell (2025a) further argues that failures in mitigation, policy and accountability force crews into long unburnt, high fuel forests where flame heights, spotting distances, tree fall hazards and poor access routinely exceed safe suppression thresholds. He notes that dense understorey fuels and dead timber represent major hazards across southeastern Australia and that future bushfires under bad weather and drought conditions will likely be of high intensity, high severity and long duration, making firefighting extremely difficult. Prescribed burning is central to reducing these risks. Burrows and Sneeuwjagt (2020a) emphasise that fuel reduction burning makes fires slower, less intense and far easier and safer to suppress. Long unburnt eucalypt forests accumulate deep layers of dead fine fuels exceeding 50 t/ha, dramatically increasing flame height, spotting potential and suppression difficulty. Historical data from southwest Western Australia show wildfire extent escalates when annual fuel reduction falls below about 8 percent of the landscape. Burrows and Sneeuwjagt (2020b) highlight that prescribed burning expands the suppression window, reduces flame height and spotting, improves access and egress, creates anchor points and enables safer backburning and rapid containment line construction. Recent research reinforces the dangers of high severity and repeat fires. Barker and Price (2018) show that high severity fire produces structural legacies that increase the probability of extreme severity in the next fire, creating a positive feedback loop. Barker et al. (2021) demonstrate that high severity fires produce denser midstorey fuels and reduced canopy cover, increasing vertical fuel continuity and crown involvement. Kasel et al. (2024) highlight that short interval, high severity wildfires deplete diversity, alter species composition and increase flammability, exposing resilience debt and driving long term ecological instability. van Wagtendonk et al. (2012) show that reburn severity reflects combined legacies of fire history, vegetation structure and weather. The review also incorporates international safety insights. Kantor et al. (2026) provide quantitative data linking specific fire management activities to injury frequency and severity, showing that many injuries arise from environmental hazards rather than unsafe behaviour. The Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center provides extensive incident data on medical events, tree strikes, entrapments, vehicle incidents, heat illness and aviation incidents. Gabbert (2016) shows that medical issues, aircraft accidents and vehicle accidents each contribute more fatalities than entrapments, but the later is a major issue. Section 10 outlines 54 opportunities to improve firefighter safety, including explicit fuel reduction targets, ridge top burning, dead timber treatment, improved access and egress, statutory safety objectives, independent oversight, enhanced training, updated suppression doctrine, entrapment avoidance procedures, tree hazard assessments, contingency planning and national aviation operating procedures.…

Project update: Connecting forests, mills and buildings

ARC Advance Timber Hub Project “An Open-Data Framework for Forest-to-Building Value Chain Mapping” is addressing a major challenge for Australia’s forest and wood products sector: how to better understand, visualise and coordinate data across the entire value chain – from forest resource through processing to buildings. Project Leader, Associate Professor Joe Gattas, from The University of Queensland School of Civil Engineering, presented at the FWPA Webinar – Navigating a Changing Landscape: Challenges, Opportunities, and Innovation in the Timber Industry, on the 21st April 2026. Below is a summary of the projects research outlined in the webinar presentation. Why this research matters? Research and data relevant to timber supply, processing and use are currently spread across many institutions, projects and datasets. This makes it difficult for industry, government and researchers to: This project responds by creating an open, integrated data framework that supports clearer communication, better decision‑making and more coordinated action across the sector. What the project has achieved so far? Measuring Timber Consumption Early work has explored different ways to measure timber consumption in buildings. Together, these early studies helped reframe timber use as a system‑wide issue, not just a building‑level metric. More >> Source & image credit: Arc Advance Timber Hub…

Red Stag’s first-of-a-kind CLT modular production line

The Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon, opened the Southern Hemisphere’s first off-site production line to use Cross Laminated Timber, CLT, as the structure. The initiative is a collaboration between local industry leader Red Stag, German architecture firm NKBAK and Austria constructor Kaufmann Bausysteme. The initial launch stage is supported financially by MPI’s Primary Sector Growth Fund. The project name, VoMo stands for ‘volumetric modular’, meaning whole room modules are completed on the production line. “These factories are proving highly effective in Austria and Germany”, explains Red Stag group CEO Marty Verry. “They facilitate efficient installation of fit-out within the modules, using an Austrian technology backbone. The efficiency savings help cover the cost of running the factory and transporting the modules to building sites.” “Poor labour productivity on construction sites has become a big impediment to building fast and efficiently in New Zealand, he adds. “Developers are looking for ways to compress construction times in half. CLT is an enabler to this; the strong, durable, yet lightweight engineered wood panels provide a rigid shell that can easily be transported to sites. “Initial foundation work on site runs in parallel with work on the modules in the factory, rather than sequentially. Typically, this takes one-third to one-half out of the overall construction programme. “The controlled factory environment also allows for less variations and contingencies, which is a big factor in developer’s feasibility models. Contingencies can reduce from 10 percent to 5 percent because what happens in the factory is totally locked down. “The strength of CLT also means the modules can be stacked into very high building designs. Ten to twenty storeys are not out of the question, and we have worked with top local engineers to finalise module-to-module connections that also reduce any acoustic flanking.” The facility is set to benefit sectors such as school classroom blocks, apartments, townhouses, cabins, hotels, student accommodation, offices and retirement care facilities. “A lot of these sectors are very sensitive to construction noise, truck movements and disruption, making off-site volumetric modules an attractive option”, says Verry. VoMo has projects secured for 150 modules over the next two years. The line will ultimately be able to produce up to 800 modules annually. In Europe, the partnering company supplies 4-5,000 modules annually from four factories. “This is a great result for NZ-Inc too, adds Verry. “With CLT, we are substituting a sustainable locally produced material for what would otherwise be high-emission imported steel and cement. “This is something we want politicians and bureaucrats to realise and adopt strategic procurement policy around. A dollar spent on heavy gauge steel does not come from Glenbrook or its electric arc furnace, it comes imported with high emissions. Likewise with concrete; only 60 percent coming from Golden Bay Cement and the rest imported. Any substitution with CLT therefore comes off imported cement volumes. “On the other hand, a dollar spent on local CLT supports New Zealand businesses and jobs, reaching deep into rural New Zealand, often to iwi owned forests. It allows us to invest in greater capacity and efficiency, which in turn brings down construction costs and ensures domestic supply resilience. “This extra scale allows New Zealand processors like us to have a better cost base to be able to compete in export markets.” The industry is pushing three policies to achieve this: Source & image credit: Red Stag…

Engineered wood products & the future skills needed

ForestWorks to Investigate Skills Need in the Manufacturing of Engineered Wood Products. Australia’s forestry and timber sector has always evolved in response to changing markets, technologies and community needs. Today, engineered wood products (EWPs) are emerging as an increasingly important part of that story. Products such as laminated veneer lumber (LVL), glue-laminated timber (glulam) and cross-laminated timber (CLT) are creating new opportunities for timber manufacturing and construction. Around the world, these products are helping drive innovation in off-site manufacturing, prefabrication and sustainable building design, while creating new possibilities for how timber is used in residential, commercial and infrastructure projects. In Australia, interest in engineered timber continues to grow, supported by national conversations around housing supply, advanced manufacturing, productivity and low-carbon construction. Government and industry initiatives have increasingly recognised the potential role of engineered wood products in supporting future housing and construction needs. For the forest and wood products sector, this presents both opportunities and questions. As manufacturing technologies evolve, so too do workforce requirements. New production systems, increased automation, digital technologies and advanced manufacturing processes require workers with specialised knowledge and skills. At the same time, businesses need practical and accessible training pathways that support both new entrants and existing workers to adapt to changing workplace requirements. Questions are beginning to emerge across the industry: These are important considerations for employers, workers, training providers and industry representatives alike. The sector also faces broader workforce challenges. Like many industries, forestry and wood processing must attract the next generation of workers while retaining valuable experience and knowledge. There are opportunities to strengthen career pathways, increase workforce diversity and encourage greater participation in regional communities where many timber manufacturing businesses are located. Understanding future skills requirements will be essential to ensuring that Australia’s forest and wood products sector is well positioned to support innovation, productivity and growth. ForestWorks is interested in hearing from people and organisations working within the engineered wood products sector, including manufacturers, processors, designers, builders, researchers, training providers and industry organisations. By sharing experiences and insights, industry can help build a clearer picture of current capabilities, emerging workforce needs and future opportunities across the engineered wood products value chain. Have Your Say Are you involved in engineered wood products? We would like to hear about: If you work in the engineered wood products sector and would like to share your experience or participate in future conversations, we encourage you to get in touch with the ForestWorks team. More >> Source: ForestWorks…

Video: Jubilee Sawmill’s co-generation boiler project

OneFortyOne has released a new video providing an overview of the Jubilee Co-Generation Boiler Project, one of the most significant investments in the future of the Jubilee Sawmill and the company’s sustainability journey. The video explains how the project will modernise energy generation at the site by converting sawmill residues into renewable energy, reducing emissions and improving operational efficiency. Once complete, the facility will be capable of producing enough renewable electricity to power the sawmill’s operations, with the potential to export surplus energy to the grid. OneFortyOne Executive General Manager Australia Cameron MacDonald said the project represents a major step forward for the business and the region. “The Co-Generation Boiler Project is a cornerstone of our emissions reduction strategy and demonstrates how manufacturing and sustainability can work hand in hand,” Cameron said. “The new video is a great way for our employees, customers, and community to better understand what we’re building and the long-term benefits it will deliver.” More >> Source: OneFortyOne…

Comact acquires Checkmate Precision Cutting Tools

Comact announced last week that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Checkmate Precision Cutting Tools, a manufacturer and service provider of bandsaws, circular saws, industrial knives, and complete saw shop solutions with operations across New Zealand and Australia. Upon closing, the business will continue to operate as Checkmate. Stewart Martin will continue to lead the business, supported by the existing Checkmate team across all locations. David Harris, Checkmate’s owner, will remain with the business in an advisory role to support the transition. “Checkmate is a significant expansion of our cutting solutions offering and a commitment to supporting Comact OEM offerings in the region.” said Dustin Norris, Vice President of Comact Cutting Solutions. “Their manufacturing, sharpening, and on-site service capabilities across New Zealand and Australia complement what we have built in North America and give customers in the region direct access to our full range of saws, disposable knives, guides, filing room equipment, and the expert service behind them. Checkmate has earned six decades of customer trust, and we intend to build on it.” “Our customers have relied on Checkmate for generations, and protecting that was the most important factor in this decision,” said David Harris, owner of Checkmate. “Comact strengthens this company for the long term. Our customers will see the same people, the same locations, and the same service they know, now backed by the resources and reach of a global leader in wood processing. This secures Checkmate’s future and creates new opportunities for our team and the customers we serve.” The acquisition builds on Comact’s growing cutting solutions platform, which combines saw, knife, and guide manufacturing with a network of service locations supporting wood processing operations across North America. Checkmate extends that model to Australasia and complements Comact’s growing installed base in the region, bringing local manufacturing, technical expertise, and responsive service to customers in New Zealand and Australia. The acquisition also complements Comact’s existing partnership with Lakeland Steel, which will continue to play an important role in supporting customers across the region. More >> Source & image credit: Comact…

Annual reputation survey provides insight into public perceptions of forestry

The results of the Forest Growers Levy Trust’s 7th annual Social Licence to Operate (SLO) survey have been published, continuing to build one of the sector’s most valuable long-term evidence bases for understanding how New Zealanders view forestry. After 7 years of tracking, the research increasingly provides a clearer picture of what shapes public confidence in forestry. While forestry’s overall SLO score eased slightly this year, from 6.8 to 6.6, similar declines were recorded across almost all primary industries. Broader economic conditions may be contributing to softer public sentiment overall, highlighting the importance of considering annual results within the context of longer-term trends rather than in isolation. A macro view of our scoring shows that forestry continues to track towards greater overall public acceptance, with the industry’s score six points higher than baseline. Post-harvest management and environmental performance continue to be industry’s biggest reputational challenge, while health and safety surfaced this year as being of concern to the public, overtaking economic contribution as the strongest driver of negative perceptions. There was widespread acknowledgement of forestry’s importance to New Zealand, with around two-thirds of respondents agreeing. At the same time, the overall SLO score of 6.6 suggests perceptions of forestry are neither strongly positive nor negative – but sit somewhere in the middle. Building greater trust and confidence in forestry by engaging on key concerns will be important to shifting those perceptions towards the more positive end of the scale. There were also perception differences between audiences. Respondents in urban areas increasingly focused on issues such as worker safety, environmental performance and fire risk, while those in rural communities remain more closely connected to operational impacts they experience directly, including slash management, roads and local community contribution. Younger New Zealanders remain an important focus for future engagement. The 18– 34-year-old age group holds the least favourable perceptions of forestry and has the lowest awareness of how many everyday products come from forests, highlighting an opportunity to build greater understanding of forestry’s role in daily life. Respondents also reported wanting to hear more from the industry. However, the opportunity is not simply to communicate more, but to demonstrate responsible forestry in action through visible, consistent and credible communication. These insights help the Trust understand how perceptions are evolving and inform where to focus its communications, campaigns and advocacy efforts.…

Revisiting a forest experiment that lay forgotten for 30 years

What’s the best way to manage a forest? Australians have argued about this for decades. The debate is often framed as binary: do we protect forests entirely, or harvest trees to support local economies and communities? The reality is more interesting, as our new research on a long-forgotten experiment in Victoria’s mountain ash forests reveals. Since the 1970s, scientists and the public have questioned the use of clearfell logging – where all trees in a block of forest are cut down. Conservationists argued it destroys habitat for rare species and reduces the forests’ ecological value. Foresters said mountain ash is adapted to catastrophic bushfires, and clearfelling is the forestry equivalent. The argument was heated and the polarisation unhelpful. But the underlying questions about the impacts of clearfelling, and how they compared to less intensive forestry options, remained unresolved. A landmark experiment In the mid-1980s, the Victorian government launched a major restructure of the timber industry, and invested today’s equivalent of A$26 million to explore alternatives to clearfelling. This would use silviculture, the branch of forestry that deals with establishing, growing and tending forests. The Silvicultural Systems Project was established at two sites between 1987 and 1989: Tanjil Bren in Victoria’s Central Highlands, and Cabbage Tree Creek in East Gippsland. It was a landmark experiment, comparing forest regeneration across the full range of silvicultural approaches. These included traditional clearfells (250–350 metres wide), small patch clearfells (50–140m wide), and heavy thinnings, where 50–70% of trees were cut. Extensive areas of unharvested forest were kept as benchmarks for comparison. The forest at Tanjil Bren was dense mountain ash regrowth from the 1939 fires. Hundreds of survey plots were established and thousands of seedlings were monitored. By the early 2000s, the results were clear: mountain ash regenerated best on clearfell sites. Where tall canopy trees were retained or the cleared patches were small, common understory species such as acacia dominated. The findings were published. The access road grew over. The project sign collapsed. The experiment was forgotten. The debates continued. But the trees kept growing.…

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 in the world. Fortescue announced on recently, in the release of its quarterly production report, that it now has 18 electric excavators operating across its mine sites in the Pilbara. The 7-strong excavator fleet at the Flying Fish iron ore mine is now fully electric. The company is aiming to reach “real zero” by 2030, which means it won’t be burning gas or diesel for its power and mining needs. It uses about 700 million litres of diesel a year. Each excavator consumes around one million litres of diesel a year. “Ongoing volatility in global diesel prices only reinforces the commercial case for eliminating fossil fuels from our operations,” CEO Dino Otranto said in a statement. “Rather than simply absorbing higher fuel costs, we’re investing to remove that exposure altogether and strengthen our long-term cost position.” The company has also been trialling other electric mining equipment, including 150-tonne water carriers – critical for keeping down dust – along with electric bulldozers, graders, and loaders. These are being built by Chinese equipment supplier XCMG and will soon be trialled at the mine sites. The biggest saving will come in the form of the near 300 or so giant electric haul trucks, each weighing around 240 tonnes and equipped with massive batteries.…

A novel wood bark-based packaging coating material

In the COCOBIN project, coordinated by the University of Oulu, coating materials are being developed from suberin, a natural compound found for example in birch bark. In plants, suberin acts as a protective layer and prevents the loss of water. Up to 1500 meters of a bio-based coating material prototype have been produced at semi-pilot scale. The material can be applied especially in fiber-based packaging materials such as paper or paperboard as a moisture barrier, as well as in other products requiring durable and functional surfaces. One key application area is food packaging, where the role of the coating is to prevent moisture from passing through the packaging material and to protect the product. “The material can be applied especially in fiber-based packaging materials such as paper or paperboard as a moisture barrier, as well as in other products requiring durable and functional surfaces,” says professor Henrikki Liimatainen from the University of Oulu. “Suberin-based coatings can be used as a water vapor barrier in food packaging applications. Current coating materials are typically fossil-based and can present challenges for recycling. Suberin-based coatings can offer an alternative while achieving comparable performance,” adds Rajesh Koppolu, Senior Scientist at VTT. Toward more sustainable materials The development of the coating has progressed step by step toward practical applications. The starting point was birch bark, from which suberin was extracted at semi-pilot scale. The extracted suberin was received as a moist material, then dried and further processed into a fine powder. This enabled it to be mixed into a uniform coating formulation. From this powder, a water-based coating was prepared, where suberin particles are evenly distributed in the liquid. Additional components were included to help the coating spread evenly and to achieve the desired functional properties. The formulation is based on approximately one and a half years of research and development work. The work demonstrates the feasibility of the concept at semi-pilot scale. The coating was produced and tested using semi-pilot-scale equipment that represents industrial production at a smaller scale. This allowed the team to observe how the material behaves under conditions similar to real manufacturing. More >> Source & image credit: University of Oulu…

HarvestTECH & Wood Transport Logistics 2026 programme released

The programme has now been released for HarvestTECH & Wood Transport Logistics 2026, bringing together two days of presentations focused on the latest developments in forest harvesting, wood transport and supply chain logistics. Running in Rotorua, New Zealand on 10–11 November 2026, this year’s conference features more than 40 presentations from industry leaders, researchers and technology providers from New Zealand, Australia, Europe and North America. The programme combines practical operational case studies with updates on emerging technologies that are beginning to change how harvesting and transport operations are planned and managed. Several presentations will explore the growing use of artificial intelligence and automation across the forestry supply chain. Delegates will hear how AI is being used to improve harvesting planning, optimise transport logistics and support better operational decision-making, alongside updates on digital fleet management systems and data-driven forestry operations. The programme also includes a strong focus on harvesting equipment and mechanisation, with international manufacturers and contractors sharing the latest developments in harvesting heads, steep terrain operations, machine automation and productivity improvements from around the world. Wood transport remains a major component of the conference, with sessions covering heavy vehicle technology, fleet safety, driver performance, transport efficiency, regulatory developments and innovations designed to improve the movement of logs from forest to processing plants and ports. As in previous years, the conference brings the harvesting and transport sectors together under one programme, recognising that improvements in productivity and efficiency increasingly depend on better coordination across the entire wood supply chain. The 2026 programme also includes a number of operational case studies from forestry companies and contractors, giving delegates practical examples of how new technologies and management approaches are being applied in day-to-day operations. Alongside the conference sessions, delegates will be able to meet with equipment manufacturers, technology suppliers and service providers exhibiting throughout the event, providing opportunities to see new products and discuss the latest developments with industry experts. With the programme now confirmed, registrations are open for HarvestTECH & Wood Transport Logistics 2026. The full programme, speaker information and registration details are available on the conference website.…

Linfox rolls out 26 heavy-duty electric trucks

Australia’s biggest private logistics company is rolling out a fleet of 26 heavy-duty Volvo electric trucks across Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide on some of the country’s busiest urban freight routes. Linfox said it is putting the first of its battery-powered FM prime movers into service on heavy-hauling duties, including food and beverage distribution and integrated rail transport, it was announced this week. The trucks will cover about 500km a day, replacing diesel vehicles on existing freight routes. Initial deployments will operate from Linfox’s Laverton North hub before expanding to Willawong in Queensland and the Adelaide rail freight terminal. The fleet will be supported by 25 chargers across the three sites. Linfox said it will deploy 10 BEVs at Laverton North, six at Adelaide Railhead, and 10 at Willawong. It’s expected that each vehicle will operate between two to three shifts per day, with charging scheduled overnight and between shifts. The charging infrastructure will be tailored to each site’s specific conditions and electric supply capacity.…

Kesla introduces new F-Series forwarder crane range

Kesla has expanded its forestry equipment portfolio with the launch of a new F-Series range of forwarder cranes, designed for the most common forwarder size classes. The new family includes the 9F/FT, 10F/FT, 12F/FT and 14F/FT models and replaces a range of individual crane designs with a single, modular platform. The cranes cover gross lifting moments from 120–180 kNm and are available in both single-extension (F) and double-extension (FT) configurations. The single-extension models provide an 8.2 m reach, while the double-extension versions extend to just over 10 m. Two pillar height options are also available across the range to suit different forwarder configurations and applications. According to Kesla, the new series was developed as a unified product family, with common structural components and operating characteristics across all models. The approach is intended to simplify manufacturing, maintenance and spare parts management while providing consistent operating performance for contractors and OEM machine manufacturers. Development of the F-Series included field testing across multiple markets and incorporated feedback from existing crane users. The company says testing focused on crane controllability, lifting performance and swing torque under a range of operating conditions. Among the design updates are revised boom geometry, simplified maintenance access and an internal hose routing system within the extension boom. The modular design also allows different link options and pillar heights, enabling the cranes to be adapted for a variety of forwarder installations. Beyond timber forwarding, Kesla says the cranes can also be configured for applications such as feeding chippers and other industrial material handling tasks. The F-Series forms part of Kesla’s ongoing development of its forestry crane product range and is aimed at meeting demand for increased productivity, improved operator control and greater flexibility across modern cut-to-length harvesting operations.…

Hexagon acquires ITRES to expand the scope of airborne mapping

Hexagon has acquired ITRES, the Calgary-based provider of high-performance airborne hyperspectral and thermal imaging systems, strengthening its ability to deliver richer multi-sensor geospatial data for advanced airborne mapping and analysis. The acquisition unites two complementary portfolios under one provider. Hexagon brings a market-leading suite of airborne sensing and processing products for geodata development – including Lidar point clouds, high-resolution optical imagery, digital twins, integrated workflow software, flight planning tools and data delivery systems. ITRES adds hyperspectral and thermal imaging sensors operating across a wide spectrum of wavelengths, enabling precise material identification and temperature analysis beyond the reach of visible and near-infrared modalities alone. Together, these capabilities allow customers to collect richer, more analytically powerful datasets from a single airborne survey. Fusing multispectral and thermal data with Lidar and optical imagery opens new possibilities for ground surface assessment, object classification and thermal property detection, while Hexagon’s proven software ecosystem helps teams process and act on that data faster. The result is a more complete multi-sensor mapping platform, and new opportunities for hybrid data fusion workflows that previously required combining solutions from multiple vendors.…

How ‘digital twins’ could help predict the fate of a forest

In his office in MSU’s forestry department, EEB core faculty member David Carter shows off an image of a virtual forest on his laptop. It’s not just any forest. It’s a computerized replica, or “digital twin,” of a loblolly pine stand, created using lidar, the laser scanning technology that self-driving cars use to map their surroundings. Carter says virtual landscapes like these could allow forest managers to test different management strategies in a simulation before deploying them in the real world. The concept is not new. Digital twins are now widely used across industries ranging from manufacturing to healthcare to run “what if” scenarios before taking action. But now a similar revolution is taking place within forestry, opening up possibilities for more targeted treatments that minimize waste and bolster financial returns. In some of his most recent work, Carter and his team have developed an AI tool that is now making this possible for pine plantations. In the southeastern U.S., loblolly pines stretch across some 35 million acres, providing the raw material for everything from plywood to paper towels. The seedlings are typically planted in neat rows and then thinned after 12 to 15 years, to make room for the best specimens to grow into more valuable products like utility poles, fence posts and flooring. “It’s kind of like weeding your garden,” said Carter, a core faculty member in MSU’s Ecology, Evolution and Behavior program. The idea is to help the best plants flourish by reducing competition. The first thinning in a pine plantation involves choosing an arbitrary starting row and removing every third or fourth row from there. But pine plantations are never truly uniform. Some trees are runty or misshapen; others arrow-straight and vigorous. So Carter got to thinking: rather than choose a starting row on the fly, selected at random, what if landowners could try different starting rows virtually, ahead of time, and know which ones would maximize growth and profits down the line — before making the first cut? In a study recently published in the Journal of Forestry, Carter and his team flew a drone equipped with a lidar scanner over a 7.5-acre stand of loblolly pines in central Virginia before and after thinning. By emitting tens of thousands of laser pulses per second and measuring their return time, the technique generated a giant 3D cloud of points, essentially a digital copy, or twin, of the real-life forest below. What’s exciting about lidar, Carter said, is it can “see” more of the trees. Measuring every single tree over hundreds of acres would be a daunting task. If we sent teams out to do this on the ground they might measure 3% of a forest, taking a representative sample and extrapolating from there, he explained. But with lidar and an AI method developed with co-author Matthew Sumnall of Virginia Tech, the researchers were able to map 90% of the 3,555 trees in the stand. By comparing their computer models with on-the-ground measurements, they found the digital twins could predict the trunk diameter and volume of each tree with high accuracy. That level of detail is powerful, Carter said, because it creates an opportunity to move away from a one-size-fits-all approach to forest management. Back in his office, Carter uploaded the lidar data to an app he recently developed with MSU computer science M.A. Amith Reddy, configured a few settings, and hit run. By running simulations on the digital twin of the forest, the app uses machine learning to predict how the trees are likely to grow in the future under different thinning scenarios. Using their simulations, the team found that simply shifting the starting point by one row could preserve 15% more timber for future growth and higher profits. Carter estimates the change could generate $70 per acre in additional earnings. Such gains might be of minimal importance in a given stand, but when compounded across thousands of acres, the savings could add up — especially for companies that are already using lidar for forest inventories. “This shows that even a modest change in thinning practices could appreciably move the needle,” Carter said. Carter added that the work has potential applications beyond loblolly pine plantations, such as evaluating forest restoration methods. But because all the trees in a pine plantation are the same age and species, “they’re sort of like the kindergarten for precision forestry,” Carter said. “If you’re going to try to use this technology and develop tools, they probably need to be able to work here first before we can go take them to more complicated scenarios,” Carter explained. “So pines are a nice test bed.” The take home, he said, is that “now we can work with a finer paint brush when designing forests.” This research was supported by the Acorn Alcinda Foundation.…

Call for Presenters – ForestTECH 2027

Innovatek is inviting expressions of interest from technology developers, researchers, forest managers and equipment suppliers interested in presenting at ForestTECH 2027, Australasia’s leading forestry technology conference. The event series is running 9-10 March 2027 in Brisbane, Australia, and 16-17 March 2027 in Rotorua, New Zealand. Now entering its 20th year, ForestTECH continues to bring together forestry professionals from across New Zealand, Australia and overseas to explore the latest advances in forest inventory, remote sensing, data capture, AI, automation, mechanised silviculture and digital forest management. Planning for the 2027 programme is now underway, and we’re seeking an expressions of interest from organisations and individuals developing practical technologies, innovative applications and operational case studies that are delivering measurable improvements across the forestry sector. As with previous events, the conference programme will feature international and local experts sharing the latest developments in: ForestTECH has built its reputation by showcasing technologies that are already making a difference in commercial forestry. Presentations are selected to provide delegates with practical insights, independent research, operational experience and lessons that can be applied across the industry. While the programme is still being developed, expressions of interest are encouraged, particularly from organisations introducing new technologies, innovative research or successful operational implementations relevant to forest managers and forestry professionals throughout Australasia. The ForestTECH audience includes forest owners and managers, inventory foresters, GIS and remote sensing specialists, silviculture managers, consultants, researchers, technology providers and government agencies involved in managing forest resources. If you have a technology, project or operational experience that would benefit the wider forestry sector, we’d welcome hearing from you. Further information on ForestTECH 2027, including event updates and expression of interest details, is available on the ForestTECH event website.…

CarbonScape to accelerate industrial scale-up of sustainable bio-based graphite materials

CATL and CarbonScape enter a strategic investment and partnership to advance the commercial scale-up and deployment of sustainable bio-based graphite materials for next-generation battery supply chains Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL), the world’s largest battery manufacturer, has entered into a strategic investment partnership with CarbonScape Ltd., a New Zealand-founded developer of sustainable bio-based graphite materials for battery applications. The collaboration combines CarbonScape’s innovative biographite technology with CATL’s extensive experience in industrialization, manufacturing excellence, and large-scale deployment.  The transaction provides CATL with board representation, and positions it as important industrialization partner in the further development and scaling of CarbonScape’s technology, as automakers and policymakers seek low-carbon, locally sourced and cost-competitive anode materials for the US and European graphite supply chain.  Strategic Rationale The rapid growth of electric mobility and energy storage is expected to drive significant demand for battery-grade graphite. CarbonScape has developed a proprietary process that converts forestry by-products into battery-grade graphite suitable for lithium-ion battery applications. Through this collaboration, CATL will contribute its expertise in industrial scale-up, manufacturing operations, process optimization, and commercialization. Ivan Williams, CEO of CarbonScape, commented: “This partnership is about far more than capital. It provides access to CATL’s unparalleled expertise in scaling and mass production, world-class facilities, global market reach, and a clear pathway to gigafactory-scale deployment. It validates the strategic importance of biographite in the future of electrification and uniquely aligns technical de-risking with route-to-market readiness. Together, we aim to bring commercial biographite production online by the end of the decade.” Oscar Luo, Executive President, Global Head of BD, Licensing & Venture Management at CATL, noted: “Sustainable innovation across the battery value chain is essential to advancing the global energy transition. CarbonScape’s technology introduces a novel method for producing battery-grade graphite from renewable resources, embodying a true breakthrough in material science. We are excited to support this pioneering effort—one that aligns with the vision of a zero-carbon future by redefining how critical materials are sourced and produced. This is not just about scaling a process; it’s about catalyzing a shift toward fundamentally cleaner and smarter energy solutions.” Vincent Ledoux-Pedailles, Chief Commercial Officer of CarbonScape, added: “Graphite is the forgotten giant of the battery supply chain – the single largest material in every EV battery by volume, yet the majority of that supply is oil-based. What we have built at CarbonScape is the only proven pathway to produce battery-grade graphite from forestry residues, at target cost parity with conventional graphite and with a carbon-negative footprint. CATL’s investment is the most powerful validation this technology could receive.” Blake Niu, Lead Partner at Lochpine Capital, stated: “Lochpine Capital is committed to supporting innovative technologies relevant to the global energy transition. CarbonScape has developed a differentiated approach to graphite production using forestry by-products, and we are pleased to support the company alongside CATL as it advances its technology and commercialisation plans.” Juuso Konttinen, SVP, Head of Growth Business Unit at Stora Enso (CarbonScape’s existing strategic shareholder) emphasized: “Bringing a sustainable anode material to market at scale takes the right partners. CATL’s investment, alongside Stora Enso’s continued support, positions CarbonScape exactly to do that by building an integrated value chain from sustainably managed forests all the way to the batteries powering the energy transition”. Partnership Structure The multi-year collaboration spans both technical and commercial objectives: Market Context Graphite is the single largest material component in lithium-ion batteries by volume, representing up to 50% of the battery cell. Each electric vehicle contains roughly 50–100 kg of graphite, more than lithium, nickel, and cobalt, making it one of the most critical materials for the energy transition. Global demand for battery-grade graphite is expected to grow approximately six-fold between 2025 and 2040, driven by the rapid expansion of electric vehicles and energy storage. Meeting this demand will require substantial new production capacity and the development of alternative, more sustainable supply sources that are less carbon intensive than synthetic graphite but still cost competitive. Today more than 75% of graphite used in batteries comes from an oil-based feedstock. CarbonScape’s technology addresses both challenges by enabling the production of battery-grade graphite from widely available forestry by-products. This approach supports the development of regional supply chains while helping battery and automotive manufacturers meet increasingly stringent sustainability and regulatory requirements.…

NZ safety gains drive drop in forestry’s injury claims

Forestry’s injury claims have fallen by around 34 percent since 2018, reflecting sustained improvements in safety performance and injury prevention across the sector. ACC has highlighted the Forest Industry Safety Council (FISC) as a strong example of what can be achieved when an industry takes collective responsibility for injury prevention, with coordinated, long-term efforts contributing to improved safety outcomes. FISC chief executive Joe Akari says the progress is encouraging, but there is more to do. “It’s great to know the work the sector is doing is making a real difference. But there are still challenges to face – we can’t slow down now.” FISC chart based on ACC data – across all firm sizesThe latest ACC Injuries in New Zealand report shows that injuries cost the economy an estimated $8.7 billion in lost productivity in 2025, with more than two million claims lodged annually. Treatment and rehabilitation cost $4.4 billion, while weekly compensation accounted for a further $3.1 billion. Within the workplace data, forestry recorded 141 injuries per 1000 workers in firms employing 100-499 people. Agriculture followed closely with 129 injuries per 1000 workers in firms employing one to five people. FISC’s analysis of the ACC data shows 107 claims per 1000 workers across all business sizes. Together, ACC estimates that forestry, agriculture and fishing sectors lost $245 million in productivity to injury last year, equivalent to the potential production of 2.1 million cubic metres of logs or 41,000 tonnes of milk solids. The construction sector experienced the largest productivity loss, at $422 million. The data makes a strong commercial case for investment in risk reduction. ACC Minister Scott Simpson says the Turnaround Plan released in January has made promising steps to reduce the strain on ACC. “Most notably, ACC has successfully re focused on rehabilitation and the long-term claims pool clients with minor injuries, who were waiting far too long for rehabilitation.” Source: New Zealand Forest Owners Association (NZFOA)Chart credit: The Forest Industry Safety Council (FISC) Extra Reading: The most dangerous time in the forest If you’re working in the forest at around 10.30am on a Tuesday in May, it might be time to sharpen your focus – especially if you’re 35 years old. According to the latest number crunching of ACC data by FISC, that mid-morning window stands out as one of the most common times for injuries to occur. Tuesday also emerges as the riskiest day of the week overall, while 35 is the median age of an ACC claim. Meanwhile, the lower back is the most frequently injured part of the body, while slips, trips and falls top the list of incident types. Taken together, the data paints a picture of everyday hazards –  not dramatic incidents, but the kind that can catch anyone off guard. In positive news, there have been no forestry sector fatalities recorded in over a year.  Regionally, the Southern North Island records the highest number of ACC claims relative to its workforce. In contrast, Northland shows the most improvement in injury numbers between 2020 and 2026. The type of work being done also matters. As expected, in silviculture, felling while thinning for value is the most common incident requiring medical treatment. In harvesting, it’s tree-felling – no surprise, given the risks involved in manual felling. And while some risks are immediate, others creep up over time. Hearing loss remains a significant issue, with the average deafness claim costing $13,500. It’s a costly reminder to keep those earmuffs on. FISC chief executive Joe Akari says the statistics are a less conventional look at the ACC data, but the message behind them remains serious. “These stats highlight how easy it is to be lulled into a false sense of security. That mid-morning period – just after morning tea – is an example of that.  Workers may be settling back into tasks, feeling more relaxed and might lose some focus. “It’s also a reminder that fatigue doesn’t always show up when you expect it. It can be cumulative, so that a late night or a long day can still affect you days later, maybe later than we might expect.” The message is simple. Risk doesn’t stick to one time of day, and it doesn’t always come with warning signs. Staying safe in the forest means staying switched on – all day, every day. Source: Safetree…

Ensuring safety in native timber harvesting

The Forest Harvesting Safety Project is setting new safety standards in Queensland’s state-owned native timber harvesting by aligning safety responsibilities and providing practical tools.  The Forest Harvesting Safety Project is setting new safety standards and requirements for those undertaking selective harvesting of native timber in state-owned native forests. A key component is the introduction of a Harvesting Safety Planning and Induction process to ensure that holders of supply agreements issued under the authority of the Forestry Act 1959 integrate safety into their operations and demonstrate what controls are in place to ensure safety on their harvesting area. To support the process, DPI collaborated with industry stakeholders to develop a safety plan template that can be tailored to meet the unique needs of individual businesses and harvesting areas. The template is available on Timber Queensland’s Work Health & Safety | Qld Native Forestry website. In February and March 2026, DPI engaged directly with more than 80% of supply agreement holders across Queensland. These one-on-one sessions provided guidance on the new requirements and demonstrated how to effectively use the safety plan template. Feedback was positive, with many participants expressing confidence in the safety plan template and the support provided by DPI throughout the roll-out. As a result, all active harvesting areas now have a harvesting safety plan developed by the supply agreement holder. This process will continue to be implemented for new harvesting areas to ensure consistent safety standards. The next stage of the Forest Harvesting Safety Project will focus on revising communication and responses to any identified safety issues. The Forest Harvesting Safety Project represents a significant step forward in promoting safety in Queensland’s native forestry sector. By working closely with agreement holders and contractors, DPI aims to create safer workplaces and improve outcomes for selective native timber harvesting activities. Source: Queensland Government…

We’re targeting 35% electrification in 10 years – but 35% of what?

When Australia’s Chris Bowen and Turkey’s Murat Kurum unveiled their “35 by 35” flagship target at Bonn this month – raising electricity’s share of global Final Energy from around 20 per cent today to 35 per cent by 2035 – it was the most consequential framing decision in years of climate talks After years of climate negotiations dominated by vague fossil fuel phase-down language, here was something concrete: a number, a date, a technology pathway. Electrification as the organising frame for decarbonisation. This is unambiguously the right direction. But the metric they’ve chosen – electricity as a percentage of Final Energy – is the wrong ruler. And picking the wrong ruler yields the wrong measure. It can actively drive you toward the wrong decisions. Final Energy is the energy content of whatever is sold to end users — fuel in the tank, gas through the meter, kilowatt-hours on the bill. It includes all the energy that gets wasted before doing anything useful. And this is where the measurement trap springs. Electric technologies are dramatically more efficient than their fossil fuel equivalents. A modern heat pump delivers three units of warmth for every one unit of electricity consumed. An electric vehicle converts around 90% of its electricity into motion; a petrol engine manages perhaps 20%. More >> Source: Renew Economy…

Hundreds of wood manufacturers lift their safety game

WorkSafe New Zealand has provided practical safety guidance to hundreds of wood manufacturing businesses, as part of a significant proactive focus on one of the country’s most dangerous sectors.  WorkSafe’s health and safety inspectors visited 657 businesses between January and March – from toy makers to joiners and wood processors – sharing education and guidance material with 83% of them. “Many businesses were committed to improving safety and welcomed the chance to talk through their health and safety practices,” says WorkSafe’s project lead Savio Valladares. “These visits are about helping businesses get it right, not catching them out.” However, the assessments also revealed persistent safety gaps. About half the businesses visited were required to make prompt changes to help prevent harm. The most common issues were inadequate machine guarding, missing or out-of-date hazardous substances inventories, and workers exposed to wood dust without effective controls such as ventilation and protective equipment. “Manufacturing workers deserve to go home healthy and safe at the end of every day. These visits are about helping businesses and workers understand what good looks like – and most were receptive to that. While we can see progress is being made, too many are still missing safety essentials,” says Savio Valladares. The findings reinforce why the sector is a priority focus for WorkSafe. Manufacturing has the highest rate and number of injuries resulting in more than a week off work of any sector – around 200 machinery-related injuries occur each year. An average of four to five manufacturing workers are killed at work each year – roughly two thirds of fatalities occur in food, wood, and metal product manufacturing. WorkSafe will continue proactive visits to manufacturing businesses. From July to September, the focus shifts to food manufacturing. WorkSafe’s role is to influence businesses and workers to meet their responsibilities and keep people healthy and safe. Read WorkSafe’s guidance on managing manufacturing risks Source & image credit: WorkSafe NZ…

FWPA sets future direction for timber durability research

Forest and Wood Products Australia (FWPA) have confirmed the next phase of industry investment in timber durability and performance-in-use research, following consideration of the 2026 Mid-Term Review of the National Centre for Timber Durability and Design Life (NCTDDL). The FWPA Board has decided to continue funding the Centre through to 30 June 2028, in line with the current agreement, while not extending the existing Centre funding model beyond that date. This provides time for a structured transition, allowing current projects, including commitments to PhD students, to be completed. a. FWPA said the decision reflects a positive and forward-looking outcome for industry, recognising the substantial contribution the Centre has made since 2017 while creating a pathway for new, innovative and more industry-led approaches to future investment. Timber durability and performance-in-use remain high priorities for FWPA and the broader forest and wood products sector. Future investment will build on the knowledge, relationships and capability developed through the NCTDDL, with greater emphasis on industry leadership, collaboration, extension and adoption. FWPA Head of Research, Development & Extension, Ian Blanden said “the Centre has helped strengthen the sector’s understanding of timber durability and created a valuable foundation for the next stage of research, development and practical application.” “The work undertaken through the NCTDDL has advanced knowledge, supported collaboration and helped build capability across important areas of timber durability and performance. FWPA sincerely thanks the Centre’s leadership, researchers, students, industry participants, university partners and all contributors for their dedication and expertise.” Mr Blanden said the transition period would allow FWPA and industry partners to shape future arrangements that respond directly to industry priorities and emerging opportunities.  “This is about building on the Centre’s achievements and forging the way forward with a model that is even more closely aligned to industry needs,” Mr Blanden said. The NCTDDL has been supported by FWPA in partnership with the University of the Sunshine Coast and the University of Queensland, with the Centre taking a national and international approach to timber durability research. FWPA will continue to consult with industry stakeholders, research partners and advisory groups as future arrangements are developed. FWPA said the decision marks an important milestone in a long-term investment journey, ensuring the industry can recognise the Centre’s achievements while moving confidently towards future programs shaped by sector priorities, adoption pathways and practical impact. Source & image credit: FWPA…

WoodTECH 2026 Event Summary

The Innovatek WoodTECH 2026 conference series, held in Rotorua, New Zealand (18–19 June) and Brisbane, Australia (23–24 June), explored the transition towards automated sawmilling and lumber manufacturing technologies for the forest and wood processing sectors. More than 25 international speakers from Europe and North America presented practical case studies to sellout audiences, demonstrating how AI, automation and advanced manufacturing technologies are being adopted across the Southern Hemisphere’s sawmilling industry. The pace of investment was highlighted by Niagara Sawmilling’s recent announcement of a NZ$115 million sawmill development at Invercargill, incorporating some of the latest wood processing technologies available. A powerhouse of global expertise The exhibition floor was a major drawcard at both events, featuring a record number of specialist wood technology suppliers. Close to 500 delegates attended the conference series, with the comprehensive expo giving mill managers and operations leaders the opportunity to compare firsthand the latest advancements from companies including Finnos, Comact, HewSaw, DO2 and SiCam Systems. The presence of more than 25 international speakers helped bridge the gap between global innovation and local operational reality. From human-led to data-driven The 2026 programme was themed ‘Automation, AI & Action’, reflecting the industry’s rapid transformation. Sessions focused on the transition towards increasingly autonomous manufacturing, with technologies designed to maximise production, improve recovery and reduce manual intervention through advanced scanning, robotics, AI and integrated control systems. Key technology presenters & sessions World-first autonomous wood manufacturing operation: Tony Johnston, Executive Director of Wood Engineering Technology (WET), outlined his company’s journey from concept to commercial production of optimised engineered lumber. His team has developed and patented a world-first manufacturing system, now operating at its largely autonomous production facility in Gisborne. Global wood manufacturing perspectives: Representatives from European technology leaders LINCK and Springer demonstrated how modern sawmills are achieving higher throughput with fewer operators, highlighting the evolution towards the “one operator, maximum output” model. Engineering tomorrow’s timber resource: Forest & Wood Products Australia (FWPA) outlined strategies to strengthen timber’s position within the built environment, highlighting the important role engineered wood products will play in reducing construction emissions. This was complemented by Griffith University research demonstrating how younger plantation-grown blue gum—traditionally destined for pulp production—can instead be converted into high-performance laminated veneer lumber (LVL) and glued laminated timber (GLT), expanding the future structural timber resource. Operational excellence: François Barton shared practical insights into maintaining safety, engagement and operational performance as manufacturing environments become increasingly automated. Drawing on a case study from ASX-listed drilling contractor Mitchell Services, he explained the company’s “4-Ds” framework—Dumb, Difficult, Dangerous and Different—which empowers frontline workers and leaders to identify operational risks before incidents occur. Precision timber recovery & AI: Nick Barrett, President of SiCam Systems, and Jyri Smagin, CEO of Finnos Oy, presented case studies showing how AI-powered scanning, optimisation and closed-loop size control are reducing waste, improving recovery and lowering maintenance costs. Nick’s extensive experience with quality control systems continues to make his presentations a popular feature of Innovatek’s events in both New Zealand and Australia. Robotics: Patrick Sasseville, CEO of DO2, showcased the latest developments in robotic systems that combine advanced vision technology with intelligent control systems for planer mills. His company’s solutions are being adopted by wood manufacturers around the world to improve productivity and consistency. Workforce resilience: Lance Burdett provided practical strategies for maintaining focus, resilience and decision-making in increasingly complex manufacturing environments. A former lead crisis negotiator with the New Zealand Police, Lance drew on more than two decades of frontline experience to explain how understanding the brain’s response to stress can help individuals better manage conflict and improve workplace performance. Applied technologies based on local log conditions: Nik Moore (Tui Technology) and Brian Russell (Contempo Lab) presented local case studies demonstrating how AI solutions can be validated against experienced timber graders using real production data. Their presentation highlighted the importance of combining artificial intelligence with decades of human expertise to ensure automated quality assessments accurately reflect the characteristics of local species such as radiata pine. Biochar production: Melissa Rebbeck, Business Development Manager at Metamorf Engineering, presented Australian case studies demonstrating how wood manufacturers are turning wood waste into value through pyrolysis technology. By producing biochar, renewable energy and carbon removal credits from manufacturing residues, these systems generated significant interest among sawmillers looking to improve both sustainability and profitability. Government support: The conference concluded with a workshop hosted by Te Uru Rākau – New Zealand Forest Service and the Bioeconomy Science Institute, providing processors with practical guidance on innovation funding pathways and commercialising new technologies. The session, led by Joe Murray Cullen alongside Henri Bailleres from the Bioeconomy Science Institute, highlighted opportunities to accelerate investment and industry collaboration. Looking ahead Across both countries, WoodTECH 2026 reinforced that the timber industry is entering a new phase of digital transformation. While machinery continues to advance, the greatest opportunities now lie in integrating data, automation and engineering expertise to create smarter, more resilient manufacturing operations. For delegates, the message was clear: future competitiveness will increasingly depend not only on investing in new equipment, but also on developing intelligent, connected mills capable of improving recovery, optimising production and consistently delivering higher performance. The biennial WoodTECH conference series was organised and delivered by the Innovatek team, publishers of Friday Offcuts, Australasia’s leading weekly forest and wood industry news service.…

Government backs major North Island freight hub

The Government has approved up to $22.4 million in funding to support the rail component of Te Utanganui – a major new freight hub in Palmerston North, Rail Minister Winston Peters and Regional Development Minister Shane Jones say. Te Utanganui is an intermodal distribution hub in the lower North Island that links rail, road, air and sea. The Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) loan will support pre-construction and construction stages of the Bunnythorpe Regional Freight Hub, one of three projects in the wider Te Utanganui freight hub programme. “This is critical freight infrastructure that will improve efficiency using rail and roads, strengthen supply chains, and drive economic growth in the lower North Island,” Mr Peters says. “The full development will require investment commitments from freight and port companies but this investment enables the next stage of works to develop and to continue to secure the landholdings to generate value for the taxpayer.” The funding will be delivered in stages, with $1.9m allocated to pre-construction, followed by up to $20.5m for construction once a robust business case and delivery plan have been confirmed. Mr Jones says government support was key to the project staying on track. “Early-stage infrastructure is expensive and doesn’t usually create immediate income for investors. Through the RIF, we have helped de-risk the wider project to enable private sector investors’ confidence to co-invest.” Mr Jones says. Led by Manawatū’s Central Economic Development Agency, the project will be delivered with local councils, iwi, KiwiRail and private co-funders. Around 100-300 jobs are expected to be created during early works on the freight hub, with significantly more jobs created over time as the wider Te Utanganui programme develops, potentially supporting thousands of roles across logistics, manufacturing and related industries. “This funding helps address the infrastructure gap constraining economic growth in the lower North Island regions. It will unlock industrial land, build resilience and strengthen efficiency in the logistics network,” Mr Jones says. “This investment will enable our regions to grow and set them on a strong path for the future.” Source: New Zealand Government (Rt Hon Winston Peters, Minister for Rail & Hon Shane Jones, Minister for Regional Development)Image Credit: Te Utanganui — Further reading: Government funding advances next stage of Te Utanganui freight hub development…

New data provides opportunities for wildfire hazard analysis

New research from the Bioeconomy Science Institute Maiangi Taiao aims to improve New Zealand’s wildfire preparedness and response.  The institute has developed national-scale wildfire hazard potential data layers to help communities, businesses and wildfire managers better understand the areas that are more likely to burn under high-risk conditions, and how severe fire behaviour is likely to be. The data was developed by simulating more than 500,000 potential ignitions and wildfire growth around New Zealand. Fire scientist Laura Kiely, who led the work, says the team modelled potential fires under set conditions – not actual fires that have happened. “We’re not saying this is the number of fires that will happen at any time. Rather, we’re considering if we have an ignition occurring, then what happens? What does that look like? Combining data from a high number of simulations allows us to consider the potential fire behaviour and the probability of it occurring.” The data combines information about likely ignition drivers, fuel and weather conditions and potential fire behaviour to provide a consistent, documented baseline for planning, prevention, preparedness and risk communication. The team is designing these layers so they can be shared and reused in operational tools and scientific workflows. “This will help identify what parts of New Zealand burn repeatedly under historical locally extreme weather conditions in our simulations and what parts have high- or low-intensity fires – to give an indication of what a wildfire could look like in a particular area if a fire were to occur there,” Laura says. “This can enable safer wildfire management, resilience planning, better-prepared responses and more transparent conversations about mitigation. Knowing the potential hazard that could occur allows us to better prepare for a wildfire.” Consistent hazard layers can help explain why defensible space, building design choices and protection of evacuation routes matter—supporting resilience. The team is working with councils and risk analysis companies that have already expressed interest in using this data. The data layers can be accessed here:  Wildfire Hazard Potential Data WebExperience…

Reducing bushfire extent, a key benefit of prescribed burning

An Opinion Piece: John O’Donnell Across south eastern Australia, prescribed burning rates remain at historically low levels, despite overwhelming evidence that this single mitigation tool is the most effective, scalable and proven method for reducing the extent of bushfires. While public debate often focuses on fire intensity or severity, the extent of a bushfire, including how far it runs and how much country it consumes are important in relation to social, economic and environmental damage. This article synthesises the empirical evidence, not modelling, demonstrating that prescribed burning reduces bushfire extent across Australian forests and outlines why SE Australia must urgently expand its fuel reduction programs. Inadequate prescribed burning and large bushfire extent Datasets show that prescribed burning across most of SE Australia is far below levels required to influence landscape scale fire behaviour. The review includes data showing that prescribed burning rates in most Australian states have remained extremely low for decades, while bushfire area has repeatedly and massively eclipsed prescribed burning over multiple decades. SW WA is an exception, as outlined in the review. Victoria is a clear example of the consequences. As the review notes, insufficient prescribed burning in Victoria, typically <2% of public land per year, allowed fuels to accumulate to dangerous levels, contributing to three megafires that burned 3 million hectares and culminated in the Black Saturday tragedy. Despite Royal Commission recommendations for >5% annual treatment, the state has averaged only ~1.4% in recent years, culminating in the 1.6 million hectare 2019–20 fires. The relationship is simple: when prescribed burning declines, wildfire extent increases exponentially. Western Australian data shows that when annual forest prescribed burning treatment falls below ~8%, the area burned by bushfire escalates rapidly. This suggested threshold of around 8% of forests prescribed burnt per year, or 40% of the landscape in fuels <5 years old. South West Western Australia long term empirical evidence South West Western Australia provides strong long term empirical evidence that prescribed burning reduces bushfire extent. For more than half a century, WA has treated around 6–10% of its south west forests annually. As Burrows and Sneeuwjagt summarise, this program has kept wildfire impacts remarkably low. Boer et al. (2009) found that prescribed burning explained up to 71% of the variation in annual wildfire extent, and that keeping fuels younger than six years dramatically reduced the incidence of large fires. The suggested path forward The evidence is unequivocal: prescribed burning reduces bushfire extent. Long‑term WA datasets, Victorian analyses and case studies and international comparisons all point to the same conclusion. Yet SE Australia continues to rely heavily on suppression, with limited mitigation, to reduce bushfire risks. A national shift is required from reactive suppression to proactive, landscape‑scale fuel management with effective suppression. This includes treating 8–10% of forested landscapes annually and embedding prescribed burning into risk‑management frameworks. Australia has the evidence, the case studies and the operational experience. What is missing is the political and institutional commitment to act at the scale required Read the full report Source & image credit: John O’Donnell…

Early fire detection installed in the Far North

Spark, the Far North District Council (FNDC) and Dryad have implemented an advanced ultra-early fire detection system at the Waitangi Endowment Forest – the first of its kind in New Zealand. This initiative aims to safeguard one of New Zealand’s cultural landmarks by providing state-of-the-art protection against wildfires, using sensors that are ‘trained’ to detect variations in air quality and presence of pollutants associated with smouldering and smoke. The system will learn to recognise smoke based on the native tree and shrub species, other vegetation and the soil type unique to Waitangi. The project will use Dryad’s Silvanet system, which is a network of sensors spread throughout the park. These solar-powered sensors use artificial intelligence to detect fires early and then issue an alarm to FNDC and the Waitangi Endowment Forest who alert Fire and Emergency. The sensors are designed to detect traces of smouldering even if there isn’t visible smoke or fire. This gives more time to respond, including faster evacuation of the park and alerting Fire and Emergency sooner. Spark, through its company Adroit, is bringing the new fire detection technology to Waitangi Forest. Adroit will deploy and configure the system, connect it to the internet and make sure everything works smoothly. FNDC will install the sensors in the forest and will match funding provided through Round 7 of the Tourism Infrastructure Fund administered by Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment. By extending Spark’s IoT networks into the Waitangi Endowment Forest, this initiative is pioneering the concept of a ‘smart forest’ – using connected sensors and intelligent monitoring to protect and sustain New Zealand’s natural heritage, along with protecting the substantial community investment and infrastructure that sits within this forest, as well as safeguarding the hundreds of people who use the area every week. Waitangi Endowment Forest was created by the Waitangi Endowment Act 1932-33 and gifted to the nation. The forest is managed by the Department of Conservation on behalf of the Waitangi National Trust Board. The forest is home to native species like the North Island Brown Kiwi and contains the popular Waitangi Mountain Bike Park. There will be 250 wildfire sensors installed across the forest. This means the whole park will be covered by sensors that will help spot fires quickly and also monitor forest health and growth. Installation of the set-up has been authorised by the Department of Conservation for a period of 15 years. “At Spark, we are committed to leveraging innovative technology to protect New Zealand’s natural and cultural heritage. The deployment of this system at Waitangi Endowment Forest is a testament to our dedication to environmental conservation and community safety,” says Liz Urquhart, Spark’s General Manager of Business Products and Services. More >> Source & image credit: Spark Related: Solar-powered sensors using AI to detect wildfires A new fire detection system in the Far North has seen see 250 solar-powered sensors installed across the Waitangi Endowment Forest. The sensors use artificial intelligence and are designed to detect traces of smouldering even where smoke may not be visible.  More >> Source: RNZ…

Wood fuelled boiler installed at Invercargill Prison

Department of Corrections New Zealand has successfully transitioned away from coal heating at Invercargill Prison, replacing its final coal boiler with a modern renewable wood pellet boiler system delivered by Apricus Eco. The installation marks a major milestone in reducing operational carbon emissions within New Zealand’s public infrastructure sector and demonstrates how locally sourced renewable fuel can replace traditional fossil fuel systems at scale. The project involved the installation of a 1MW ÖkoFEN pellet boiler system housed within a modular, containerised “Energy Box” design. A key feature of the project is the use of locally produced wood pellet fuel manufactured just 10.4km away by Niagara Sawmilling Company Ltd. The pellets are produced using recycled wood shavings and sawdust generated through timber processing operations, creating a highly sustainable closed-loop fuel supply chain. “This project demonstrates that large-scale facilities can move beyond coal and gas today, using practical, renewable technology that delivers both operational reliability and environmental benefits,” said Marcus Baker, Managing Director of Apricus Eco. “This project represents more than renewable heat — it demonstrates how modular, containerised infrastructure can fundamentally improve the way large facilities transition to low-carbon energy.” The project demonstrates how biomass energy can provide a practical decarbonisation pathway for large-scale institutional heating applications. Feedback from the Department of Corrections New Zealand, Downer Group, and Octa Project Management has been overwhelmingly positive regarding both project delivery and operational performance.  The installation is also believed to be the largest ÖkoFEN boiler installation globally, showcasing New Zealand’s capability to deliver world-leading renewable energy infrastructure solutions. More >> Source & image credit: Apricus Eco…

Building finds its balance in groundbreaking earthquake test

A timber building that kept itself centred through major shaking has aced a full‑scale earthquake test with no damage, with more than 60 industry professionals looking on. At the University of Auckland’s Structures Test Hall, engineers have carried out one of the country’s most demanding full‑scale earthquake tests to understand how modular timber buildings behave under real‑world shaking. The team, led by Dr Ashkan Hashemi and Professor Pierre Quenneville, along with PhD student Rajnil Lal, tested a two‑storey structure made from cross‑laminated timber (CLT). CLT is becoming increasingly common in modern construction thanks to its low-carbon profile and fast assembly. But despite growing interest in timber buildings, there is limited full-scale evidence of how they perform during major earthquakes. To address that challenge, the engineers developed a novel system that includes prefabricated building modules with a resilient seismic connection between floors and walls. The system allows the structure to move in a controlled way during an earthquake, reducing the forces that typically cause damage before returning the building to its original position. “This has the potential to become groundbreaking research,” says Dr Hashemi. “The future of the construction industry is modular buildings, with modules fabricated off-site and assembled on-site… New Zealand’s high earthquake demands have made this less feasible, but this research provides a novel solution.” The test was carried out on a two-storey timber building, with the weight of a third storey simulated on top – a set up reflecting the medium-density townhouses and apartments now common across New Zealand. Testing took place at the University’s Structures Test Hall in Newmarket, one of the few facilities capable of shaking a full‑size building using realistic earthquake motions. Over several weeks, the team ran the structure through simulations based on real earthquake records, including both horizontal shaking and twisting motions to capture the complex forces buildings experience during major seismic events. The building remained stable throughout the tests, with no damage found in the main timber elements. Many attendees were struck by the building’s low damage performance and the fact it withstood 100 strong shakes without structural harm. “They were surprised because they’re not used to seeing a building sustain even one major earthquake, let alone a hundred,” says Dr Hashemi. The technology could support modular housing, mid-rise commercial buildings, schools, healthcare facilities and rapid-build projects in the future, all while reducing carbon and construction waste, he says. “This test proves that sustainable, fast-to-build timber structures can stand up to major earthquakes, and signals more seismically resilient construction is ahead.” The research was supported by the Wood Industry Development and Education (WIDE) Trust and Te Hiranga Rū QuakeCoRE, along with sponsors from the timber construction sector. WIDE Trust funds a range of timber design, architecture and sustainable forestry projects at the University of Auckland. More >> Source & image credit: University of Auckland…

Plantations essential for QLD housing & future timber plan

The peak state body for the Queensland forest and timber industry has highlighted the significant role plantations play in supporting housing and construction activity while at the same time supporting local jobs, regional economies and carbon capture and removal. Timber Queensland CEO Mick Stephens said “Queensland has a well-established plantation base with over 190,000 hectares of high-quality softwood resources for timber manufacturing feeding directly into housing construction. The plantation resource supporting Queensland homes today is the result of investment decisions made decades ago using commercially suitable softwood species.” “As Queensland’s population grows, maintaining a strong pipeline of timber supply will require the same long-term commitment. If we want the same outcome for future Queenslanders, we need to continue investing in plantation expansion today,” Mr Stephens said. “Queensland’s plantations support timber production jobs, ancillary businesses and local communities across the state, including in such regional areas as Moreton Bay, Caboolture, Beerburrum, Maryborough, Gympie, Hervey Bay and Mareeba.” Plantations also deliver significant carbon benefits. In 2024-25, around 80 per cent of Queensland’s new detached houses used renewable softwood framing, removing almost 200,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, equivalent to over 2.3 million one-way flights from Brisbane to Sydney. Continuing to use timber to build our homes in place of more emissions‑intensive materials like concrete and steel can reduce building emissions by up to 30 to 40 per cent, making it one of the most practical ways to decarbonise new housing. “Queensland has set an ambitious target of building one million new homes by 2044. Meeting that challenge will require long-term planning not only for housing, but also for the resources need to build those homes. Plantation expansion will play a pivotal role in the new timber plan announced by the Crisafulli Government in November 2025, with the softwood sector already making a significant contribution to the state’s nearly $4 billion timber industry which supports over 23,000 jobs,” Mr Stephens said. “Providing the right incentives and removing barriers to investment will help achieve the goal of an additional 25,000 hectares of new plantation by 2050. The new timber plan presents an opportunity to align future housing demand with future timber supply. Timber Queensland looks forward to working with the Government on co-designing plantation growth and timber manufacturing initiatives under the plan.” Key measures being advocated to lift softwood supply include: Source: Timber Queensland…

Empowering forestry and wood through tech

The Government is backing the New Zealand’s forestry sector’s innovation and sustainable productivity, announced from Agriculture Minister Todd McClay last month. “Greater land use flexibility results in prosperity through productivity, and new production methods and technologies are key to driving that step-change. Enabling this exemplifies the Government’s commitment to fixing the basics and building the future,” Mr McClay says. “More than 39,000 Kiwis work in forestry, a sector that contributes $6.2 billion in export revenue – supporting regional economies and jobs. “This National-led Government is committed to backing farmers and growers, including through sensible regulatory reform and cutting of red tape and costs, combined with the latest science, technology and farming methods provides the opportunity for strong returns with a smaller environmental impact.” Leveraging this, the Government is investing $3.2 million over three years in a new $8m project to assess the feasibility of producing prefabricated, fully fitted mass timber modules for the New Zealand market and potentially Australia. This will mean more timber is processed onshore creating greater value and more jobs. This work is funded in partnership with VoMo Limited, a Red Stag Investments company. The project aims to convert industrial-grade logs into higher-value timber for a range of applications, including use in the construction of hotels, student housing, apartments and offices, multiplying the logs’ value 6.7 times. It will determine if this model of construction is likely to be successful in New Zealand, which includes analysing aspects such as design, technical performance, seismic resilience, productivity gains, cost efficiency, and carbon savings. Shifting supply from export to domestic markets also offers greater stability and encourages long-term investment in forestry and wood processing. “Data and information from this and similar projects will be shared with farmers and growers to give them further confidence to innovate and grow their businesses – supporting a more productive and responsive sector that is better positioned to supply New Zealand and the world with high-quality produce,” said Mr McClay. “The primary industries are the backbone of this economy and the lifeblood of rural communities. Supporting their success is a priority for this Government.” Source: New Zealand Government Further reading:Government announces Primary Sector Growth Fund projects (RNZ)…

Scientists discover unexpected climate benefit hidden in forest soils

Researchers report that methane absorption has increased under shifting climate conditions, based on a long-term study conducted in Germany. Forest soils play a key role in regulating the climate by removing large amounts of methane, a powerful greenhouse gas, from the atmosphere. A research team from the University of Göttingen and the Baden-Württemberg Forest Research Institute (FVA) analyzed what is considered the most extensive global data set on methane uptake in forest soils. Their findings show that under certain climate conditions, which may become more frequent in the future, these soils can actually increase how much methane they absorb. The analysis draws on long-term observations collected at 13 forest sites in southwestern Germany, with some records extending up to 24 years. On average, methane uptake rose by about three percent each year. The researchers link this increase to changing climate conditions. Lower rainfall results in drier soils, allowing methane to move more easily into the ground compared with wetter soils. At the same time, higher temperatures speed up the activity of microorganisms that break down methane. The study was published in Agricultural and Forest Meteorology.…

Record-breaking apartment building gets 3D-printed in just 34 days

Europe’s largest 3D-printed apartment building has been completed in France. Containing 12 social housing apartments spread across three floors, the project’s printing process was carried out in just 34 days. ViliaSprint² was created by developer Plurial Novilia, with designer HOBO Architecture, and printed by PERI 3D Construction using a COBOD BOD2 3D printer, which is the same type used in the previously covered 3D-printed data center and earthquake-resistant house. It’s positioned next to another very similar building by the same developer, which was constructed using traditional techniques and took three months longer to complete. According to COBOD, ViliaSprint² is the first building in France in which both the load-bearing structure and all walls were printed directly on-site. The COBOD BOD2 printer extruded a cement-like mixture supplied by Holcim in layers to build up the basic shell. This printing was originally planned to last 50 days but took just 34 days in all, with three human operators overseeing the work.…

Eucalyptus bark could help clean water and air

Eucalyptus bark, usually stripped from logs and treated as waste, could be repurposed to help clean polluted water, filter dirty air and capture carbon dioxide, according to new research from RMIT University. Researchers have shown the bark can be converted into a highly porous form of carbon that traps pollutants as water or air flows through it. The findings point to a practical way of turning a common forestry by‑product into a useful environmental material using a relatively simple processing method. Turning waste into a filter Porous carbon materials are already widely used in water filters, air purifiers and industrial gas treatment systems. Their effectiveness comes from their structure rather than the source material itself. These materials contain a network of microscopic pores. As air or water passes through, unwanted molecules are captured and held within the tiny spaces. PhD researcher Pallavi Saini, who led much of the experimental work, said the performance of eucalyptus bark was unexpected. “It is usually treated as low‑value waste, but with a simple process we were able to convert it into a highly porous material with strong adsorption performance,” Saini said. “It highlights how overlooked biomass can be transformed into something useful.” In the study, the researchers used a relatively simple, one‑step activation process to produce porous carbon from eucalyptus bark. While similar approaches have been explored using other biomass sources, many porous carbons are still produced through more complex, multi‑stage routes that require additional energy and infrastructure. Why eucalyptus bark? Plant-waste based carbons are being studied worldwide using feedstocks ranging from agricultural residues to forestry and industrial waste. These materials are typically assessed based on availability, sustainability, processing complexity and performance. Dr Deshetti Jampaiah said eucalyptus bark compared favourably on several of these measures, particularly in Australia. “The strength of this approach lies in its simplicity,” Jampaiah said. “We are converting a widely available waste material into a functional carbon with promising performance, without relying on complex processing steps. That makes it highly relevant for real‑world environmental applications.” Australia is home to more than 900 species of eucalypt and related trees. As a next step, the researchers plan to work with Indigenous people and organisations with deep knowledge of eucalyptus species to help identify which species may be best suited for this type of application. More >> Source & image credit: RMIT…

Putting red needle cast (RNC) management tools into the hands of foresters

Red needle cast (RNC) is shifting from an unknown threat to a disease New Zealand foresters can actively manage. The release of the RNC Manual and Regional Risk Forecasting Tool this month marks an important step in that transition. The RNC Manual summarises current RNC knowledge, guiding foresters on how to integrate this information into disease management programmes. The RNC Regional Risk Forecasting Tool uses recent weather conditions to indicate the likelihood of an outbreak, helping to anticipate risk periods and when management actions may be required. First seen in New Zealand in the early 2000s, RNC is caused by the aerial pathogen Phytophthora pluvialis. Although likely native to the United States and now reported in Europe, it is only in New Zealand that the pathogen has had significant impact on radiata pine, limiting the availability of relevant international experience. Since 2019, the Resilient Forests Programme – co-funded by the FGLT and the Bioeconomy Science Institute – Scion Group – has combined long-term field monitoring, operational-scale field trials, controlled laboratory experiments and modelling to quantify disease impacts, identify environmental drivers and evaluate practical controls. In worst cases, each severe outbreak can reduce radial growth by up to 31 percent over three to four years. Repeated outbreaks every three to four years could reduce radial area growth by ~20 percent over a rotation. The programme has developed numerous tools and resources in addition to the risk forecasting tool, including remote sensing and diagnostic tests for disease detection and monitoring. The team is now focused on operationalising and improving these tools with industry partners through the development of company-specific management case studies and wider industry workshops. Contact Stuart Fraser or Emily McLay if you would like to know more.…

Transport cost index – Unprecedented impact of fuel pricing

We recently released our Grant Thornton Transport Cost Index for the March quarter and that includes forecasting for the following quarter. The magnitude of the rise forecast is unprecedented in the Index’s history and demonstrates the downstream impact of the geopolitical tension in the Strait of Hormuz on transport. While there seems to have been some cooling in the pricing of crude and refined products landing here, I think there’s still some time to go before we get back to reasonable stability. Australian regulators showing forward thinking It was interesting to read reports from Australia about how dramatically its road transport regulatory framework may need to evolve over the coming decade. Representatives from their regulatory bodies, National Transport Commission (NTC) and the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) are looking ahead to a future that could include automated trucks, data-driven enforcement and a very different approach to regulation. The NTC said the biggest challenges facing regulators were adapting laws built around the assumption that a human is always driving the vehicle, and when laws would need to clearly define when responsibility sits with a human operator and when it rests with the company providing the automated driving system. This issue has been a bugbear over the last decade or so and I’m surprised it hasn’t been remedied yet. NHVR CEO Nicole Rosie, formerly CE of NZTA, outlined the NHVR’s vision for a future where compliance activities become increasingly driven by data and intelligence rather than traditional roadside enforcement. I think it’s good this already appears to be on NZTA’s radar. Given the increase in the availability of on-vehicle monitoring, whether we need to keep spending on roadside compliance infrastructure remains to be seen. While we share some common issues with our Trans-Tasman neighbours, we need to keep in mind that there is one massive difference which I am concerned is too often overlooked. Unlike us, Australian transport businesses do not need to obtain a transport service licence, and therefore I think there’s a good case that we don’t mirror everything Australia does. Unless of course we lose the licensing regime in which case common approaches could make more sense. More >> Source: Transporting New ZealandChart credit: Transporting New Zealand & Grant Thornton…

Simplify logging operations with forestry equipment technology

It’s true — there is no such thing as a routine job or an easy day for loggers. But at John Deere, we have the forestry equipment and technology to help you outrun expectations and succeed in the trees. John Deere’s full line of forestry equipment is built with brains to leverage the brawn. Our technology solutions help loggers stay profitable, productive, and efficient. Eliminate guesswork with Precision Forestry Take the guesswork out of effective decision-making for your operation with John Deere Precision Forestry. Seamlessly coordinate your team’s performance in the woods and in the office with our Precision Forestry tools, including TimberMatic Maps and TimberManager. These software platforms can revolutionize how you plan, implement, and monitor your logging operations. TimberMatic™ Maps is an onboard software solution that helps you visualize your jobsites in new ways. With real-time production views, optimized routes, and shared wireless connections between machines, it’s easy to take your forestry operations to the next level. TimberManager™ is a web-based solution for PCs, tablets, and mobile phones, allowing you to follow progress on your jobsite. Combined with TimberMatic™ Maps, this software provides data insights about your operation — from land harvested to machine production — so you can streamline communication and increase efficiency. TimberMatic™ Maps and TimberManager™ are available on nearly all models of John Deere forestry equipment, including skidders, wheeled feller bunchers, tracked feller bunchers, wheeled harvesters, tracked harvesters, forwarders, and swing machines. Take control with operator assistance technology Leverage John Deere’s operator assistance technology to make operating easier and more precise, and to increase production and help retain the best operators. Intelligent Boom Control (IBC) is an operator-assistance solution available on John Deere tracked harvesters, wheeled harvesters, and forwarders. IBC smooths boom operation, making it more precise and efficient and easier to control all boom movements. This gives users an enhanced level of control over their logging operation and their bottom line. With IBC, operators no longer need to control each independent boom function separately. Just control the attachment position, and IBC automatically guides the boom and cylinders accordingly. IBC also automatically controls swing speed based on the overall position of the attachment.…

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 WorkshopFacilitated 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 keynotesDavid 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 updatesDay 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 marketsA 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 workshopClosing 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.…

Gas transition loan scheme a positive step forward for wood products industry

Large industrial gas users now have a new pathway to transition away from natural gas, following the Government’s launch of the Gas Transition Loan Guarantee Scheme. The Wood Processors and Manufacturers Association of NZ (WPMA) says the initiative offers a practical and timely solution for manufacturers facing uncertainty around the future availability and cost of natural gas. “The insecurity created by energy demands is a serious threat to manufacturing growth within New Zealand, and it is welcoming to see Government taking this positive step by making available up to $1.2 billion of bank loans to reduce our dependency on gas,” said Mark Ross, WPMA Chief Executive. While the scheme is only a partial solution to New Zealand’s long‑term energy challenges, it offers a practical mechanism for companies exposed to gas shortages to shift toward alternative energy sources such as biomass, which is produced from wood residues and forestry by-products. Though extending the Government’s loan facility to support biomass supply‑side development, not just consumption, would assist in accelerating progress. While many regions have the raw biomass resource available, investment in processing, logistics, and infrastructure remains essential to ensure a reliable, cost‑effective supply. “Supporting both sides of the biomass equation, supply and demand, will be a key element to ensuring a long-term sustainable solution,” Ross said. WPMA has also been working closely with the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority to support our members in identifying practical opportunities to reduce energy costs across their operations. The Budget’s allocation of $5.9 million for EECA to investigate pathways for transitioning away from gas is therefore a timely welcomed commitment. “The opportunities to solve our energy challenges are already within reach,” Ross said. “This initiative is one important piece of the puzzle, and WPMA continues to support cross‑party consensus on a long‑term energy strategy that keeps businesses operating and builds a more secure, affordable future for our industry.”…

Residues2Revenues 2026 unveils full Brisbane conference programme

Following the sell-out success of last year’s New Zealand event, Innovatek has officially released the highly anticipated programme for Residues2Revenues 2026. For the first time, the premier industry conference will be held in Brisbane, Australia, on 23-24 September 2026. As the forestry and wood processing sectors face growing pressure to decarbonise operations and unlock new revenue streams, Residues2Revenues 2026 will showcase how wood processors, forest owners, manufacturers, and energy users can transform wood residues into profitable biofuels, bioenergy, and high-value renewable bioproducts. “Following our largest-ever event in Rotorua last year, which attracted close to 300 delegates focused on the latest innovations in extracting energy and value from wood fibre, we’re excited to bring this essential technology event to Australia,” says John Stulen, Director at Innovatek. “The full programme is now live, featuring a powerhouse line-up of local and international innovators who are demonstrating that wood residue is no longer waste – it’s a major commercial opportunity.” Programme highlights & key themes The newly released two-day programme features commercial case studies, technical innovations, and practical insights spanning the full circular bioeconomy spectrum. Key themes include: International exemplars & large-scale transformation Day One opens with a keynote address from Mike Haywood, General Manager of Verdant Earth Technologies, exploring the transformation of the Redbank Power Station and the future potential of biomass for large-scale energy generation. Next-generation biofuels & bioproducts Delegates will hear from Miriam Blaine (HAMR Energy) on commercialising wood residues into liquid fuels, alongside Jacob Kohn (Futurity Bio Ventures), who will present developments in lignin-based bitumen alternatives designed to create longer-lasting, lower-emission roads. Industrial heat & metals transition Sessions will explore how heavy industries are reducing reliance on fossil fuels, including presentations from Ben Crispe (Suncoast Green Energy) on simplifying the industrial heat transition and John Mellowes (Biocarbon) on using waste biomass in industrial metals production. Pyrolysis, biochar & carbon removal Melissa Rebbeck (Metamorf Engineering) will examine how pyrolysis technologies are converting waste streams into biochar products and new carbon removal revenue opportunities. Advanced machinery & operational innovation Practical operational insights will also be shared by major technology providers and industry leaders, including Christian Jirkowsky (Polytechnik Biomass Energy), Gary Olsen (Tigercat Industries), and NSW-based Recycling Technologies Group (RTG). An essential gathering for the bioeconomy Residues2Revenues 2026 is expected to attract a broad cross-section of the Australasian supply chain, including forest managers, wood processors, manufacturers, energy plant operators, regional councils, and government policy representatives — all focused on capturing new value from wood residues while meeting carbon reduction targets. Alongside the conference programme, delegates will benefit from networking and a large exhibition showcasing the latest equipment, technologies, and services from major suppliers. Super Early Bird registrations now open With strong industry interest already building following the programme release, organisers are encouraging delegates to secure their places early. Super Early Bird registrations are now open, offering large savings until Friday, 26 June 2026. Significant group discounts are also available for organisations sending teams of three or more. To view the full programme, explore accommodation options at voco Brisbane City Centre, or register for the event, visit the official event website at woodresidues.events.…

Forest owners endorse adaptive, evidence-based change

The New Zealand Forest Owners Association (NZFOA) says the latest set of changes to the National Environmental Standards for Commercial Forestry (NES-CF) are an important step toward a more nationally consistent and risk-based framework for managing forestry activities across New Zealand. NZFOA chief executive Dr Elizabeth Heeg says the changes, due to come into effect on 4 June as part of the wider Resource Management Act (RMA) reforms, better align regulatory oversight with the site-specific risks associated with New Zealand’s diverse forestry landscapes. “Forestry operates across highly variable terrain and environmental conditions,” Elizabeth says. “Regulation needs to reflect those differences rather than assume every site carries the same level of risk.  “Ensuring there is a nationally consistent framework remains of critical importance to forest owners, but not at the expense of applying identical rules regardless of landscape, erosion profile or catchment sensitivity. Durable environmental outcomes require regulation that is consistently applied and reflects actual environmental risk across different forestry environments. “A forest in rolling hill country, for example, presents different risks to steep land above a sensitive catchment. The updated NES-CF is better equipped to recognise those differences and risks.” Elizabeth says the NES-CF changes are emblematic of an evidence-based approach to environmental management, particularly on steep and erosion-prone land. “Forest owners have seen how differing interpretations of environmental rules between regions can create uncertainty, duplication of rules and cost burdens without improving environmental outcomes,” she says. “The latest changes strengthen the ability to focus regulatory requirements where environmental risk is higher, while allowing decisions to better reflect site-specific conditions. This is a more practical and targeted approach to managing environmental risk.” The reform will also provide more certainty for forest owners, contractors, councils and communities. “Forestry is planned over years – often decades. Decisions about planting, roading, harvesting and replanting rely on regulation that is clear, grounded in evidence and workable in practice,” Elizabeth says. “Greater national consistency will provide more certainty around how forestry activities and environmental risks are managed across the motu.” The Association says the introduction of a Slash Mobilisation Risk Assessment framework is a practical example of a more risk-based approach being applied in practice. It recognises assessments developed and relied on, by the sector and by councils.  “Post-Cyclone Gabrielle, the sector has been adapting management practices for higher-risk environments, particularly around slash management, erosion risk, harvest planning and decision-making on more complex sites,” Elizabeth says. “The proposed framework reflects ongoing work to continually improve how harvest residue risk is identified and managed across different environments and terrain types. “It enables higher-risk sites to be identified more consistently, so management efforts can be focused where they are most needed, while still allowing for different approaches depending on the nature of the land and the level of environmental risk involved.” Elizabeth says it’s important that forestry regulation has scope to evolve as science, operational experience and changing climate conditions shape what best practice looks like in the field. “Forestry needs a system that supports long-term investment, protects the environment and keeps people safe, while allowing practices to continue improving over time,” she says. “That is particularly important in higher-risk environments, where operational decisions can involve steep terrain and complex conditions and where managing the safety of people working on the ground is integral to how work is planned and carried out. “Forest owners support regulation that can adapt as science, data and operational experience evolve. But as always, the detail of how these changes are implemented will be critical to whether they achieve their intent in practice.” Source: NZFOA…

Review disputes claims that logging drives bushfire risk

Public claims that timber harvesting increases bushfire risk are based on narrow and contested evidence, and should not be generalised across Australia’s diverse forests, according to a new evidence review released by Forestry Australia. The review, Contested Evidence About Timber Harvesting and Bushfire Risk in Australian Landscapes, examines claims that timber harvesting increases forest flammability and bushfire risk. It finds that many public claims rely on evidence from one particular forest type and management system – tall wet eucalypt forests in south-eastern Australia that have been previously clearfelled – and that these findings are often presented as though they apply universally across all Australian forests. Forestry Australia President Dr Michelle Freeman said the review was developed to help clarify a complex and often misunderstood area of forest science: “Public discussion about timber harvesting and bushfire risk is often highly contested, and at times, confusing,” Dr Freeman said. “The purpose of this evidence review is to unpack the science. It looks carefully at what the evidence does and does not show, where research findings are contested, and why terminology matters when discussing bushfire risk, fire severity, flammability and fire intensity.” Dr Freeman said the diversity of Australia’s forests meant evidence could not be applied uniformly: “Australia’s forests are highly diverse. Evidence from one forest type, management system or landscape context should not be generalised across the country without careful qualification,” she said. “The review highlights that different forms of forest management can have very different outcomes, and that it is inappropriate to reduce complex forest and fire dynamics to a simple claim that timber harvesting always increases fire risk.” The review also highlights the importance of using fire terminology accurately. “Terms such as fire risk, fire severity, fire intensity and flammability have different meanings,” Dr Freeman said. “When these terms are used interchangeably, public understanding suffers. Sound policy depends on precise language and careful interpretation of evidence.” The review notes that landscape-scale analyses of major bushfires, including the 2019-20 bushfires, have found that extreme fire weather and topography are dominant drivers of fire severity, while timber harvesting, stand age and land tenure have comparatively minor effects at landscape scales. It also notes that while young regrowth forests may experience higher site-level fire severity under some conditions, large areas of mature and old growth forests, including forests in conservation reserves where timber harvesting is excluded, have also burnt at high severity. Dr Freeman said Forestry Australia hoped the review would support a more informed and constructive public conversation. “Forestry Australia represents a large cohort of professionals with deep scientific and practical expertise in Australian forests,” Dr Freeman said. “Our role is not to prosecute simplistic arguments. Our role is to support evidence-based discussion, grounded in forest science, so that policy makers, media and the broader community can better understand what the research is actually saying.” “Forests are central to some of the most important challenges facing Australia, including climate adaptation, biodiversity conservation, bushfire resilience, regional livelihoods and sustainable resource use,” she said. “These issues deserve careful, evidence-based discussion. We encourage journalists, policy makers, community leaders and all those engaged in forest debates to read the review and consider the full body of evidence.” More >> Source & image credit: Forestry Australia…

World’s first in forest drone-assisted tree harvest

A major technological milestone has been achieved in timber harvesting with the successful completion of the world’s first drone-assisted tree harvest within an operational forest stand.  AirForestry’s field test validated the system’s capabilities in a natural forest environment, proving its functionality under real-world conditions. In addition to the live forest deployment, developer testing successfully demonstrated a fully autonomous harvest sequence. Operating without manual intervention, the aerial system independently executed an entire end-to-end workflow: navigating to the precise position, identifying the target tree, delimbing, harvesting, and transporting the payload to a designated drop-off point. The achievement represents the culmination of multi-year research and development efforts. Project leaders have expressed gratitude to the engineering teams and strategic partners whose collaboration brought the system from concept to operational reality. This milestone marks a significant shift in modern silviculture, demonstrating that high-efficiency forestry operations can now successfully expand beyond the forest floor into aerial applications. More >> Source: AirForestry (via LinkedIn)…

Call for Speakers: HarvestTECH & Wood Transport Logistics 2026

Do you have a new technology, operational case study, or innovation that could help shape the future of harvesting and wood transport across Australasia? Join industry leaders at HarvestTECH & Wood Transport Logistics 2026 and present to senior forestry, harvesting, logistics, and transport professionals. We’re now curating presentations across topics including fleet innovation, machine automation, safety, data analytics, logistics optimisation, and decarbonisation. Scheduled for 10–11 November 2026 in Rotorua, New Zealand, this landmark event officially combines two of the region’s premier forestry technology series, HarvestTECH and Woodflow logistics. Present your ideas to senior decision-makers from across harvesting, log transport, mechanised forestry, fleet management, and wood supply logistics. This combined event will provide a comprehensive look at the entire wood supply chain from stump to mill, port, or market. A major focus for the 2026 programme will be navigating the accelerating transition toward low-carbon operations. Specifically, the event will highlight technologies, field trials, and infrastructure required for shifting the forest harvest and wood transport sectors to electric vehicles, localised charging grids, and heavy electric equipment. We are interested in speakers covering the key themes: How to Submit Your Expression of Interest If you have a practical story, breakthrough technology, or proven results worth sharing, contact John Stulen to discuss speaking opportunities via john.stulen@innovatek.co.nz or (+64) 27 275 8011. For general event information and to stay updated on registrations, visit the official event website at harvesttech.events.…

Should New Zealand do more to keep manufacturing jobs here?

The possible closure of two timber mills in Kaitāia has put around 200 jobs at risk and raised concerns about the future of manufacturing in regional New Zealand. Locals fear the loss would ripple through the wider community, affecting families, businesses and the local economy. Some worry it could push more people to leave for bigger cities or even Australia in search of work. It’s not the only recent manufacturing loss. Heinz Wattie’s confirmed the closure of several of its sites in Auckland, Christchurch, and Dunedin in March. There were also several closures in the industry in 2025, including Carter Holt Harvey shutting its operations in Tokoroa & Tasman and Oji Fibre Solutions ceasing manufacturing at Kinleith Mill.…

AKD investing in innovation and resilience at Tumut mill

Associated Kiln Driers (known as AKD) is committed to modernising its Tumut timber mill in the NSW Snowy Mountains by investing in new technology to improve productivity and maximise timber recovery from smaller diameter sawlogs. As part of a recent AFPA visit to the innovative sawmill, AKD showcased its new Horizontal Shaping Saw (HSS), an advanced saw line designed to process small and medium sawlogs more efficiently while delivering higher yields and more consistent throughput. The investment comes as the large-scale timber business continues to respond to the long-term impacts of the devastating 2020 bushfires, which affected a significant portion of the plantation estate that traditionally supplied the mill. With timber volumes expected to remain low while plantations regenerate, Australian-owned AKD is focused on improving reliability, lifting drying capability and strengthening infeed and sorting systems to ensure the operation remains internationally competitive. Over the past decade, the Tumut mill has processed an average of around 525,000 cubic metres of sawlogs annually, producing structural timber and value-added products used on building and construction sites across NSW. The changing supply environment has also created opportunities to source timber from outside traditional harvesting regions, with AKD using the broader Tumut-Gilmore network to maintain customer supply and adapt product lines to available fibre resources. AKD’s Gilmore facility – located about 10km from Tumut – has played an important role in supporting distribution and value-adding activities, helping AKD to continue servicing major retail demand while the main Tumut operation adapts to post-fire market conditions. Importantly, the Tumut mill remains a major employer in the region, directly employing around 160 permanent skilled workers, alongside contractors supporting maintenance, specialist projects and mill operations. “Our people are our lifeblood, and we have generations of staff who worked with us over many decades – it’s a real family- based company,” said Tumut Site Manager Rab Green. Across Australia, AKD employs more than 1100 workers as part of its integrated forestry and timber processing operations in Victoria, NSW and Queensland. AKD says maintaining sustainable regional employment is a priority, with ongoing investment in training, apprenticeships and workforce development helping secure long-term career opportunities in timber manufacturing. The company has also focused on improving day-to-day operations through safer work practices, reduced manual handling, stronger quality control processes and improved operational reliability to minimise costly disruptions. Beyond the mill gates, AKD continues to support the wider regional community through local sporting sponsorships, school and training partnerships, emergency services support, local procurement and bushfire recovery initiatives. More >> Source & imgae credit: AFPA…

Industrial waste used to develop non-toxic wood protection

What started as a project developing biofuels for ships, has evolved into an environmentally friendly method for wood preservation. The path to new inventions is rarely straight or predictable, and this has certainly been the case for University of Copenhagen researchers Emil Thybring and Sune Tjalfe Thomsen. For several years, they have been working on a new, sustainable way to impregnate wood without harming the environment. Today, the wood industry treats timber with heavy metals such as copper to extend its lifespan when used as a construction material. In the pressure treatment process, water with dissolved preservation chemicals is forced into the wood. The problem is that a large proportion of these substances is later leached out when the wood is exposed to rain, ultimately ending up in soil, marine environments and drinking water. “The toxic substances we introduce into the wood using water to make it last longer also leave the wood with water and end up in nature. It is a serious problem, and one we aim to solve with our technology,” says Emil Thybring, associate professor at the Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management. The wood’s own ‘glue’ – in hyperconcentrated form The researchers’ method is based on lignin, a natural binding agent in wood that stiffens the material and holds its cells together. Lignin is available in vast quantities as a residual product from the paper industry, where it is separated out and typically burned because it gives paper a brownish colour rather than the desired white. According to the researchers, just 15 percent of the EU’s lignin production could replace the environmentally harmful substances used across the entire EU production of pressure-treated timber. “It makes perfect sense to take a global industrial by-product and use it as an environmentally friendly alternative to the most widely used – and environmentally damaging – wood protection methods we rely on today,” says Sune Tjalfe Thomsen, associate professor at the Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management. More >> Source & image credit: University of Copenhagen…

Project update: Managing moisture during construction and early life stages

The ARC Advance Timber Hub Project “Role of Moisture in the Long-Term Performance of Mass Timber Building Elements” is addressing the issue of how moisture affects the durability, mould risk and long‑term performance of timber building elements under Australian conditions. This project is supported by PhD Candidate, Paulo Silvares, at the University of the Sunshine Coast, whose research is focused on “Integrated Assessment of Hygroscopic Behaviour and Mould Growth in Construction Timber”, under the supervision of Project Leader – Professor Tripti Singh and Project Chief Investigator – Dr Zidi Yan. Paulo updated ARC Advance Timber Hub Stakeholders on the research via a webinar presentation on the 19th May 2026. Why this research matters Timber products such as Cross Laminated Timber (CLT), Glue Laminated Timber (GLT/Glulam) and solid timber elements are often exposed to rain, humidity and temperature fluctuations during transport, storage and construction. Even temporary exposure can result in: These risks are particularly significant in Australian climatic conditions, which are highly favourable for fungal growth.…

Public comment invited on Australia & NZ Sustainable Forest Management Standard

Public comment is now being sought on an amendment to Australian/New Zealand Standard for Sustainable Forest Management (AS/NZS 4708:2021). Developed by Responsible Wood, AS/NZS 4708 sets out requirements for sustainable forest management in Australia and New Zealand. It forms part of the Responsible Wood Certification Scheme and supports PEFC-endorsed certification in Australia. In New Zealand, it underpins the PEFC-recognised sustainable forest management scheme. The Standard plays an important role in stewarding responsible forest management practices that support healthy forests, biodiversity, renewable timber supply, regional jobs, cultural values and community expectations. Responsible Wood CEO Simon Dorries said the review process helps ensure the Standard continues to reflect evolving industry practices, environmental priorities, scientific knowledge, and stakeholder expectations. “Sustainable forest management impacts a wide range of people and sectors, from forest managers and manufacturers through to builders, designers, retailers, environmental groups, communities and consumers,” Mr Dorries said. “This public consultation is an important opportunity for stakeholders to help shape the future of responsible forest management in Australia and New Zealand.” With the revision process initiated every 5 years, latest updates reflect changes to the PEFC International Standard for Sustainable Forest Management PEFC ST 1003:2024 introduced to align PEFC with the European Deforestation Regulation and stakeholder feedback received since AS/NZS 4708 was last updated in 2021.  The revised draft has been developed by the Standards Reference Committee, which includes representatives from forest management, forest research, auditing, government, community organisations, environmental groups, Indigenous stakeholders, industry and labour unions across Australia and New Zealand. The review process is being undertaken in accordance with Standards Australia procedures. Responsible Wood is accredited as a Standards Development Organisation (SDO) and is accredited to develop Australian and New Zealand Standards in line with recognised standards development processes. The Responsible Wood Certification Scheme, of which AS/NZS 4708:2021 is a key component, is endorsed by the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) – the world’s largest forest certification system. Stakeholders are invited to review the draft Standard and provide feedback by 7 August 2026. The draft Standard and submission form are available via the Responsible Wood website: Draft Standard:https://www.responsiblewood.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/AS-NZS-4708-2021-Amendment-One-Public-Comment-Draft-May-2026.docx Submission form:https://www.responsiblewood.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/AS-NZS-4708-2021-Ammendment-1-Public-Comment-Submission-Sheet-May-26.docx…

FWPA releases new fastener testing standard to strengthen confidence across the timber industry

Forest & Wood Products Australia (FWPA) has released a new industry standard designed to strengthen confidence in timber construction by improving how mechanical fasteners and connection systems are tested and characterised across Australia’s timber sector. The new FWPA Standard (T01) establishes a nationally  consistent approach for testing mechanical fasteners and connectors used in timber structures, supporting more reliable structural design, stronger product confidence and greater innovation in modern timber construction. Developed through an FWPA-funded research project managed  by the Engineered  Wood Products Association of Australasia (EWPAA) and undertaken by the ARC Advance  Timber Hub at the University of Queensland, the Standard responds to an important industry need for contemporary, robust and practical testing methodologies. As timber construction systems continue to evolve, including greater use of engineered wood products such  as glue-laminated timber (GLT), laminated veneer lumber (LVL) and cross- laminated timber (CLT), the performance of connection systems is increasingly critical to structural reliability and market confidence. FWPA Standard T01 provides a clear pathway for manufacturers, testing laboratories, engineers, universities and certifiers to generate stronger and more consistent performance data for timber joints and fastener systems. Why the new Standard matters FWPA Standard T01 establishes standardised methods  to determine key connection performance characteristics, including: Importantly, the Standard is intended to support industry as an alternative to AS 1649 (2025) for determining characteristic capacities of commonly used timber connection types until that standard undergoes further comprehensive revision. Rather than replacing existing Australian Standards, FWPA Standard T01 is designed to complement them; helping improve consistency, reduce uncertainty  and support more efficient timber connection design. Supporting innovation in modern  timber systems Connection systems are fundamental to the performance and scalability of timber buildings, particularly as Australia  sees  growing interest in prefabrication, mass timber construction and higher-value  engineered wood applications. By improving the way connection performance is characterised, FWPA Standard T01 will help industry generate clearer,  more robust design data, enabling greater confidence in timber connection systems and supporting innovation across the built environment. The Standard is expected  to be particularly valuable  for timber manufacturers, product developers, testing laboratories, researchers, structural engineers and certifiers seeking dependable performance data to support product development and compliant structural design. “As timber systems become more advanced, confidence in connection performance becomes increasingly important. FWPA Standard  T01 provides industry with a practical and consistent framework to generate robust design data and support innovation in timber construction.” Boris Iskra – “This Standard  reflects extensive technical review and industry collaboration, providing a stronger foundation for testing and characterising timber connection systems used across both traditional and engineered wood products.” ARC Advance Timber Hub…

Empowering the next generation of NZ forestry innovators

The 2026 Youth Micro Innovation Challenge is calling on young people across New Zealand’s forestry sector to help shape the future of the industry – one practical idea at a time. Open to students, recent graduates, and early‑career forestry workers with five years or less in the industry, the challenge provides a rare opportunity to turn frontline ideas into real‑world solutions. Participants are invited to submit innovative concepts that improve safety, productivity, wellbeing, or sustainability at the operational level. Unlike traditional innovation pathways, the Youth Micro Innovation Challenge is designed to be fast, accessible, and practical. Entrants don’t need a business plan or a complex proposal – just a clear explanation of the problem, their solution, an estimated cost, and how the idea could be developed within a 15‑week prototype build. The winning innovator will receive $10,000 in funding to build and test a working prototype, along with access to mentoring, industry networks, and development support through the Micro Innovation ecosystem and Forest Growers Research. The challenge also plays a critical role in connecting generations. Contractors and senior industry personnel are encouraged to support young innovators by offering mentorship, sharing experience, and helping promising ideas reach their full potential. Entries for the 2026 Challenge are open until 13 June 2026 at 5pm. To submit an idea or learn more, visit  www.microinnovation.co.nz. Source: Micro Innovation NZ…

Australia at “tipping point” for switch to electric trucks as half its diesel fleet nears replacement

Australia is at a tipping point for electrifying transport as more than half of the country’s trucking fleet is due for replacement, and needs to act to avoid a repeat of the current fossil fuel crisis, a leading transport and energy expert says. Bruce Hardy, the head of Energy Futures Foundation, an independent not-for-profit and non partisan group focused on transport and energy, says Australia would not be facing the fossil fuel supply issues it is now had it learned and acted on the hard lessons of the last two crises.  “This was the same pattern during [the] COVID [pandemic in 2020]. It was the same pattern when Russia invaded Ukraine [in 2022],” Hardy told the Smart Energy Conference in Sydney on Wednesday. “The fundamental point here is that we are a small island nation at the end of very long supply chains, as our politicians are very glad to tell us, and we are importing fuel to power the arteries of our economy, instead of relying on the electrification potential within our fleet.”…

EV shift needs systems: Toll

Mandatory climate reporting requirements are changing how the heavy vehicle industry approaches decarbonisation with pressure building across entire supply chains to measure and reduce emissions. Speaking at TruckShowX in the Hunter Valley last month, Nanae Kii of Toll Group said the company’s decarbonisation strategy is focused on balancing ambitious emissions targets with commercial realities in a difficult operating environment. “We have committed to net zero emissions by 2050 and near-term targets by 2031,” she said. The company’s targets align with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and include Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions – meaning Toll must address emissions not only from its own operations, but also from subcontractors, suppliers and service providers across the value chain. “These are ambitious targets,” said Kii. “But what’s important is how we actually navigate them in reality, because the context we’re operating in today is challenging economic conditions, rising operational costs, and a highly competitive transport market.”…

Sector Innovation & impact on show at Fieldays Forestry Hub

The Fieldays Forestry Hub returns to Fieldays in 2026 for the fifth consecutive year, highlighting the important role forestry and wood processing play in supporting New Zealand’s economy, environment, and regional communities.  Each year, forest growers and sector organisations come together at Fieldays to connect with the public, share knowledge, and tell the story of modern forestry. In 2026, the Hub will highlight the role forestry and wood processing play in New Zealand’s economy, alongside the sector’s ongoing focus on innovation, workforce development, and environmental management.   “The Fieldays Forestry Hub is an important part of Fieldays, reflecting our role in showcasing the full depth of New Zealand’s primary industries. It highlights how forestry and wood processing sit alongside agriculture as a vital contributor to the country’s economy, innovation and sustainable land use”, says Fieldays Programme Manager Steve Chappell.  Visitors to the Forestry Hub can expect a dynamic mix of educational sessions and interactive exhibits. These will cover key topics including forest growing, climate change, innovative wood products, engineered timber solutions for mid-rise construction, emerging bioenergy opportunities, biosecurity, and biodiversity. The Hub will also provide insights into the wide range of career pathways across the forestry and wood processing sectors, highlighting future workforce opportunities.  A popular feature returning this year is the virtual reality forestry simulator, offering participants the chance to step into the operator’s seat of modern forestry machinery. Designed with job seekers and students in mind, the immersive experience provides practical insight into today’s forestry operations and the advanced technology driving the sector.  Families and young people will find plenty to explore, with hands-on activities such as tree identification challenges, trying on personal protective equipment, and displays showcasing innovative uses of wood — including surfboards made from timber. These interactive experiences aim to help people build an understanding of forestry practices while reinforcing the importance of safety and wellbeing.  Throughout the event, a wide range of sector representatives will be on hand to share their expertise and answer questions. This includes forest growers, wood processors, scientists, business leaders, volunteer organisations, membership and research bodies, and government agencies working across the forestry and wood processing landscape.  The Growing Native Forests Champions Awards will be presented, to recognise individuals and groups leading efforts to establish native forests, share knowledge and support biodiversity and regenerative forestry outcomes.   MPI Director Forestry Engagement and Advice Ray Hook says the annual event highlights the skill, pride, and professionalism of the people within the sector.  “Fieldays offers us the chance to make the sector more visible, approachable and human, and to answer the public’s questions about forestry and wood processing,” he says.  “The Forestry Hub showcases the quality and innovation of New Zealand timber, from forest to finished product. It helps people understand how wood supports low‑carbon construction, high‑value manufacturing and sustainable land use, while creating regional jobs and supporting thriving communities.”   Wood Processing and Manufacturers Association Chief Executive Mark Ross says Fieldays highlights the value derived from New Zealand’s sustainably managed forests.  “By standing alongside farmers and industry leaders we emphasise the role wood products play in supporting on-farm productivity and innovation. New Zealand timber remains a preferred building material in rural communities — valued for its flexibility, resilience, cost-effectiveness, and availability.”  New Zealand Forest Owners Association chief executive Dr Elizabeth Heeg says forestry plays a critical role in New Zealand’s economy and regional communities, supporting jobs, investment and the supply of renewable, low-carbon building materials.  “Fieldays is about showing the scale and reality of modern forestry – a sector that is highly skilled, increasingly technology-driven and central to how New Zealand produces and uses wood-based products,” she says.  “It also reflects the diversity of forestry ownership across Aotearoa, including Māori landowners, who hold a significant share of forestry land and bring intergenerational perspectives on land use and long-term stewardship of whenua, as well as farm foresters who integrate trees into wider farming systems and rural economies.  “Across the value chain – from establishing forests through to advanced wood processing and manufacturing – forestry continues to evolve in response to changing expectations around productivity, innovation and environmental outcomes.  “Ultimately, forestry is a long-term sector shaped by the people behind it, and trees and forests will continue to play a central role in New Zealand’s future economy, land use and regional communities.”  Visit this year’s Forestry Hub at Site G80, from 10–13 June at Mystery Creek Events Centre, Hamilton.…

Diesel powertrains vs battery electric powertrains explained

Diesel powertrains and battery electric powertrains each offer distinct advantages depending on the application. Diesel excels in long-distance travel, durability and versatility across industries like trucking, agriculture and mining, while electric powertrains are best suited for urban stop-and-go driving and offer zero tailpipe emissions with lower maintenance requirements. Today’s clean diesel engines emit 90% less emissions than engines produced before 2000, and Cummins on-highway engines from 2007 onward are compatible with up to B20 biodiesel, offering a lower-emissions option for those not yet ready to switch to electric. As technology and infrastructure continue to evolve, both powertrains play a role in the broader sustainability objectives for the transportation industry. Discover the differences between diesel powertrains and battery electric powertrains, and how both help us in our journey to reduce emissions. Key differences between diesel and battery electric powertrains The powertrain refers to a set of parts that work together to provide the power to move a vehicle. Diesel powertrains use a diesel engine to power the vehicle. Diesel fuel is injected into the engine, which creates thermal energy through combustion and generates the power to move the vehicle. A diesel powertrain includes the transmission, drive shafts, differentials and axles that work together to move the vehicle. In electric vehicles, the components of a powertrain are a bit different, but the basic idea is the same. Instead of an engine, there is an electric motor. Instead of a fuel tank, there is a battery. The motor uses energy from the battery to spin the wheels. The powertrain includes power electronics, like an inverter, to control the speed and the power of the electric motor and a vehicle controller to align all the main and auxiliary power components based on energy needs and consumption. Depending on a customer’s application and needs, the powertrain can include either a single or multi-speed transmission. Like how a diesel vehicle goes to a diesel station when it’s time to refuel, an electric vehicle would go to a charging station. There are different levels of charging stations available to meet the demands of electric commercial vehicles. The adoption of higher-power charging stations in the future will reduce the charge time to be similar to how long it takes to refill a diesel tank. When we compare diesel engines and battery electric powertrains, they have their strengths and challenges. Electric vehicles lead the way in sustainability as they don’t emit carbon emissions when in operation. On the other hand, while diesel engines still emit emissions, diesel technology has improved. Today’s clean diesel engines emit 90% less emissions than the engines produced before the year 2000. Additionally, all Cummins’ automotive and industrial engines are compatible with B5 biodiesel. Cummins’ on-highway engine models from 2007 on (to today) are B20 compatible. What are the advantages of diesel and battery electric powertrains? Each powertrain type offers key advantages and benefits to customers. Electric powertrains are best suited for urban city transportation where drivers experience stop-and-go traffic more frequently. Each time an electric vehicle stops, energy is generated by the electric motor and fed back into the onboard energy storage system to be used for the next acceleration. Electric powertrains require limited maintenance as they do not have as many parts – no fuel filters, aftertreatment systems or additives. There are also key advantages to diesel engines. Diesel engines are some of the most fuel and energy-efficient options in the market. They are a great option for long-distance travel, as diesel vehicles can travel 20% to 25% farther on a single gallon of fuel compared to similarly sized gasoline vehicles. In addition to their long-distance capabilities, diesel engines have a long lifespan, built tough to handle high compression and hard work. They deliver strong acceleration, towing and hauling potential. For customers looking to reduce their emissions today, since 2007, all Cummins engines have been approved to use blends up to B20.  Ultimately, there are many factors to consider when choosing if a diesel or battery electric powertrain is right for a customer – whether it meets their day-to-day needs, emissions targets or business goals all within their budget.…

Swisslog installs New Zealand’s first retail AutoStore system for IKEA

Swisslog, a global leader in warehouse automation and intralogistics solutions, has successfully delivered New Zealand’s first retail AutoStore Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS) for IKEA at its Sylvia Park store, marking a significant advancement in automated fulfilment capabilities in the region. The installation represents a milestone for both companies, bringing high-density robotic storage and picking technology into a live retail environment for the first time in New Zealand. Designed, integrated, and implemented by Swisslog, the solution enables faster, more accurate and scalable order fulfilment to support growing e-commerce demand. Retail fulfilment reimagined for the in-store environment At IKEA Sylvia Park, the AutoStore system has been purpose-built to support fast, accurate fulfilment of online and click-and-collect orders within a live retail setting. Located in the IKEA Sylvia Park store’s back-of-house warehouse area, the solution removes the need for co-workers to manually pick items from the Market Hall floor, instead using robots to retrieve products and deliver them directly to ergonomic picking stations. The system stores approximately 3,000 high-demand products across 10,000 bins within a compact grid, maximising space utilisation while ensuring rapid access to inventory. When an order is placed, robots navigate the grid to locate the required bins and present them to operators, who pick and consolidate items for dispatch or customer collection. This goods-to-person approach significantly reduces walking time, improves picking accuracy, and enhances workplace safety, while enabling seamless integration between automated and conventional picking processes. Orders that include items outside the system are efficiently merged before final fulfilment, ensuring a smooth end-to-end customer experience. The same AutoStore technology is available in Australia, where it has been adopted for fast-moving consumer goods, retail, and e-commerce environments, as part of more than 400 proven Swisslog installations worldwide. “This project demonstrates how advanced automation can be seamlessly integrated into a retail environment to transform fulfilment performance. By combining AutoStore technology with Swisslog’s integration expertise, IKEA is now equipped with a highly efficient, scalable solution that supports both current demand and future growth,” says Steve Dimitrovski, Sales Director, Swisslog Australia and New Zealand. Tenfold improvement in picking speed With 12 robots operating at any one time, the system can pick up to 200 items per hour, a tenfold increase on conventional manual picking, which averages around 20 items per hour. The solution is designed to scale to more than 500 orders per day, well above the current trend of around 210 orders daily. Around half of all parcel orders will now be picked and completed within the automated system before being dispatched on last-mile delivery vehicles. The remaining orders are combined with items picked from conventional racking, ensuring efficient fulfilment across a broad product range. “AutoStore is a huge leap forward in how we serve customers across Aotearoa. Since opening, we’ve seen incredibly strong demand for online shopping, and this technology allows us to fulfil orders faster, more accurately and more sustainably. By bringing products directly to our co-workers, we’re removing one of the most repetitive parts of the job and creating a safer, more efficient process that ultimately gets IKEA orders out to New Zealand customers sooner,” says Johanna Cederlöf, Market Manager, IKEA New Zealand. This AutoStore implementation was delivered jointly by IKEA and Swisslog, following successful automation projects for pallets and light goods handling globally. It is the first in-store AutoStore application for IKEA in the Australia and New Zealand region. “As retailers across Australia and New Zealand continue to invest in omnichannel capabilities, projects like this highlight the increasing importance of flexible, high-density automation in meeting evolving customer expectations,” concludes Dimitrovski.…

King’s Birthday Honours 2026: Warwick Wilshier’s work on transforming log truck safety on NZ roads

Wilshier had been a log truck operator for more than four decades. The 65-year-old has been made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours for his service to the industry and his role in transforming safety standards. By 2025, rollover rates had fallen from 2.4 per million kilometres travelled to 0.3. Wilshier entered the forestry industry at 21 after telling his father he wanted to buy a log truck. “He didn’t think it was a very good idea at the time.” Raised in Ōtorohanga, Wilshier grew up around his grandfather’s native sawmill but was drawn to the trucks hauling the timber and the mechanics behind the operation. He completed a mechanical apprenticeship at the Waipā Mill, which he said was the biggest mill in New Zealand at the time, and learned how to repair trucks before buying an existing unit carting logs into the mill. By 1989, Wilshier had expanded into multiple fleet ownerships. A partnership with Gary Williams later led to the Rotorua-based Williams and Wilshier Transport Ltd, delivering logs to Kinleith, Kawerau and McAlpines in Rotorua.…

Mapping walk hindrance with LiDAR – a new layer of insight

Understanding how easy (or difficult) it is to move through a forest stand is something every forester and contractor experiences — but until recently, it has been difficult to quantify at scale. Using LiDAR data, Interpine has developed an approach to map human walk hindrance, providing a new way to visualise and measure vegetation density that directly impacts operational productivity, safety, and cost. This is available with TreeTools SilvaCloud. Why Walk Hindrance Matters In operational forestry, dense understorey vegetation can significantly affect: While experienced operators understand these challenges intuitively, they are rarely quantified consistently across a forest estate. This is where LiDAR provides a powerful opportunity. Turning LiDAR into a Walk Hindrance Layer LiDAR point clouds capture detailed 3D information about forest structure, including vegetation at different heights. Interpine’s approach focuses specifically on vegetation density at heights that directly affect human movement. This height range represents the zone where vegetation becomes a physical barrier to movement, either by humans or machines, including: By analysing LiDAR return density within this band, we can derive a relative hindrance score across the landscape. Interpine’s relative hindrance score has been incorporated in TreeTools Silva Cloud LiDAR Analysis workflow. You can simply upload your LiDAR datasets and access the provided hindrance maps. Interpine can also provide this as a custom service for large areas across full estates or landscape level.…

Embracing VR in thinning training

One of the highlights for the Precision Silviculture Programme team is seeing a project grow from ‘just an idea’ to being used by real people in the field.  One such project is the Virtual Reality Thinning Training Tool, developed in partnership with the Bioeconomy Sciences Institute. This work has been a labour of love for project lead Elizaveta Graevskaya, who notes that while the tool is “not intended as a replacement for real-world forest experience or self-directed learning, serves as a powerful complement to existing training methods, allowing trainers to guide trainees through various scenarios and decision-making processes in a risk-free setting that maximises learning efficiency and engagement”. The current version includes two scenes. The first is a defect library, where trainees learn to identify different tree defects. Once they have explained their understanding to the trainer, they move into the forest scene. This scene presents 100 trees with a set percentage of defects. Using a laser pointer, the trainee selects and removes defective trees. At present, the experience is designed to be used by a trainee alongside a trainer, with the trainee talking through their decisions as they go. In future, the team aims to further develop the experience, so it is more self-directed, with guidance built into the simulation itself. The experience is delivered on a Meta Quest 3 headset, which runs as a standalone device without needing to be connected to a computer. This allows users to move freely and makes the training more accessible in real-world settings, such as the forest environment where Matariki Forest recently delivered the first official training with the headset. Matariki Forests are the cornerstone collaboration partner for this project, particularly Quality Manager Fraser Field. From initial feedback on the look and feel of the tool, to tree design and now to delivering training in the field, Fraser has been instrumental in shaping this tool. The training was also delivered in April to NZ Diploma Forest Management students led by James Broadley, with Fraser, Elizaveta and PSP Programme Manager Claire Stewart presenting. James sees value not only in the current experience but in the expansion of using virtual reality to bring to life a range of training experience. “The tree selection training offers an ideal way to learn and practise selecting trees for silviculture operations—such as pruning, thinning, and more—in a completely risk-free environment. NZ Diploma in Forest Management students were able to use the Meta Quest headsets for hands-on experience in a virtual reality forest, and then apply those skills in Kaingaroa Forest, where they carried out height measurement, pre-assessment, and quality control for pruning and thinning in value plots.” By providing an immersive, repeatable training environment, the VR thinning tool delivers clear value by strengthening decision‑making capability while reducing training time, cost, and exposure to operational risk. The project team have also connected with Australian forestry and university partners, also building virtual training experiences, to find areas of opportunity for collaborative projects. Source & image credit: Forest Growers Research (FGR)…

Komatsu expands smart forestry tools with AI, drones, and precision mapping

Komatsu North America is expanding its Smart Forestry platform, combining machine learning, satellite positioning, and connected equipment to digitize forestry operations and improve productivity in remote environments. The system integrates onboard machine data, fleet-level monitoring, and mapping tools to give operators and managers real-time visibility into harvesting activity. Komatsu says these tools allow planning, execution, and monitoring to happen simultaneously across sites that are often difficult to access. The approach reflects a broader shift toward embedding AI directly into operational systems. Similar deployments are emerging in supply chains, where AI agents are being used to automate workflows and coordinate decisions across distributed networks. Komatsu’s forestry systems build on its MaxiFleet platform, which collects machine performance and production data and makes it accessible remotely. This allows operators to track output, monitor machine health, and adjust operations without being physically present in the forest. Precision Mapping And Machine Intelligence Komatsu is also integrating AI-driven mapping and sensing technologies into forestry workflows. Systems combining LiDAR, imaging, and machine learning can identify trees, terrain, and obstacles, helping operators plan routes and reduce unnecessary movement. The company has introduced precision positioning tools that locate machines within a margin of a few centimeters, enabling geofencing and more controlled harvesting. These features support selective cutting and reduce damage to surrounding forest areas. Field deployments show how these tools are being used in practice. In Norway, forestry operator Valdres Skog uses connected Komatsu machines, drones, and remote monitoring systems to manage production across more than 250 forest sites. The company reports that access to real-time data has improved efficiency and reduced errors in operations. Industrial AI adoption is increasingly tied to measurable operational outcomes. Companies deploying AI systems in production environments are reporting gains in productivity and reductions in downtime, particularly where systems are integrated with physical equipment. Operational Pressure And Environmental Constraints Forestry operators are facing rising demand for timber alongside constraints tied to labor availability and environmental requirements. Global wood production has reached about 4 billion cubic meters annually, with continued growth expected in the coming years. Komatsu positions its Smart Forestry platform as a response to these pressures, enabling operators to work more efficiently while managing environmental impact. Features such as route optimization, remote diagnostics, and automated reporting reduce manual processes and improve resource use. The systems are also being applied in environmental management scenarios. In wildfire-prone regions, digital mapping and planning tools are used to identify risk areas and coordinate interventions, improving response times and planning accuracy. The underlying model depends on integrating fragmented data sources into a single operational view. This mirrors deployments in other industries, where companies are consolidating data systems before scaling AI-driven decision-making across operations. As AI adoption expands across industrial sectors, demand for these systems continues to increase, placing pressure on infrastructure and supply chains supporting deployment. Komatsu’s approach centers on integrating hardware, software, and data into a single system designed for field conditions. The company is positioning Smart Forestry as part of a broader shift toward connected, data-driven operations in industries that have traditionally relied on manual processes.…

Industry leaders to convene in Rotorua for Carbon Forestry 2026 as sector transitions

Following a sold-out event in 2025 that saw over 300 industry leaders gather to discuss a sector “at the crossroads,” Innovatek has officially launched the programme for Carbon Forestry 2026. Scheduled for 4-5 August 2026 in Rotorua, the conference arrives at a critical juncture as the industry shifts its focus toward the emerging era of Natural Capital. As climate policy and global investment converge, Carbon Forestry 2026 will provide forest managers, investors, and landowners with the clarity needed to navigate a volatile market and a complex regulatory landscape. “We are no longer just talking about carbon sequestration,” says John Stulen, Director at Innovatek, and Carbon Forestry 2026 programme manager. “We are entering a period where forestry and climate policy are being viewed through the lens of a global Natural Capital asset class. This event is designed to provide practical insights for those making long-term land-use and investment decisions.” Headline Speakers and Key Topics The 2026 programme features a heavy-hitting lineup of local and international experts, including: Supporting the Next Generation In a move to ensure the industry’s future, Carbon Forestry 2026—with support from the WIDE Trust—is offering a limited number of complimentary registrations for forestry professionals under the age of 35. This initiative aims to bring emerging talent into the room alongside Iwi groups, financial professionals, and major carbon emitters. Registration Details Super Early Bird registration is now open, offering a $200 discount for those who book before Friday, 29 May. The special rate of $795 + GST is available at the official event website. For more information on the programme, speakers, and registration, visit carbonforestry.events.…

WoodTECH 2026: Moving from AI hype to mill floor reality

With over 40 international technology leaders now confirmed to exhibit, WoodTECH 2026 is set to be one of the largest showcases of wood processing for the Southern Hemisphere. It also highlights a massive regional push toward autonomous, “zero light” manufacturing. The sheer scale of the upcoming series, which takes place in Rotorua (18-19 June) and Brisbane (23-24 June), underscores a pivotal moment for the sector. As mills across Australia and New Zealand face rising costs and fluctuating markets, the focus has shifted from incremental improvements to a total technological overhaul. The event has moved beyond its traditional role as a conference; it has become a southern hub where the world’s most advanced AI, robotics, and scanning companies are landing to demonstrate how ‘digital twins’ and autonomous systems are performing in real-world mill environments. A powerhouse of global expertise The exhibition floor is a major drawcard this year, featuring a record number of confirmed product and service suppliers. This massive assembly allows mill managers and operations leaders to compare, first-hand, the latest advancements from companies like Finnos, DO2, and SiCam Systems. The presence of over 25 international speakers further bridges the gap between global innovation and local operational reality. From human-led to data-driven The 2026 programme, themed “Automation, AI & Action,” reflects a sector-wide transition. The sessions are specifically designed to address the move toward “zero light” manufacturing—autonomous production lines capable of operating at maximum output with minimal manual oversight. Strategic focal points for the series include: Securing the Future By bringing together a record-breaking number of exhibitors and world-class specialists, WoodTECH 2026 serves as the definitive staging ground for the next decade of wood processing in the Southern Hemisphere. Detailed programme information and the full exhibitor directory can be found at woodtech.events. Source: FIEA…

Niagara Sawmilling Company’s NZ$115 million expansion

Niagara Sawmilling Company Ltd has recently commenced a $115 million expansion of its timber processing operations, marking the most significant growth phase in the company’s 91-year history. The expansion includes a new state-of-the-art sawmill at Niagara’s Kennington site on the outskirts of Invercargill, which is currently under construction in Canada and scheduled to be operational in late 2027. Coinciding with this, Niagara has also expanded its remanufacturing operations into the North Island through the recent acquisition of Ōtorohanga Timber Company (OTC), a 94-year-old timber processor based in the Waikato.  Managing Director of Niagara, Ross Richardson, says the expansion presents an exciting opportunity for the business. “These investments support Niagara’s long-term strategy of growing and strengthening our remanufacturing business. Once the new sawmill is operational, Niagara will be able to more than double its current output, increasing log intake to over 500,000 tonnes per annum. This will enable us to remanufacture more premium timber products in Southland and add value to logs locally, rather than seeing them exported and processed overseas.”  Over the past decade, Niagara has invested heavily in its operations to establish world-class remanufacturing facilities in Kennington, earning a reputation as New Zealand’s leading timber remanufacturer. Jamie Barton, Group Sales Manager for Niagara, says the growth of the remanufacturing business will further strengthen Niagara’s market position in both New Zealand and Australia. “Niagara and OTC are two of New Zealand’s most experienced and respected timber remanufacturers, and with OTC’s product mix complementing that of Niagara’s, we are now able to offer an even wider range of quality timber products to both our domestic and export customers.”  Niagara’s investment is not only good news for the company but also a positive news story for the Southland region. “This investment is allowing us to further process more logs here in Southland rather than seeing them exported to other countries. We employ nearly 400 people, and we expect the increased production capacity to support further growth, resulting in secure employment opportunities for our people. Niagara has long-standing roots in Southland and has an ongoing commitment to the region and its workforce,” says Ross Richardson. Source & image credit: Niagara Sawmilling Company…

Australian Forest & wood products industry could reach net zero by 2029

Forest & Wood Products Australia (FWPA) has released a comprehensive industry-wide carbon study showing Australia’s forest and wood products industry is well positioned to support the nation’s transition to a low-carbon economy. The study outlines credible pathways for the forest and wood products industry to reach net zero as early as 2029, as well as a pathway to go beyond net zero well before 2050, supporting Australia’s climate goals. Undertaken by Wood Beca, the study was supported by Forest & Wood Products Australia (FWPA), Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA), and Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia (EWPAA) with funding from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF). The research finds the industry is already close to net zero and, under its most ambitious pathway, could begin removing more carbon from the atmosphere than it emits by 2029, reaching approximately –3 MtCO₂e per year by 2050. What distinguishes the industry is its whole-of-life carbon profile. Managed forests actively sequester carbon, while harvested wood products lock that carbon into long-lived buildings, packaging and timber products – creating a continuous cycle of capture, storage and regrowth. The study evaluates three future pathways: Under the Building a Low–Carbon Future pathway, higher uptake of timber in construction significantly increases long-term carbon storage while supporting housing supply and regional employment. Key findings include: FWPA Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Leighton, said “forests act as nature’s carbon bank and Australia is one of the few countries where industry can store more carbon than it emits. By growing more timber fibre, using more timber in construction, and switching from fossil fuels to bioenergy, our industry can become a major carbon removal engine, while also helping to build the skills and labour needed for the net zero economy and provide sustainable homes for Australian families,” he said. Mr Leighton said the study highlights a rare opportunity for Australia to harness the power of renewable, locally produced materials while meeting pressing national priorities. The report recommends targeted support to accelerate progress, including incentives for biomass adoption, investment in innovation and advanced processing technologies, and measures to scale mass timber construction. “This is a pivotal opportunity for the forest and wood products sector. With collaboration across industry and supportive frameworks, we can unlock the full climate and economic potential of forestry and wood products. The time to build a low-carbon future is now,” Mr Leighton said. As demand grows for lower carbon buildings and materials, the study confirms that expanding the use of responsibly sourced timber offers a practical, scalable pathway to net zero and beyond for Australia. More >> Source & image credit: FWPA…

20,000 Trees to Boost Koala Conservation Initiatives

Koala habitat is being restored across flood-impacted parts of the Northern Rivers, with community groups and Indigenous Ranger teams leading the planting of thousands of vital eucalypt trees. A total of 20,000 seedlings will be delivered through Koala Conservation Australia’s (KCA) annual Koala Food Tree Giveaway—helping to rebuild and reconnect critical habitat corridors for local koala populations. The tallowwood, grey gum and forest red gum seedlings have been grown from seed by Forestry Corporation NSW and donated to KCA through a partnership spanning over ten years.  Since its inception, the programme has delivered more than 185,000 seedlings to landholders, community groups and large-scale restoration projects across the NSW North Coast. We’re proud to reach 200,000 trees in 2026. This year, seedlings will be distributed through WWF Australia’s Koala Friendly Carbon Initiative, with Indigenous Ranger teams supporting on-ground planting. Koala Conservation Australia’s Conservation Manager, Scott Castle, said the programme is a critical step in restoring habitat following extreme weather events. “The annual koala food tree giveaway goes some way to regenerating and connecting existing habitats. We’ve helped restore critical habitat in the wider community after devasting bushfires and floods. This year we’re changing the structure of the giveaway, and working on a few large projects, to recover and enhance flood affected habitat to our north.” KCA remains committed to growing koala food trees at its two koala food plantations – at Maria River and Moripo – as a cornerstone of its conservation work. Forestry Corporation’s Grafton Nursery produces more than one million seedlings annually to support plantation forestry and regional timber supply. Forestry Corporation’s Senior Manager Community & Partnerships, Kathy Lyons, said the initiative highlights the impact of strong partnerships. “These seedlings play an important role in strengthening koala habitat and supporting the resilience of koala populations in the Northern Rivers and will be delivered to multiple programme partners, including Indigenous ranger groups, who are central to on-ground restoration and long-term land stewardship,” Ms Lyons said. Source & image credit: Koala Conservation Australia’s (KCA)…

PlantIT opens free trial for forest nursery tracking

Integral Limited is inviting forest nurseries and forest management companies to register for a free full season trial of PlantIT, its digital tree tracking and management platform designed specifically for the forestry supply chain. PlantIT was created to make tree tracking easier and more efficient for the forestry sector. This full season free trial gives nurseries and forest management companies the opportunity to see how digital tracking can improve accountability, reduce friction, and deliver better operational visibility. Built for the movement of tree stock from nursery to forest, PlantIT improves visibility across dispatch, transport, delivery, planting, and returns. It helps address common seasonal challenges including limited visibility of stock in transit, manual paperwork, avoidable errors, and the difficulty of reconciling what was dispatched, delivered, planted, and returned. For forest nurseries, PlantIT supports more accurate dispatch, stronger box and stock accountability, reduced administration, and a clearer digital record of movement and handover. For forest management companies, it provides better oversight of incoming tree stock, improved field confirmation, and more reliable traceability from uplift through to planting completion. Register your interest Organisations interested in taking part in the PlantIT free trial can register their interest with Integral Limited. PlantIT is part of Integral’s forestry product suite and supports a more connected and accountable nursery-to-forest supply chain. Developed with the help of the Precision Silviculture Programme and with support from Forest Growers Research (FGR), PlantIT reflects a shared focus on improving efficiency, traceability, and innovation across the forestry sector. More >> Source & image credit: Forest Growers Research / Integral…

Hybrid holds up within forestry trial

For the first time globally, a stand of hybrid P. radiata and P. attenuata pine trees has been milled – allowing scientists to compare its wood qualities against two purebred species. The hybrid stand (a cross of P. radiata and P. attenuata) from the Ribbonwood Station trial was milled recently by Radiata Pine Breeding Company Limited (RPBC). RPBC contracted the project’s co-authors Marco Lausberg (Wood Quality Consulting) and Jonathan Harrington to complete the study. The hybrid conversation has been in the production equation because of the trees’ potential tolerance of high-country climates – including their ability to handle snow loading – which is where P. radiata has historically faltered. The trials were originally planted in 1998 and when the trial was harvested in 2025, it afforded RPBC the opportunity to undertake direct measurements of wood properties, and to verify earlier analysis. In all, 92 butt logs, including examples of the three species – the hybrid, P. radiata, and P. attenuata trees – were processed at Niagara sawmill in Winton, Southland. The focus of the milling study was to compare the wood quality across all three species. Volume and quality Marco said the stand was well-sited – 485m (591 feet) above sea level – to definitively test the hybrid. When the farm manager wanted to clear the stand, RPBC moved quickly, taking the opportunity to validate its results in a sawmill for the first time. “I think we had double the volume of logs in terms of acceptable sawlogs in the trial,” Marco said. “The hybrid tree was much, much better in terms of growth and form. We had trouble really getting nice, pure P. radiata and pure P. attenuata sawlogs from that site just because they had been so badly hammered by snow. I had to warn the sawmill that the logs coming from those trees were ugly, and for them not to expect normal log quality.” The results revealed higher than average log velocity and board stiffness from the hybrid logs. “The results give us confidence. If they are sited well, no-one is going to go backwards on the wood properties when they use the hybrids,” Marco said. He also took the time to ask the mill staff what they thought of the logs. “They couldn’t tell any difference between the hybrid and the pure P. radiata or P. attenuata in their appearance because visually it blended in with the normal radiata in-feed resource,” Marco said. “The only comment they had – and, this is more interesting than useful, they said the hybrid smelled different.” More >> Source & image credit: Radiata Pine Breeding Company (RPBC)…

Managing slash on steep hill country

Te Uru Rakau recently completed Harvesting Operations Handbook: Managing Slash on Steep Hill Country. This is an abbreviated version of the Slash Risk Management Handbook and is targeted more at contractors and forestry operational staff. FICA had some input into the handbook, particularly with regard to responsibilities on page 3. We believe the key to good slash management is understanding what is required and who is responsibility before a single tree is fallen. Some of the key lines on page 3 are: FICA has hard copies of the Handbook, if you would like a copy let me know and we can forward to you. The handbook is also available for download here. The Slash Risk Management Handbook is still available as well – you can request a hard copy here. …

Scientists check tiny taxis for troublesome fungal passengers

Bark and ambrosia beetles are acting as tiny taxis for fungi across New Zealand, giving researchers valuable clues about how these organisms travel through forests and crops. To understand whether plant disease-causing fungi are being moved this way, Bioeconomy Science Institute scientists are identifying the species being carried on beetles found in New Zealand forests and orchards. “While a lot is known about the beetles, less is known about the fungi that travels with them,” task lead Darryl Herron says. Since 2024, researchers across the Bioeconomy Science Institute, including teams from Lincoln, Rotorua, Ruakura, Auckland and Motueka, have been collaborating to trap bark and ambrosia beetles across New Zealand and analyse the fungi they carry, through projects funded by Better Border Biosecurity (B3) and Zespri. By combining expertise and sampling capability across teams and sites, this work has revealed a broad range of fungal associates linked to native and introduced beetle species. While most of these fungi are common plant associates, the team has detected species with the potential to disrupt plantation forestry, horticulture and native ecosystems if conditions change or new beetle species arrive. These programmes also include assessing potential risks to native bush, urban environments and botanical collections and monitoring beetle activity in and around orchards, where new associations and increased aggressiveness in the beetle-fungal system could pose future threats. Bark and ambrosia beetles tunnel into trees and interact with fungi in different ways. The latter carry and cultivate specific fungi, while the former pick up a more mixed assortment. Together, they’re associated with a wide range of woody plants across plantation forests, orchards, urban areas and the native estate. Their rapid breeding ability means beetle numbers can rise quickly – so their fungal passengers are never short of taxis. “It’s often these fungi that cause the greatest harm,” Darryl says. “Some fungal species block a tree’s ability to move water and nutrients, weaken natural defences or accelerate disease, particularly when trees are already stressed by drought, age or harvesting activity. “By identifying these fungal “passengers”, we’re building a clearer picture of the microscopic communities being moved across New Zealand and which beetles are more important to focus on from a biosecurity perspective. This helps us assess whether these beetles have the potential to facilitate the movement of fungi not currently established in New Zealand.” Overseas, certain beetle–fungus partnerships have caused extensive forest dieback. “Our focus is understanding what risks exist here before those impacts occur,” Darryl says. “If we know which beetles can carry damaging fungi and where they’re moving, we can respond faster and reduce the risk to forests and export markets.” The research also contributes valuable information to national surveillance efforts led by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and industry partners, including the Forest Owners Association, alongside other research programmes. Understanding fungal diversity being carried on these tiny beetle taxis could help refine risk modelling tools, guiding where and how surveillance and monitoring is most effective and strengthening post‑border surveillance. Together, these investments support New Zealand’s ability to stay ahead of emerging biosecurity risk, helping protect forests, horticulture and ecosystems and the industries and communities that depend on them. “Maintaining strong biosecurity pathways is critical for protecting plantation forestry and export markets,” Darryl says. Because bark and ambrosia beetles can occasionally arrive in wood packaging and untreated wood products brought into New Zealand, sector and public awareness remains vital. Anyone noticing a stand of dying trees accompanied by significant insect activity around them is asked to report it to MPI. People are also asked to report any sightings of dying individual trees accompanied by significant insect activity to the Bioeconomy Science Institute with a clear photo of the damage and insect activity, with the GPS coordinates or address.…

America’s largest landowner is using AI to digitise the forest

Weyerhaeuser is pursuing autonomous logging equipment and hopes to double its profits by 2030 independent of any increase in lumber prices. Autonomous skidders that drag felled trees around logging sites. A database detailing each tree in the forest. A screen that shows loggers which trees to cut and which to leave standing to maximize financial returns decades down the line. Weyerhaeuser, the country’s top logger and one of its oldest companies, is betting artificial intelligence can deliver these and other big changes to American forestry, which has come a long way from oxen and axes. Many applications envisioned by Weyerhaeuser executives are unique to a company that manages timberlands in the U.S. and Canada that together cover an area roughly the size of Indiana. “We’ve been growing forests for 125 years. We probably have as much information and data about how forests grow as any organization on the planet,” Chief Executive Devin Stockfish said in an interview. “The opportunity set here is really leveraging this new transformational technology to take all of that information and data and make everything we do better.” More >> Source: MSN WSJ subscribers can read the full story here…

Minecraft game launched to grow future forestry workforce

Discover Forestry has launched a new Minecraft-based learning game that lets students grow and manage their own virtual forest, reflecting real New Zealand plantation forestry systems. The game takes players through the full forestry cycle, from establishing a crop, through tending and harvesting, to transport, processing and replanting, helping students understand how modern, sustainable production forestry operates as an integrated system. A key feature is the connection to downstream manufacturing through Buzz Zone World, where students process and transform logs, and Nailed It World, where players create finished wood products including using wood byproducts. Together, these elements help learners understand the full value chain from forest to product, and the range of real careers across forestry and wood processing. Alongside the game, Discover Forestry has released classroom resources that link gameplay to real-world knowledge and evidence informed teaching practices, making it easier for teachers and industry to engage rangatahi in a meaningful, hands-on way. For the sector, the initiative provides a scalable tool to build early awareness of forestry careers, strengthen understanding of the full industry value chain, and improve long-term talent pathways. Discover Forestry acknowledges the support of the WIDE Trust in funding this initiative.…

Electric vehicle truck conversions surge as fuel crisis pushes freight industry to reinvent itself

Electric trucks could soon become a common sight on Australian roads as industry players race to cut reliance on diesel and strengthen the nation’s fuel security. An Australian company is now converting traditional diesel trucks into fully electric vehicles — with 28 already operating nationwide. Janus Electric is leading the charge, swapping out engines and fuel tanks for interchangeable battery packs that can be slotted in and out in minutes. The full conversion takes less than a week. “The truck is then commissioned, tested, road‑tested, configured to be appropriate for the job, and then put back in the hands of the customer,” Janus Electric CEO Ben Hutt told 7NEWS.…

Tesla Semi Truck has officially started mass production

For almost a decade, Tesla has been working to launch one of its most impactful products to reduce transport emissions: the Tesla Semi electric truck. Now, the first Tesla Semi has officially been produced off a high-volume production line in Nevada. On Tesla Semi account’s X page, the company shared: “First Semi off high volume line”along with a photo that shows a group of Tesla Semi gigafactory employees and contractors standing in front of the first Semi truck. The factory where this mass production has commenced is capable of producing up to 50,000 Semi trucks a year, a big step up from pilot production and customer trials seen to date. The first unit features the company’s latest tech which has been improved with learnings from the dozens of trials that have been undertaken so far with large logistics and freight operators in the US. Over the last couple of years, there have been sightings of the Tesla Semi being used by Walmart, retail store giant Costco and other logistics operators such as DHL.…

Can’t see the trees (Video)

Just in case you ever wonder what us foresters get up to. The AI-generated video was created by presenter Julian Moore as part of Forestry Australia’s webinar on AI Skills to Save Time & Improve Productivity. The video was developed to give participants a practical look at what is now possible with one of the many emerging AI tools.…

2026 Endeavour Fund extensions supporting Bioeconomy Science Institute research

Six Bioeconomy Science Institute Endeavour Fund Research Programmes and six Smart Idea Endeavour contracts have secured 12‑month funding extensions, with a total value of $17.63 million, enabling high‑impact research to continue through 2026. The extensions were announced on 23 April, as part of a broader decision to redirect the 2026 Endeavour Fund allocation to existing eligible contracts. In total, 64 high‑performing Endeavour Fund projects nationwide will receive extensions, following the pause of the 2026 contestable funding round during reforms to the science, innovation, and technology system. MBIE Manager of Contestable Investments Dr Alan Coulson said the decision reflects the strong progress and proven impact of these projects. “Redirecting the 2026 funding allocation to existing contracts will allow a group of strong, high‑impact projects to continue their work and maximise the benefits they deliver.” The Bioeconomy Science Institute‑led contracts span emerging bioeconomy technologies, environmental sustainability, and low‑emissions systems, and demonstrate the value of sustained investment in established research teams. 2026 Endeavour Research Programme extensions The original contract start and end dates were: 1 October 2021 to 30 September 2026. The new dates are: 1 October 2026 to 30 September 2027.…

Michigan Tech researchers develop sustainable building material from wood waste

More efficient use of lumber byproducts leads to more sustainable forest management. That’s why Michigan Technological University researchers are developing a biomaterial lighter than steel and just as strong, made from leftover wood waste, that could revolutionize the lumber industry. The process of logging, milling and building structures from trees generates a significant amount of wood waste in the form of sawdust, bark, slab wood and trim. Researchers in Michigan Tech’s College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science are working to efficiently channel that waste back into the construction industry. Xinfeng Xie, associate professor of forest biomaterials, and his team have partnered with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s Waste Upcycling for Defense (WUD) program to turn scrap wood into a strong, sustainable building material. “The problem that we are solving is to find a true, environmentally friendly way to reconstruct wood into a much stronger material with strength properties comparable to but much lighter than metal materials,” said Xie. When former Tech faculty member Stephen Techtmann introduced Xie to the DARPA WUD program, Xie was instantly intrigued by the opportunity to develop a scalable green process to create super-strong wood with zero hazardous chemicals and minimal energy consumption. “The concept was fascinating: partially remove lignin from wood and then densify the low-lignin material to greatly increase its strength,” said Xie. “Both Steve and I immediately recognized that a biological approach would be the most sustainable solution for lignin removal.” “Wood is the only renewable industrial raw material that has a negative carbon footprint. I believe that it has an important role in our sustainable future,” said Xinfeng Xie, associate professor of forest biomaterials. The idea also fascinated sustainable bioproducts students Emily Costigan, Rachel Zurek and Aidan Bustos, all three of whom joined Xie’s research team and have helped develop and test the process. “The students are doing the real job,” said Xie. “I’m just here to advise them and give them the freedom to explore. They already understand the theory of densifying fibers in the wood to make them stronger. This lets them confirm what they’ve learned in a very interesting way.” Bustos, who entered his senior year feeling unsure about where his career was headed after college, found direction and guidance in this hands-on application of his studies. “It’s very intertwined with the higher-level classes I’m taking this semester,” said Bustos. “Often I head to the lab right after class, and we can apply topics we just talked about.” Costigan joined the team in 2023 after hearing about the project from Ph.D. student Randi Dodgson, the instructor for her Adding Value to Biomaterials class. “I was extremely excited at the opportunity to be able to work in wood products research while going to school,” said Costigan. “Joining this research team has allowed me to delve further into the wood processing industry and gain firsthand experience with the vital research that drives innovation in the field.” Materials Research that Grows Stronger Under Pressure Led by Xie, students began by using a group of wood-decay fungi, also known as xylophagous fungi, to break down lignin, the tough, rigid structural polymer in plant cell walls. This biological approach leaves behind cellulose nanofibers that are stronger than steel, and its only byproducts are carbon dioxide and water. The College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science’s Wood Protection Group, directed by Xie, had already identified several decay fungal strains, including white-rot fungi, capable of selectively removing lignin with high precision and efficiency. What they lacked was a method for densifying the treated wood. Plans for a solution fell into place through a chance conversation when Xie ran into Paul Sanders, Michigan Tech’s Patrick S. Horvath Endowed Professor of Materials Science and Engineering, while picking blueberries at a local farm. “He immediately suggested using extrusion as a continuous densification process,” said Xie. “That single conversation connected the missing piece and ultimately set the direction for what became a groundbreaking collaboration.” Extrusion is a mechanical process in which materials are compressed by pushing them through a die of the desired shape. The team also uses a high-pressure physical hydraulic press to compress the wood nanofibers. The combination of fungal lignin breakdown and extrusion or compression successfully creates a lightweight material so strong and dense that the team had to redesign their strength testing method.…

Shredded wood for roading: Innovative use of harvesting residues

FGR assisted Hamish Scown of Pan Pac Forest Products Ltd with recent trials of using shredded wood from forestry debris as temporary roading aggregate. Three test roads were built using shredded wood in layers half a metre deep (500mm) to see how it would stand up to heavy logging truck traffic. Initial results have shown that shredded wood can work surprisingly well as a temporary road surface. The initial trials proved successful with initial traction issues on steep grades when laid uncompacted, but compaction by heavy traffic or roller after laying alleviated the initial traction issues. Wheel rut depths were measured at specific log truck pass frequencies, and it was found compaction occurs primarily within the first 20 vehicle passes and then slowly increased to a much more stable and stiffer road surface over time. Rehabilitation of the roads was much easier and cheaper than a metalled road especially during the winter as the roads were permeable and able to diffuse water, reduce sedimentation and runoff, and resist mud punching. The trial also investigated using 65mm crushed and 100mm crushed aggregate as a running coat on two of the roads and it was found that 100mm crushed performed better for aiding traction. Road metal punched down enough to embed in the wood and provide a denser more stable interlocked road, while providing traction after wheel ruts on steep grades got too slippery from wear and introduction of mud after rainfall. Traction during rain events was satisfactory. Design elements to reduce mud being carried onto the running surface such as enough “running in” distance over flat ground with shredded wood prior to steeper grades worked effectively. During the trials, Pan Pac Forest Products hosted a field trip for about 50 industry engineering, harvesting, and environmental staff. The visit sparked strong interest, and the approach has since been picked up by several forest management companies across the country as a practical way to address both high costs of aggregate and surplus woody residues. The trials showed the importance of construction methods. Roller compaction made a clear difference, and Phase Two of the study will test roller compaction, shred depths, and the use of geotextiles to improve drainage. The next round of work aims to refine the technique and find the best balance between cost, durability, and ease of use. The approach offers a sustainable way to turn harvesting residues into a useful roading material, helping forestry operations reduce cost while easing the demand for roading aggregate, which is a scarce resource in some forests.…

Permitting progress for 6040 carbonizer

The Tigercat 6040 carbonizer is a mobile, track-mounted unit that transforms woody debris into high-quality biochar onsite. It reduces volume by 90% and sequesters 20-30% of the available carbon in the feedstock, while slashing emissions by up to 98% compared to traditional processes. Breakthrough technology should be effective and easy to deploy. When Tigercat Industries introduced this mobile carbonizing solution, it entered a space with no established regulatory framework. Recognizing that customers need confidence before investing in new equipment, we made a deliberate decision: work together with regulators from day one to build clear, repeatable permitting pathways. Following, is a summary of what we’ve accomplished to date with the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state agencies — and how it creates real peace of mind for future 6040 owners. Defining milestone with the EPA Early in the process, Tigercat applied to the EPA’s Office of Land and Emergency Management for a non-applicability determination under the Clean Air Act (CAA). The key question was straightforward: When the 6040 processes clean, untreated cellulosic biomass (such as forest residues or clean wood debris) to produce biochar, is the wood considered solid waste or a process ingredient? The EPA’s favourable response was clear: the feedstock is treated as a process ingredient, not discarded material. This determination means the 6040 is not regulated as an Other Solid Waste Incineration (OSWI) unit under CAA Section 129 and does not require a Title V operating permit for clean wood biochar production (provided no other Title V triggers apply). Additionally, because the 6040 is a self-propelled, track-mounted vehicle designed for mobility across off road terrain, it is not classified as a stationary source under Clean Air Act Section 111 (which defines stationary sources as buildings, structures, facilities, or installations that emit or may emit air pollutants). Section 111 focuses on New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) for stationary sources. The unit’s mobility and non-stationary nature further support its exemption from stationary-source-specific requirements under Section 111, aligning with the EPA’s distinction between stationary sources and mobile/non-road sources regulated (if applicable) under other CAA titles.…

Comact launches new generation Miller Planer

Comact, a global leader in high-performance OEM wood-processing technologies, announces its new generation Miller Planer. Building on decades of proven performance, this redesign introduces targeted improvements to support product quality, operational reliability, and maintenance. Engineered for high-speed production, the new generation Miller Planer transforms rough lumber into market-ready products with consistent dimensional accuracy and a uniform surface finish. The updated design preserves the core principles of the Miller concept while integrating enhancements aligned with current planer mill requirements. “At Comact, we continuously work to ensure our equipment meets the highest performance standards in the industry,” said Simon Potvin, CEO of Comact. “This new generation Miller Planer reflects that commitment, building on a proven design while raising the bar for reliability, consistency, and maintainability.” The new generation Miller Planer is available for new installations and as retrofit solutions for existing equipment, allowing mills to modernize critical systems and extend equipment life without full replacement.…

Leading the charge on fuel-efficient operations

A major step forward in reducing emissions and future-proofing operations has been switched on at Kaingaroa Processing Plant (KPP), with the commissioning of a new high-capacity electric charger to support RFH’s growing electric fleet. The 400kW charger has been installed to service a fully electric loader and newly introduced electric logging truck bought by Rotorua Forest Haulage (RFH). Together, these machines are replacing traditional diesel-powered equivalents and marking an important shift in how work is done across the supply chain. The set-up is believed to be the first of its kind in the world, combining a high-capacity charger with both an electric loader and electric logging truck operating in a live forestry-related environment. What’s more, there are times when logs processed at KPP will be loaded, transported and unloaded all by electric powered heavy vehicles, with our customer PermaPine investing in their own fully electric loader at their site near Reporoa. General Manager for Sustainability, Colin Maunder, says the project is a practical step towards Kaingaroa Tipu’s long-term goal of eliminating fossil fuels from our operations. “This reflects how, as a business, we are being more climate positive in our approach to the work we do, but more simply it’s also about learning, testing what works, building capability, and setting ourselves up for the future.” Growing infrastructure While the charger itself is a key feature, the project has involved much more behind the scenes. Kaingaroa Tipu has invested more than $1 million into the installation, including civil works, concreting, and upgrading electrical infrastructure to support the system. The charger can service two machines at once, splitting its output as needed. To ensure reliability in KPP’s demanding environment, much of the equipment has been housed within a protective container to shield it from dust and temperature extremes. “This isn’t just plugging in a charger,” Colin says. “It’s building the infrastructure to support a different way of operating.” Supporting a growing electric fleet RFH’s electric loader has already been operating at KPP for close to a year, while the electric logging truck is a more recent addition to its fleet. RFH received support from the Energy Efficiency & Conservation Authority to adopt both vehicles. Early indications are promising. The loader can be topped up during scheduled breaks and continue running through the day, while the truck uses short charging intervals to maintain its operating range. It also benefits from regenerative braking, capturing energy when travelling downhill. Together, the machines are helping to reduce reliance on diesel, which has traditionally powered forestry operations. Building on an already electrified system KPP is already a highly electrified site, and this latest development strengthens that position. KPP site manager Phil Loest says the charger fits with KPP’s site philosophy of using locally generated electricity for processing wherever we can. Colin adds how it’s easy to overlook just how significant this is. “If we were processing our stem logs in the forest, we’d typically rely on multiple diesel machines to process them. At KPP, that work is already electrified,” he says. “That’s a big efficiency gain, and now we’re extending that electrification further into the supply chain.” In some cases, logs processed at KPP are also handled by an electric loader at PermaPine after they arrive on site at Reporoa, creating an increasingly electrified pathway from processing through to delivery.  This loader operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week and has clocked up 3000 operational hours over eight months. A second electric loader is due to be delivered to PermaPine in June as part of efforts to further reduce operating costs and minimise the site’s environmental footprint. Charging infrastructure will keep the loaders and RFH’s electric truck powered up. A partnership approach The collective efforts have been driven in partnership with RFH, who have taken a leading role by investing in electric heavy transport. RFH Kaingaroa Site Manager Jay McLean says RFH was always keen to try something new, with the loader already proving its value over the past year at KPP. “Having the charger here means we can keep it topped up all day. It can carry out the work of any other loader here in the yard. As a bonus it’s comfortable to drive, quiet and operator-friendly.” “The electric truck is very new to the fleet and it’s exciting to see it operating, especially now with diesel prices the way they are.” Climate action and energy security While reducing emissions is a key driver, Colin says the benefits go beyond climate considerations. “With what we’re seeing globally, including volatility in fuel supply and pricing, this is also about energy security,” he says. “Over time, fossil fuels will become harder to access and more expensive. Investing in electrification now helps future-proof our operations and reduces that risk.” There are also benefits for operators. Electric machines are quieter, smoother, and produce less vibration than their diesel counterparts, making them more comfortable to operate. “That has real advantages from a health and safety perspective,” Colin says. “It’s a better environment for people.” Part of a bigger picture The charger project is one piece of a wider programme of work underway at KPP, as the site continues to modernise with a strong focus on safety, efficiency, and sustainability. “This isn’t a single solution,” Colin says. “It’s part of a broader transition. We’re taking practical steps, learning as we go, and building momentum.” With the charger now operational, KPP is playing a key role in shaping what a lower-emissions forestry supply chain could look like, both now and into the future.…

USDA announces availability of new log truck route planner tool

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) today announced the launch of an innovative new tool, the Log Truck Route Planner, to help forest owners, mill operators, and log truckers in the Pacific Northwest allocate timber and schedule log trucks. The system can assist users in coordinating routing between logging sites and sawmills which can significantly increase the returns to log truck owners/operators, create efficiencies in the operation of sawmills, and ultimately increase the market for U.S. timber products. The new tool, available on AMS’ Transportation and Marketing website, offers a way for the timber industry to reduce empty backhaul miles and increase the volume of timber moved daily, with a goal of increasing efficiency and revenue earned. The tool was developed in partnership with Washington State University and the Forest Service and is available on AMS’ Transportation and Marketing website. Log Truck Route Planner The tool provides both a log allocator and truck scheduler, which can be run sequentially or independently, by uploading your own log delivery requests and using the scheduler to identify the optimal set of trips. The log allocator identifies the least-cost allocations from forests to mills to generate log delivery requests. The truck scheduler identifies the most efficient set of trips to fulfill log delivery requests. For more information check out the Log Truck Route Planner, User Guide, and Technical Documentation.…

WoodTECH 2026: Showcasing the next wave of innovation

As the wood processing sector enters a new era of automation and digital integration, the long-running WoodTECH series continues to serve as a key platform for mill innovation and operational improvement. Recognised as the Southern Hemisphere’s leading event for sawmilling and wood processing technology, WoodTECH 2026 will be held in Rotorua, New Zealand (18–19 June 2026) and Brisbane, Australia (23–24 June 2026). Industry insight with regional focus The 2026 series, themed “Sawmilling & Wood Processing Innovations: Improving Productivity & Advancing Operations,” will showcase the latest developments in AI, robotics, automation, and digital mill optimisation. With a strong focus on the Australasian sector, the programme addresses the operational realities facing regional mills, delivering practical strategies to improve efficiency, productivity, and profitability across operations of all sizes. Expert speakers & industry networking Following the release of the full 2026 programme, WoodTECH will feature more than 25 international specialists and local industry leaders. Practical technology & business outcomes Alongside the conference programme, WoodTECH 2026 will feature live technology demonstrations and practical sessions focused on modern equipment and software solutions. These sessions provide mill managers, engineers, and operations leaders with the opportunity to explore new technologies first-hand and assess process improvements that support smarter capital investment and long-term operational performance. Registration & industry participation Registrations are now open, with early bird rates and group discounts available for companies looking to upskill their teams. With more than 30 international exhibitors and solution providers confirmed, the event also provides valuable opportunities for industry networking and collaboration. Further details, including the full programme and registration information, are available on the event website.…

Wood Energy: NZ’s strategic hedge against global instability

Volatility in global LNG markets and renewed instability across the Middle East are driving sharp increases in international fuel prices and raising real concerns about New Zealand’s future energy costs for business. With LNG spot prices spiking and shipping routes facing disruption, New Zealand’s reliance on imported fuels is becoming an increasingly expensive strategic risk. Brian Cox executive officer of the Bioenergy Associations says, “the solution is already in our backyard: wood energy, a proven, renewable fuel that is significantly cheaper and far more stable in price than imported gas”. Wood Energy: Lower Cost, Lower Risk New Zealand’s wood fuel sector—built on forestry residues, processing offcuts, and sustainably managed plantations—now delivers some of the lowest cost heat energy in the country. Across industrial users, wood energy typically sits well below the predicted cost of LNG, and unlike global fuels, wood energy pricing is local, predictable, and insulated from geopolitical shocks. Key advantages include: A Strategic Hedge in an Uncertain World With LNG markets tightening and Middle East tensions escalating, New Zealand faces rising exposure to global energy shocks. Wood energy offers a practical, scalable “made in NZ” hedge—providing firm, 24×7 dispatchable heat for industry at a materially lower cost than imported fuels. The sector is ready to expand. With targeted investment and clear policy settings, New Zealand can accelerate the shift from fossil fuels to domestic bioenergy, strengthening both economic resilience and climate performance. A Call for Action As global instability grows, New Zealand must prioritise energy options that are affordable, reliable, and under our control. Wood energy meets all three tests. It is time to recognise it not just as a renewable fuel, but as a strategic economic advantage. More >> Source: Bioenergy Association of New Zealand…

Sawmilling at scale: A different path forward

For many smaller mills, the question is no longer how to grow, but rather, whether they will survive. Rising costs, labor shortages, and unstable supply chains are forcing operators to rethink long-standing production models. In this context, the Sawbox, developed by Springer, is not just a conventional upgrade but a response to a fundamental industry challenge. Instead of expanding traditional mill layouts, the Sawbox integrates the entire log-to-lumber process into a compact system. Debarking, scanning, optimization, cutting, sorting, and stacking are combined into a continuous flow within a footprint of roughly 1,000–1,500 square meters. Achieving this required more than miniaturization; it demanded a complete rethinking of process interaction and system architecture. One of the central development challenges was maintaining cutting precision under high levels of automation. The system relies on real-time coordination between 3D log scanning, optimization software, and cutting units, such as chipper heads, band saw, and rip saws. These components execute decisions in a single pass. Without the buffer of multiple process stages, every component must perform consistently, even when handling mixed log qualities and diameters. This level of integration places particular emphasis on the reliability of automation. With the concept designed around centralized control, a single operator can oversee the entire process. For developers, this meant ensuring stable performance across all process steps, from infeed to robotic stacking, under real-world variability. This complexity is reflected in the development approach. The Sawbox was designed, manufactured, and tested in-house before being delivered to the first customer, which allowed engineers to refine the system’s behavior under controlled conditions. Early results indicate yields of around 70–75%, suggesting that tightly integrated optimization can directly improve resource efficiency. The Sawbox’s relevance becomes clearer when viewed through the lens of its intended users. Sawmills, lumber construction companies, wood processing businesses, forest cooperatives, and forest enterprises alike face a similar challenge: how to remain competitive without exceeding practical limits. In one early case, a customer was faced with a difficult decision: either close a small, long-established sawmill or invest in a new technology for the next generation. The Sawbox offered a third option: retaining local production while transitioning to a more automated, space-efficient model. Importantly, the concept is not designed to replace high-capacity industrial sawmills but rather to complement them in a different operational niche. By enabling companies to process their own logs, the Sawbox reduces their dependence on external suppliers and supports more localized, resilient production strategies. Thus, the Sawbox shifts the central question for the industry from how large a sawmill needs to be to how intelligently it can operate. More >> Source & image credit: Springer…

Kaitāia timber mills may close with loss of hundreds of jobs

One of Kaitāia’s biggest employers could be shut down with the loss of hundreds of jobs if a buyer can’t be found by the mills’ Japanese owners. Juken New Zealand owns two timber mills in the Far North town, one producing sawn timber, the other a Triboard product used in construction. High costs – power especially – have long cast a shadow over the future of the two mills, but Juken NZ has now signalled its intention to exit the Far North town of about 6000 people. The news has been greeted with dismay in Kaitāia, a town with few other employment options. Far North Mayor Moko Tepania said news of the mills’ possible sale or closure would be concerning for employees, their whānau and the wider Kaitāia community. “Given the scale of the potential economic impact, we’ll be advocating strongly for government involvement. Councils can’t advocate for this alone, we need all partners at the table.” More >> Source: RNZ Follow up: Potential buyer emerges to save 200 jobs The future of Kaitāia looks “hopeful and encouraging” after it was announced a buyer may have been found for two timber mills under threat of closure. The Far North mills face uncertain times after Japanese-owned Juken New Zealand (JNL) recently said it was looking to sell up and was engaging potential opportunities. More >> Source: NZ Herald Related: JNL business update Statement from Mr Hisayuki Tsuboi, Managing Director, Juken New Zealand Ltd. “Juken New Zealand has today begun a formal consultation process regarding the future of its Northland Mill and Triboard Mill in Kaitaia. This reflects a combination of ongoing structural and market pressures affecting these operations, including declining demand in key export markets and increasing operating costs. We have been working over several years to improve financial performance at these sites, including increasing production and exploring new markets. Despite these efforts, we have not been able to return the mills to a sustainable footing under their current operating model. As part of this process, we are exploring whether the mills can continue operating under a different structure, including a potential sale or joint venture. We are taking the mills to market to assess whether there is interest from potential buyers. More >> Source & image credit: JNL…

Development of slash grapples for residue removal

Issues with woody debris mobilising after severe rainfall events and the new regulations put in place to counter the downstream effects of this, have driven a Forest Growers Research (FGR) project co-funded by MPI and the Forest Growers Levy Trust. The aim is to develop an efficient way to remove woody debris from the cutover on steep terrain as part of the harvesting operation. The grapples are designed to be fitted to the swing yarder after the merchantable wood has been removed from the skyline corridor. The woody debris is then cleared before shifting the ropes to the next skyline corridor and changing back to the standard logging grapple. Removing woody debris during the harvesting operation is more cost effective than coming back to remove the debris after completion of the setting. Since Feb 2024 FGR has been working with 3D Industrial Ltd of Rotorua to develop two different types of slash grapples. The first prototype is a linear configuration designed to replace the logging grapple on a swing yarder. The change out time is typically 10 to 15 minutes. The grapple has a large opening to gather debris and vertical tines to penetrate the material on the cutover. This grapple has been successfully trialled in operations in the Hawkes Bay and produced about 50m3/hr on a 150m haul. Initial teething problems have been overcome by increasing the clamping power and overlapping the jaws as much as possible to retain the maximum amount of debris. Further trials will be undertaken over the next few months to settle on the best design. The second grapple design is also designed for swing yarders and, like the linear slash grapple, replaces the logging grapple. This grapple is circular with large ‘claws” and is designed to overcome the issues having to orientate the grapple to line up with the debris before picking it up. This grapple design is symmetrical and is able to grab randomly oriented debris without having to be rotated. It has 5 tines, each with a spade-like tip, and chains to assist with holding the debris. This grapple has been trialled recently in the Gisborne region. Results showed it had some issues with retaining the debris during inhaul, so the grapple has been modified to correct this issue and will be trialled again later this year. Once the designs have been proven in operational trials, full production studies will be done to establish productivity and costings. Next steps in the project are to consider appropriate slash grapple designs that can be applied in tower hauler operations.…

Forestry company parks electric truck despite spike in diesel prices

An electric truck trial in South Australia’s south-east has shown the vehicles are fit for some use in the forestry industry, but are not financially viable — even with diesel prices soaring. Fennell Forestry launched a trial using a truck converted from using diesel to electric power in early 2023, using the vehicle to transport logs from forests to sawmills. Managing director Wendy Fennell said the vehicle was able to perform the job with enough torque and capacity to tow the large loads. However, she said there we some issues, particularly with the cost proposition. “The reason why the truck is no longer in operation is it wasn’t financially viable to continue it when you compare it with a like-for-like diesel truck,” Ms Fennell said.…

Landmark forest valuation standard launched

The first joint Australia and New Zealand Forest Valuation Standard was launched at the 2026 Forest Valuation Summit this week in Melbourne, marking a watershed moment for forest valuation and setting a new benchmark for how forest assets are assessed, reported and understood. The launch, marked by a cake cutting by Dr Michelle Freeman (President of Forestry Australia) and James Treadwell (President of the New Zealand Institute of Forestry), is the culmination of nearly a decade’s work to consolidate separate country-level standards into a single trans-Tasman framework for plantation and native forests. Convenor of the Forestry Australia Valuation Committee Keith Lamb said: “We are proud to celebrate the launch of the new ANZ Forest Valuation. The new standard reflects the latest thinking and best practice in forest valuation across both countries.” Dr Michelle Freeman said the launch represented a significant milestone for forestry, both as a profession and as an asset class. “The merging of the separate country-level standards held by Forestry Australia and New Zealand Institute of Forestry is a significant milestone. It reflects the strength and value of ongoing collaboration and partnership between our countries, our industries and professional organisations.” Importantly, while the ANZ Forest Valuation Standard is intended to address common interests of our national forest industries, it is flexible enough to allow for differences. The Standard will be an evolving tool to help shape the forest sector’s future and support continued innovation and improvement, as markets, reporting expectations, and sustainability considerations continue to evolve. James Treadwell said the new Standard reflected more than three decades of professional commitment. “Our members have contributed voluntary time and expertise to forest valuation standards for more than three decades,” he said. “This joint Australia and New Zealand Forest Valuation Standard is an important step forward. It reflects the strong professional relationship between the New Zealand Institute of Forestry and Forestry Australia and provides a consistent framework which will strengthen valuation practice across both countries.” More >> Source & image credit: Forestry Australia…

Building the Future: Minecraft in NZ Forestry

An immersive learning experience. Forestry Minecraft World isn’t just a game, it’s a complete educational tool developed with funding from the WIDE Trust. The resource includes a Forestry Minecraft Guide Book for teachers and a series of modular challenges for students. These challenges are designed to be completed in the classroom, helping students explore the plantation forest cycle while developing problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration skills. Once fully developed, Forestry Minecraft World will feature four interactive modules, each representing a key stage in the plantation forest cycle: Connecting classroom Learning to real-world forestry Erica Kinder, Chief Executive of Discover Forestry New Zealand, says the initiative goes beyond Minecraft: “Upon completion of Forestry Minecraft World, the plan is to follow up with a more comprehensive suite of teacher resources that can be downloaded and used across curriculum-based subjects at secondary schools. Case studies and forestry examples will be aligned with subjects such as geography, maths, biology, and chemistry, making it easy for teachers and students to see how what they learn in the classroom connects to real forestry workplaces.” This approach ensures that students can see the practical applications of their studies while learning about a sector that is vital to New Zealand’s economy and sustainable development. Why WIDE Trust support matters The WIDE Trust is committed to supporting educational initiatives that develop future forestry and wood industry professionals. By funding Forestry Minecraft World, the Trust is helping students engage with the sector in a meaningful way, sparking interest in potential careers while enhancing their understanding of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects. The current classroom trials allow teachers to provide feedback and help refine the resource. Once finalised, Forestry Minecraft World and its supporting materials will be made widely available to secondary schools across New Zealand, giving students everywhere the opportunity to experience the forest lifecycle in an interactive and curriculum-aligned way. Inspiring the next generation of forestry professionals Through initiatives like Forestry Minecraft World, the WIDE Trust and Discover Forestry New Zealand are showing students the connection between classroom learning and real-world careers. By making forestry accessible, engaging, and relevant, this project inspires students to explore the science, innovation, and sustainability at the heart of New Zealand’s forestry and wood industries. With support from the WIDE Trust, Discover Forestry New Zealand is launching an innovative new learning resource designed to bring forestry to life for secondary school students. This term, Forestry Minecraft World is being trialled in high schools around New Zealand, combining hands-on learning with digital engagement to introduce students to the forestry industry in a fun and interactive way. More >> Source & image credit: WIDE Trust…

Exotic Forestry Description improvements move ahead

Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is taking a major step toward improving New Zealand’s exotic forestry data system, announcing a new partnership with Bioeconomy Science Institute Maiangi Taiao to support the upgrade of the National Exotic Forest Description (NEFD). “The planned improvements will ensure the NEFD remains fit for purpose in a rapidly evolving data environment and continues to provide accurate and consistent information about the country’s exotic forest estate, whilst reducing survey burden on forest owners,” says Debbie Ward, Director Forestry Insights, MPI. The NEFD is a key annual dataset that outlines plantation forest area by species, age, and location. Its insights support wood supply forecasting, climate reporting, policy development, and investment planning across the forestry sector. “Transitioning the collection of the exotic forest description data for the NEFD to a spatially enabled system will reduce reporting pressure on forest owners and survey participants while improving the precision and depth of national forestry insights,” Ms Ward says. “By moving from traditional survey-based reporting to spatial data analysis, the improved process will deliver more timely and higher quality information to government, industry, and researchers, strengthening evidence-based decision making.” MPI has contracted Bioeconomy Science Institute Maiangi Taiao to deliver core components of the NEFD. “Bioeconomy Science Institute Maiangi Taiao brings specialist expertise in remote sensing, forestry science, and spatial analytics, supported by its Forest Insights model, which uses advanced spatial imagery interpretation to describe forest characteristics with greater accuracy.” Michael Watt, Portfolio Leader-Digital Forests, Bioeconomy Science Institute Maiangi Taiao, says the upgrade represents a significant milestone for the sector. “New Zealand has long been a leader in forestry innovation. By embedding advanced remote sensing and spatial analytics into the NEFD, we are building a next-generation forest information system that reflects the scale and sophistication of today’s data environment,” Dr Watt says. Alongside this project, MPI is also reviewing intentions and forest management details of the NEFD to ensure the modernised system continues to meet the needs of participants and the wider forestry sector. Further updates will be provided as the programme progresses. More >> Source: Te Uru Rākau – New Zealand Forest Service…

FICA fuel adjustment factor calculation

As you are well aware as a result of the conflict in the Middle East fuel prices have risen rapidly over the past two weeks.  FICA has been talking with FOA and MPI regarding the situation and has been asked for the potential impact on Forestry Contractors.  Our response has been it really depends on how long this goes on. Most Contractors have fuel adjustment factors (FAF) in their contracts, but this is only adjusted monthly or in some cases quarterly so contractors will have to wear immediate price increases until most likely 1 April. Higher harvesting and cartage rates will obviously reduce returns to Forest Owners. Probably the bigger issue is supply of fuel if this goes on longer. Forest Owners at this stage seem to be holding production steady, despite the fact that export shipping has increase $US10 to 15/Jas since February and if this goes on longer may increase further. Other issues regarding shipping relate to bunkers in China having to be ordered a month in advance and no south bound cargos from India that could see vessels steaming empty. This places additional cost and uncertainty when scheduling shipping. FICA has spoken to Stevedore/Marshalling companies, no indication of reduction export vols. At this stage export holding steady. At this stage, domestic mills have strong domestic orders, only mills expressing concern are those heavily dependent Middle East markets. We do understand that additional costs associated with shipping, harvesting and cartage will make it challenging, particularly in regions with high operational costs. Obviously, the situation is very volatile and things can change. We’re getting some feedback that some contractors may not have FAF. The Blackburne group have provided the attached model that can used for harvesting and cartage. If you need help give me a call. We will keep you updated as things evolve.…

Waratah Forestry Equipment introduces the new FL90 directional felling head

Waratah Forestry Equipment has launched the all-new FL90 directional felling head, purpose-built to deliver strength, agility and intelligent performance in a size class that fits a wide range of applications. Designed for 20+ metric ton carriers, the FL90 provides loggers with a high-performing, mid- to large-sized directional felling head engineered for demanding operations without the added weight of larger-class models. “The FL90 is exactly what many operators have been asking for – a head that’s powerful, durable and smart, in a size that gives them flexibility to their carrier size class and applications,” said Brent Fisher, product marketing manager for Waratah. “It delivers the strength and capacity crews expect, while maintaining the agility and responsiveness needed to stay productive.” The right size without compromise Big on performance and equally capable across a range of felling applications, the FL90 offers agility and versatility. With a net weight of 2,265 kg (4,993 lb.), a maximum grapple opening of 1,300 mm (51.2 in.) and a maximum sawing capacity of 960 mm (38 in.), the FL90 is built for shovel logging, steep slope conditions, late or final thinnings, topping, storm damage clean-up and clear felling applications. The FL90 utilizes Waratah’s TimberRiteTM X-26 control system, which provides production reporting and intelligent features designed to give operators greater visibility into performance and output, helping crews make informed decisions and maximize daily production. The FL90 felling head also incorporates reinforced structural components and proven Waratah engineering to help support long service life. “We focused on manufacturing a head that’s responsive, accurate and Built To Work®,” Fisher said. “The FL90 combines durability with intelligent features that track performance and assist with running efficient operations.” As with all Waratah products, the FL90 comes with easily accessible support for dealers and customers, as well as genuine Waratah parts with an industry-leading warranty.…

Ponsse launches the next generation Opti 5G information system for track-based machines

Ponsse continuously develops solutions that improve the work of forest machine operators and is now introducing the next-generation Opti 5G information system also for tracked based machines. The system is specifically designed to enhance productivity, ease of use, and data management in demanding conditions. “Opti 5G brings all key harvesting functions together into one clear interface, reducing the need for separate systems and improving daily work efficiency. The system includes, among others, cutting control, automatic cutting, calibration, data management, and reporting – all in one view,” says Markku Savolainen, Product Manager, Harvester Heads, Ponsse Plc. The new system improves logging optimization, machine control, and operator confidence. The customizable My View display allows quick setting adjustments without interruption, and the active map view enhances safety and situational awareness, Savolainen adds. Opti 5G produces accurate, real-time data on machine performance, working time, production, and fuel consumption. Thanks to standardized StanForD 2010 data, the system is compatible with international harvesting systems and can be expanded with additional applications. Designed for global use, Opti 5G supports multiple languages and units of measurement. The system also allows marking tree specific data, such as decay or insect damage observations, for reporting purposes. Usability has been significantly improved: fast response time, clear menus, and three main logical views (work, planning, and machine) support smooth operation. The experience is complemented by the new Opti 8X display, offering excellent visibility and high touch precision even in demanding conditions. Opti 5G forms a strong foundation for future innovations and is now available as standard equipment for all harvester heads installed on tracked machines.…

Fenning Timber introduces innovative robotic technology

Fenning Timber is synonymous within the timber Industry, and currently a fifth generation privately owned timber conversion centre located in Victoria’s East Gippsland region. Fenning Timber are producers of quality Kiln Dried Hardwood sourced from Fenning Timbers private plantations, converting Victorian Ash timber into Kiln Dried Finger Jointed and Laminated products. Specialising in mostly F17 structural grade timber and also some furniture grade timber. Having been part of the timber industry for over 70 years, Principal Leonard Fenning, is well known within the industry as a progressive staff-orientated leader, who excels in the field of technology, quality control and Occupational Health and Safety. The Fenning Sawmill site in Bairnsdale has been a work in progress over the past 25 years. The site has been continually updated with leading edge technology along with modern, cost-effective plant and equipment. This is due to ongoing machinery upgrades for their dry mill as customer demand increases. The team also wanted to create a better place to work for staff, whilst removing all the mundane and heavy manual labour tasks with new automated technology. The changes have proven to be successful amongst the team as they enjoy working with the new technology.  The team at AE Gibson & Sons have had a long business relationship with the team at Fenning since they commenced operation during early settlement in Kendall (Northern NSW) in the early 1900’s. After various site visits, investigations and project planning with the team at Fenning Timber, the engineering team at AE Gibson & Sons were able to develop an overall Robotic Timber Stacking solution. They introduced and installed innovative robotic sawmill technology and machinery customised to fit within their current sawmill production process and applications, to assist with heavy timber stacking. The AE Gibson team successfully installed conveyor systems and robotic timber stacking machinery. It integrates well with the existing machinery Fennings had onsite to depalletise and stack the timber, remove manual labour, increase reliability and production as well as improve safety for their team. Overall Fenning Timber is an excellent innovative operation that is based upon professionalism, efficiency and sustainability. The management team at Fenning Timber have invested heavily in the business to build a successful, sustainable, and safe operation that their entire team are extremely proud to be associated with. The team at AE Gibson & Sons continues to support the team at Fenning Timber and appreciates being part of their journey in the sawmilling industry for so many years, as well as being able to assist them with their sawmill machinery needs. Watch our latest video on Fenning Timber…

Energy resilience: Australia’s alternative fuel opportunities

Sharp fluctuations in the global oil and gas industry underscore the value of a resilient and diverse energy system. Against this backdrop, low carbon liquid fuels offer practical pathways for hard-to-abate, hydrocarbon dependent sectors like aviation, shipping and heavy industry. Speaking ahead of this month’s London event, Renewable Fuels Summit, Dr Daniel Roberts, who leads CSIRO’s Energy Technologies Research Program, says the motivations behind low-carbon liquid fuels – or LCLF – are an enduring catalyst for change. “When we talk about sustainable aviation fuels or low carbon liquid fuels, there are really two drivers,” he says. “One is emissions reduction. The other is fuel security. These have motivated alternative fuels research and energy independence ambitions for a very long time.” Beyond electrification: tackling the hardest emissions Electric vehicles tend to dominate public discussion about alternatives to hydrocarbon fuels and the related emissions and energy security aspects. “They have an important role to play in their use cases, and we’re seeing that uptake,” Dr Roberts says. “EVs are definitely a good news story.” But when CSIRO looks at the emissions profile of heavy industry and transport, the biggest challenges lie elsewhere. “It’s the aviation fuel, it’s the international marine shipping fuel, it’s the diesel used at remote mine sites and farms,” he says. “These are big impact areas that move, grow and sustain our economy and where electrification is unlikely to be able to do the heavy lifting, so we’re looking at ways of supporting the transition to lower carbon versions.” In many cases there are renewable pathways to hydrocarbon fuels, in some cases – especially in shipping – non-carbon fuels such as ammonia also have an important role to play. Two pathways to low-carbon liquid fuels At the heart of this work are two broad pathways for producing low-carbon liquid fuels in Australia. The first is Power-to-Liquid (PtL), or e-fuels: synthetic fuels made by combining hydrogen with captured carbon dioxide. “Hydrogen plus CO₂, plus the magic of chemical engineering, equals jet fuel, methanol or diesel,” explained Dr Roberts who represents CSIRO on the Australian Jet Zero Council. “There are also established pathways here where hydrogen plus nitrogen from the air makes ammonia, a zero-carbon potential with particular relevance to the shipping industry.” The second pathway, which Dr Roberts believes can deliver impact sooner, is biogenic fuels: converting biomass and waste into liquid fuels. “That’s going to be ready much sooner and get us traction in the space quickly,” he says. “And we’re going to need all of these pathways – and more – if we’re going to meet the volumes of demand.” Australia’s opportunity, Dr Roberts suggests, lies in its diverse feedstocks. Forestry residues, agricultural waste, weeds, woody biomass and even urban waste streams could all play a role, while also potentially addressing land management challenges such as dryland salinity. “It’s about recognising the value in our waste streams,” he says. “We have the opportunity domestically to build on existing technologies and make something really useful out of waste.” More >> Source & image credit: CSIRO…

QLD Govt and CSIRO launch program to grow innovation

CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, invites Queensland SMEs to apply for Innovate to Grow: Circular Economy and Sustainability, a free eight-week research and development (R&D) training program. Delivered as part of the Queensland Government funded Regional University Industry Collaboration (RUIC) program, Innovate to Grow guides businesses through developing and implementing R&D strategies and provides support from experienced researchers and industry mentors. Dr George Feast, Director – CSIRO SME Connect, said growing interest in circular economy approaches was creating new opportunities for Queensland businesses to innovate. “Businesses across Queensland are exploring how to reduce waste, extend the life of materials and build more sustainable operations – and many of them have great ideas with commercial potential,” Dr Feast said. “The challenge is often knowing how to take that next step.  CSIRO’s Innovate to Grow program gives SMEs the structured support and connections to turn those ideas into a clear R&D plan, backed by the expertise to act on it.” Queensland Chief Scientist Professor Kerrie Wilson said the program reflected the Queensland Government’s commitment to support local businesses to partner with regional universities to commercialise research. “Queensland businesses across the state are generating ideas grounded in science and emerging research to address important and complex sustainability issues,” Professor Wilson said. “Programs such as CSIRO’s Innovate to Grow provide SMEs with research expertise, technical knowledge and collaborative networks to turn ideas into practical and impactful outcomes,” she said. More than one-third of the 800 participants from CSIRO’s Innovate to Grow program have been from regional Australia, demonstrating strong engagement from businesses outside major metropolitan areas. Leanne Edge from Eco Barge Clean Seas Inc. participated in a previous Innovate to Grow program. The Queensland-based organisation develops innovative solutions to tackle marine plastic pollution. Ms Edge said the program provided the clarity and direction needed to move forward with confidence. “Participating in CSIRO’s program has been transformative for us,” Ms Edge said. “The guidance from our mentor helped us navigate complex hurdles and gave us the tools and mindset to innovate with purpose and impact.” CSIRO’s Innovate to Grow: Circular Economy and Sustainability is open to Queensland SMEs developing or supplying solutions in: Applications are now open and close on 26 April 2026. More >> Source & image credit: CSIRO…

Biodiversity benefits of large scale Mānuka forest planting

Not only does planting Mānuka trees for honey collection deliver health and financial benefits for local communities and the national economy, this research shows that the industry is also good for the environment. A collaboration between Comvita and scientists from the Bioeconomy Science Institute Maiangi Taiao, the study demonstrates that planting Mānuka forests on former high-country marginal grazing land can significantly restore biodiversity in as little as five years. It also highlights the powerful role reforestation can play in improving ecological health and acting as a long-term carbon sink to help mitigate climate change. Comvita Chief Science Officer, Dr Jackie Evans, said the findings confirm what the Comvita team has been observing in the field.”The science now backs what we’ve been seeing on the ground – Mānuka planting delivers measurable, rapid gains for native ecosystems. That’s significant, because it shows protecting nature and productive land use can genuinely go hand-in-hand.” The study found that these young planted Mānuka forests quickly become thriving habitats for native wildlife, supporting birdlife, insects and even endangered long-tailed bats, at levels comparable to old regenerating native Mānuka forests. Researchers also found freshwater streams bordered by planted Mānuka forests show markedly improved ecological health, with higher macroinvertebrate scores than waterways running through pastoral catchments. Conducted on a central North Island property, the study compared biodiversity across four stages of land-use transition, from grazed pasture through to planted and naturally regenerating Mānuka forests. The findings identified a critical ecological tipping point between years three and five after planting, when rapid gains in biodiversity emerge.The results demonstrate that converting marginal grazing land into planted Mānuka forest can deliver positive environmental outcomes while creating new and sustainable land-use opportunities for landowners. Senior author of the study, Dr David Pattemore, formerly Senior Researcher at the Bioeconomy Science Institute, says the findings highlight the ecological potential of mass Mānuka reforestation. “What surprised us most was the speed at which biodiversity returned. By year five, the Mānuka plantings were already supporting diverse and abundant insect and bird communities very similar to those found in a 30-year-old regenerating Mānuka forest.” Coinciding with the United Nations’ International Day of Forests, this research reinforces the growing importance of nature-based solutions that restore ecosystems and biodiversity, while mitigating climate change and supporting resilient rural economies. Comvita Limited CEO, Karl Gradon, said the research is a reflection of how Comvita has always approached science and sustainability. “Mānuka regeneration and biodiversity restoration are central to how Comvita operates. Since 2017, we have planted over 6 million Mānuka trees across New Zealand, creating more than 6,300 hectares of new Mānuka forest that is restoring biodiversity, improving water quality and to date has removed over 130,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent from the atmosphere. “Research like this gives us confidence those efforts are delivering real environmental impact – and that the model is one others can build on.” The research has been published in the New Zealand Journal of Ecology.…

A$1.5m AFWI funding to advance autonomous forestry machinery

The Australian Forest and Wood Innovations (AFWI) Centre for Sustainable Futures, housed at the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC), has awarded A$1.5 million in funding to support a new research project that will accelerate automation in Australia’s plantation forestry sector. The project, titled SilvaNaut: Incorporating Autonomous Operation into Australian Forest Machinery – Robotic Weed Control Conditions, directly supports AFWI’s theme of making the most of our available wood fibre by enabling safer, more efficient and higher-yield forest operations. SilvaNaut will develop and field-test ‘The Autonomous Forest Navigator,’ a bolt-on autonomous navigation module that retrofits existing forestry machinery to operate hands-free between plantation rows. Designed initially for young (0-3 years old), open-canopy plantations, the system will replace manual joystick control with precise autonomous navigation capable of operating in rough, real-world forest terrain. Project Lead Daryl Killin said the core challenge the project addresses is safe, reliable navigation in environments that are far more complex than agricultural settings. The project will be delivered through Daryl’s company, Native Conifers Carbon Sink, who registered the first tree planting project for carbon credits in Australia under the Carbon Farming Initiative in December 2012. The company has been exploring remote-controlled weed control for a decade. “There’s a real need for an autonomous vehicle that can do weed control in place of humans or human-driven machinery… but unlike driverless cars or broad-acre agriculture, we’re talking about remote locations, uneven ground, harvest residue, and a very high need for precision, because if you spray the wrong chemical in the wrong place, you can kill the tree,” Daryl said. The technology integrates high-resolution Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), LiDAR, inertial sensors (IMU), and AI-based obstacle detection, building on proven control technology developed by project partners. This geospatial backbone will enable not only robotic weed control, but also future applications such as inventory assessment, fire management, and forest monitoring. Australia’s forestry sector is under growing pressure from labour shortages, rising operational costs, safety risks, and increasingly stringent environmental expectations. Daryl said manual weed control is labour-intensive and often undertaken in hazardous conditions, particularly in the early years of plantation establishment. “Not many people want to put on a knapsack and work in remote areas with snakes, spiders and rough terrain anymore,” he says, “And even when people are available, you’re limited by human constraints; you can’t work at night, reliability varies, and safety risks are always present.” The Autonomous Forest Navigator removes operators from high-risk terrain while improving consistency and efficiency. Importantly, it enables round-the-clock operation, allowing growers to target optimal spraying windows that are often missed under current manual systems. “Weeds in the first two years are critical,” Daryl said. “If you lose 200 trees out of 1,000 per hectare early on, you’ve lost future options for wood volume, and you can’t put those trees back later. That loss shows up 25 or 30 years down the track, right when the return on investment really matters.” While automation is well advanced in agriculture, Daryl said many existing solutions are over-engineered, too costly, or poorly suited to forestry conditions. More >> Source & image credit: University of the Sunshine Coast…

Nature plays big role in shaping regional carbon storage

U.S. forests have stored more carbon in the past two decades than at any time in the last century, an increase attributable to a mix of natural factors and human activity, finds a new study. To unravel the cause behind this spike, researchers used nationwide forest data to examine how six environmental factors may have contributed to the increase in carbon sequestered by forests. They found that natural forces such as increasing temperatures, shifting precipitation, and carbon fertilization are among the largest contributors to carbon gains, but human drivers, like letting forests get older and planting trees, are also becoming bigger factors. Since most decarbonization efforts focus on curbing active emissions, this new analysis aims to help researchers better separate what portion of carbon held by forests is related to human action and which portion isn’t, said Brent Sohngen, co-author of the study and a professor of environmental and resource economics at The Ohio State University. “Identifying and separating these influences hasn’t really been done before,” said Sohngen. “But with this data, the U.S. can be much more explicit about its carbon accounting, and that ability will provide a lot more information and long-term benefits for people who manage their forests and try to create carbon sinks.” The study was published recently (Jan. 20, 2026) in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.…

A key reason 84% of fleets are investing in safety tech

The ‘Mobilizing the Future of Fleets Report: 2026 Risk and Exoneration Edition’ uncovered that a third (34%) of fleets reported being impacted by fraudulent motor claims. 77% of respondents also agreed that increasing litigation and legal costs are now a global concern, made evident by the rise of fleet insurance premiums (Risk Strategies[1]), with umbrella liability coverage increasing from 10% to 30%, and auto liability from 10% to 20%. “The role of telematics is evolving and taking on a more strategic purpose in fleet organisations, moving solely from a tool used for cost control and improvements, to an extremely powerful, proactive risk prevention and management solution,” said Alain Samaha, Chief Executive Officer, Teletrac Navman. “A high percentage of fleet safety incidents are caused by third parties and other external factors, and video telematics is now the most powerful tool to provide irrefutable, contextual evidence that protects people, preserves reputations, and stabilizes margins.” Teletrac Navman’s research found that modern fleets are also taking a considered and layered approach to risk management, with 56% utilising five or more technologies and 74% partnering telematics with dashcams – this combination providing fleets with the full context around driving events, combining performance metrics, video evidence and location data to create a complete, defensible picture when incidents occur, and for meaningful, proactive driver training. Accordingly, since implementing safety technology 85% of fleets have reported being able to counter the general rise in insurance premiums, with 65% recording premium decreases. Nearly three-quarters (70%) of respondents reported that combining cameras with telematics data drastically reduced the time needed to process accident claims, indicating that integrated evidence is transforming disputes into clear outcomes. “This is a moment for fleet leaders to make a positive, strategic shift,” added Samaha. “Treat safety tech as a long‑term asset: invest in platforms that scale, embed evidence into everyday workflows and fraud protection, and use outcomes to renegotiate insurance and drive operational change. Do this, and safety becomes a competitive differentiator – not just a line on a budget, but a foundation for resilience and growth.” Source & image credit: Teletract Navman…

Hyne Timber embracing robotics

Hyne Timber’s world-class operations at its Tumbarumba sawmill, in southwest NSW, are being driven by innovation and cutting-edge robotics. During a recent AFPA visit to the state-of-the-art sawmill, Hyne’s impressive, fully-automated timber sorting and packing production unit – using sawmill robotics – was showcased. As part of an industry world first, the sorting and stacking process of graded timber is done by optical recognition and robotics of on-the-fly grading markings, featured on individual pieces of timber. As explained during the AFPA tour by Hyne’s Tumbarumba site lead Kristina Kaminski, the main objective of this ground-breaking project was “safety-first” and to eliminate injuries to human staff from manual handling, sorting and stacking timber. “We want to put our people’s safety first and this was a wonderful way of achieving this,” Ms Kaminski said. In 2001, Hyne purchased the mill on the western side of the Snowy Mountains, which marked the company’s single biggest investment, and a key decision to move into the southern markets. Following a number of upgrades in recent years, the high-tech mill processes more than 500,000 cubic metres of log a year, or the equivalent of about 16,600 timber-framed homes. Similar to Hyne’s Tuan Mill in Queensland, there is no log waste at its Tumbarumba mill. With a circular economy focus, all by-products generated are either used as biofuel to heat the mill’s heat plant, and sold to local customers, such as Visy’s operation in nearby Tumut. Following a series of devastating bushfires, in 2024 Hyne opened a new 4700 square metre storage facility at the site to protect timber from extreme weather. The facility was supported with funding by the Australian and NSW Governments, as part of a commitment to building stronger, more resilient regional economies. The large-scale storage facility can store up to 4000 cubic metres of timber, known as ‘Rough Sawn, Kiln Dried’ (RSKD) material. Hyne also has a strong commitment to supporting local communities. The company established the Hyne Community Trust, which is unique to the Tumbarumba region and to date, has contributed almost one million dollars. The trust supports community projects, individually valued at over $10,000 and has provided local infrastructure upgrades, as well as life-saving equipment to the local SES and fire services. AFPA sincerely thanks Hyne for hosting our group tour earlier this year, which provided invaluable insights into the company’s operations, investments and innovations. Source: APFAImage credit: Hyne Timber…

Can trees and fungi revolutionise forest management?

At a commercial tree nursery near Evans, western Louisiana, 5m pine seedlings are packed on to 12 vast circular irrigation tables, each as wide as a football field. Last September, many of these young trees were sprayed with what looked like muddy water. The substance was in fact a liquid extract teeming with hundreds of species of wild soil fungi. Brad Ouseman, the nursery manager, is confident he will see results from this fungal inoculation, which is intended to improve yields and reduce the need for artificial fertilisers. “By the time January gets here, you’ll tell the difference between that seedling and this seedling,” Ouseman says, pointing to separate rows of sprayed and non-sprayed pines. Colin Averill, the founder of Funga, the startup company that supplied the spray, likens the treatment to a faecal microbiome transplant for young pine trees. Where medics now successfully treat certain bowel conditions by transferring gut microbes from healthy donors into patients, Funga treats young pine trees with wild microbes derived from the soils of thriving pine forests. More >> Source: The GuardianImage credit: Funga…

Visy introduces recyclable Paper Bubble wrap

As part of its commitment to reducing single-use plastic, Visy is launching an Australian-made Paper Bubble wrap. The locally made alternative provides shock-proof cushioning for storing, moving or shipping items. When recycled through Australian kerbside recycle bins, compared to plastic bubble wrap it: Visy’s new Paper Bubble is a win for the environment and Australian manufacturing, said Christian Elbert, Visy Retail Services – Head of Innovation. “Aussies want to do the right thing by the environment and they want products to work – Paper Bubble does both”. “By using Australian paper and manufacturing the Paper Bubble locally, we’re supporting local jobs in Australia and reducing our reliance on single use plastic,” said Christian Elbert. “Once you’re done with it, just pop it in the recycling bin at home and we’ll turn it into new products.”  The Paper Bubble is being made at Visy’s manufacturing plant in Reservoir in Melbourne’s north with paper from Visy’s paper mill in Tumut, New South Wales. Paper Bubble joins Visy’s other locally made single use plastic alternatives, including paper retail bags and Visy Tread temporary surface protection. Source & image credit: Visy…

Building a wildfire business case for biomass harvesting

Following the 2023 record-breaking year of extreme wildfires across Canada, the topic of how to best manage wildfires came to the forefront for many organisations within Canada’s forest products sector, as well as all levels of government. One organisation that has been actively researching ways to mitigate the risk of these extreme wildfires is FPInnovations, a private, non-for-profit research and development organisation with expertise in the pulp and paper industry, forest operations, wood products, and bio-sources products sectors. Over the past year, FPInnovations put together a special team, which his part of its Technical Assessment Research Group. The team is comprised of two groups that traditionally didn’t work closely together. One group is the forest operations researchers comprised of foresters, technicians, scientists and biomass supply experts. The second group are FPInnovations’ wildfire operations experts, working on fire behaviour, detection, suppression and resilience. Those two groups came together to form a working team focused on wildfire risk reduction through the utilization of woody biomass and landscape strategies to mitigate wildfires. The scope of their research includes the evaluation of operational practices and forest management strategies to mitigate wildfire impacts on fibre supply to meet the existing and emerging fibre demands; while also adapting to existing and new markets and climate change. More >> Source: Canadian BiomassImage credit: FPInnovations…

Forest-based resins challenge fossil materials

Researchers at the University of Oulu have developed new high-performance bio-based resins that can replace conventional oil-based materials in composite products — without compromising strength, cost, or industrial scalability. As composite materials continue to play a critical role in renewable energy, transportation, marine industries and construction, biobased resins may become a driver of sustainable industrial production. The new epoxy and polyester resins, produced from biomass-derived platform chemicals, match or even outperform their fossil-based counterparts. The raw materials are sourced from abundant forestry and agricultural side streams such as sawdust and straw — transforming what was once waste into advanced materials for demanding applications. Polyester resins are widely used in fiberglass composite structures such as boats and caravans. Epoxy resins, meanwhile, are essential in adhesives and high-performance composites found in sports equipment and industrial components. According to Doctoral Researcher Mikko Salonen, the results are striking: “The biomass-based polyester resin we developed shows up to 76% higher tensile strength than a commercial fossil-based polyester resin.” The findings demonstrate that bio-based thermoset resins can achieve technical performance equal to or exceeding today’s materials. “Bio-based resins will not have a significant price difference compared to fossil resins,” says Senior Research Fellow Juha Heiskanen. “Once bio-based platform chemicals are produced, they can be processed using existing chemical industry production lines.” Beyond performance and price, the new resins offer a critical sustainability advantage: chemical recyclability. Unlike conventional composite materials — such as those used in wind turbine blades — which are notoriously difficult to recycle, the new materials can be chemically broken down and reused as raw materials. This opens a pathway toward circular composite manufacturing. From forest and field sidestreams to high-value materials The key building blocks — including hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) and furfural — are derived from cellulose and hemicellulose found in lignocellulosic biomass in forestry and agricultural side streams provide a plentiful and renewable feedstock in many countries. While the forest industry has traditionally focused on pulp production, new technologies now enable broader utilisation of biomass components such as lignin. Integrating chemical industry processes with forest-based raw materials may create entirely new bioeconomy value chains. “Upgrading bio-based raw materials into high-performance materials and products offers a significant opportunity to expand the bioeconomy,” says Heiskanen, who leads a seven-member research team developing biomass-based materials. Three patents have already been filed, and the team is currently seeking partners to move into pilot-scale production. Furthermore, with less than two percent of global oil reserves located within the EU, expanding the use of bio-based materials is also strategically important for Europe. Biomass-based resins offer a way to strengthen material self-sufficiency while advancing climate and circular economy goals. The epoxy resin results were published in February 2026 in the study Circular composite materials: Biomass-based furan epoxies with high-performance and closed-loop recyclability. The research involved collaborators from Italy and Sweden and was carried out under the Business Finland-funded FurBio flagship project More >> Source & image credit: University of Oulu…

Help shape the future of Australian forestry

As part of Forestry Australia’s commitment to ensuring Australian Forestry, our peer-reviewed journal remains relevant, valuable and fit for purpose, we are seeking your feedback through a short survey. Forestry Australia has appointed a review panel for Australian Forestry, to lead a three-year strategic review. Your insights and reflections will help inform the review panel’s work to strengthen the relevance, reach and impact of Australian Forestry, and to ensure it continues to deliver value for forest scientists, researchers and managers. The survey will help identify opportunities, areas for improvement and future priorities so that  Australian Forestry continues to meet the needs and expectations of those working and studying in the forest sector. Whether you are a long-time reader, author, reviewer or someone with an interest in forest science and research, your perspective is important and will help inform the review. To encourage participation Forestry Australia is offering you the chance to win a $250 gift card of your choice. When completing the survey be sure to provide your contact details to go into the draw.  We encourage you to take a few moments to complete the survey and share your views. Click here for the survey Source: Forestry Australia…

Historic first at Eastland Port

Recently, the Norse Antwerp came in smoothly alongside the Yangtze Keeper at Eastland Port – and history was made. For the very first time, two 180-metre long vessels were able to berth next to each other on Wharves 7 and 8. “It was a pretty impressive sight, and a milestone moment for the Port team and the region,” said Eastland Port Chief Executive Andrew Gaddum.  “Twin Berth represents the Port’s biggest infrastructure upgrades in more than a century, and has been well over a decade in the making. Now that it’s nearing final completion, we’re able to provide more flexibility and efficiency for local exporters, including horticulture, agriculture and the forestry industry, as well as cruise ship operators. “With a bumper kiwifruit harvest this season, for example, Twin Berth is supporting moving product to market as quickly and reliably as possible. Twin Berth also opens up new opportunities for containerisation and coastal shipping. As a locally owned company, based in right in the heart of Gisborne city, the Eastland Port team is highly motivated to build better outcomes for Tairāwhiti.” The original Twin Berth plans evolved over the past few years, as the Port considered budgets, operational efficiencies, and environmental factors. The intention was to be able to accommodate a 185-metre and a 200-metre ship simultaneously, but after running the costs and working with the design engineers and customers, the Port team came up with “Twin Berth lite”. This allows two 180-metre vessels to berth at once. “The completed infrastructure gives us 90% of the initially scoped operational facilities and flexibility, at around 10% of the original proposed cost,” said Mr Gaddum. “Twin Berth sets the region up for the foreseeable future, with all consents in place and the optionality to further expand in response to growing demand. “It has also ensured a lower environmental impact, while introducing a number of environmental innovations.” These included working with hapū on the redesign of Wharf 7 to protect the habitat for the Rua Kourā (crayfish nursery) and establishing Australasia-leading stormwater treatment processes across the Port. Mr Gaddum thanked everyone who had contributed to this regionally essential project. “Thank you in particular to our very own General Manager Infrastructure and Commercial Marty Bayley and his team, who have guided this project over many years and brought it to life. “I’d also like to acknowledge iwi, hapū and the wider community, who we’ve consulted with throughout the long and sometimes challenging consenting process. Ultimately, Twin Berth is all the better for this sharing of ideas, and the relationships we’ve built together will endure.” During the construction phase, Eastland Port had a strong focus on using local contractors and resources. “Ritchie Civil was the head contractor on the final stage of the project, and has done a great job for us – delivering fit for purpose regional infrastructure with their uniquely Gizzy expertise.” More >> Source & image credit: Eastland Port…

FISC safety alert: Yarder stabilising ram failure incident

The forestry sector has long relied on Thunderbird TY50 and TY70 tower yarders—machines designed to be light, transportable, and efficient. However, a serious harm injury of a worker, has highlighted a critical safety concern that demands immediate attention. The yarder was being prepared to shift. Running lines and guys had been retrieved. The tower was pushed into vertical position and the stabilising ram locked. The guy ropes were hooked on the chassis and ratcheted up to remove excessive slack. However, during the rope retrieval the tail rope over-spooled or “birdnested”. A plan was then made to untangle the rope and run the tail rope out so it could be correctly fleeted back onto the drum. A grapple operator was positioned in front of the hauler to pull the rope out and then manage rope tension as it was wound back on. Another worker was deployed to sit beside the drum and assist fleeting the bottom layer and a 3rd worker, the hauler driver, had the tail drum engaged, and idling dead slow in 1st gear. The yarder driver was observing the drum and stabilising ram through the cab side window. The rope was being wound slowly onto the drum, and the first layer was half completed when without warning the spear on the stabilising ram snapped. The broken spear shot forward and landed on the workers hand who had been positioned near the drum. The injury was severe requiring four fingers to be amputated Investigation findings Recommendations for TY50 and TY70 tower yarders More >> Source & image credit: New Zealand Forest Industry Safety Council…

Hyne-Pine Gin to celebrate 25 years at Tumbarumba

To celebrate 25 years of Hyne Timber Tumbarumba, the Hyne Group is pleased to launch the Hyne-Pine Gin. In partnership with Tumbarumba founded, Ladbroken Distillery, the Radiata Pine needle infused gin was officially launched with taste testing by Hyne’s local customers and suppliers. Hyne Group Chair, Tom Bruce-Jones hosted the small launch which presented an opportunity to thank those in attendance for their support over the years, especially in light of recent bushfires and ongoing challenges. “It was great to meet some of our local customers, suppliers and builders, and share some current market insights as well as the journey over the years. “Pine infused gin certainly presented some light-hearted fun while acknowledging the importance of supporting locally grown and manufactured timber for our housing construction. I would also like to thank Robbie and Neil Ladbrook, founders of the Ladbroken Distillery, for taking our idea and creating something special to mark this commemorative year.” Mr Bruce-Jones concluded. All those who recall the Tumbarumba Mill site when Hyne purchased it 25 years ago, can attest to the significant investment and growth the Hyne Group has delivered over the years. The initial development of $180million transformed the site into a world-class sawmill with continued improvements to safety, efficiency, technology and quality. Snowy Valleys Mayor, Councillor Julia Ham, acknowledged the contribution of the Hyne Group to the region. “25 years is a significant milestone and the economic value of the Mill to this region cannot be underestimated. From both direct and in-direct employment, manufacture of sustainable, quality products and the support for the community over the years, the contribution is tremendous, not only for Tumbarumba, but the whole of Snowy Valleys Council area and beyond. “The Hyne Community Trust alone has contributed almost $1 million into the community and that doesn’t include all the other donations including timber for various community initiatives.” Councillor Ham said. The commemorative Hyne pine infused gin is available while stocks last and pending demand for future batches. It can be purchased directly from the Ladbroken Distillery in Tumbarumba, 7 Albury Street, or ordered online. Source & image credit: Hyne Timber…

Bioeconomy Innovations 2025/26 Event Summary

The event, combined with our long-standing Wood Residues2Revenues Conference, saw close to 300 delegates take in the latest innovations and technologies for extracting energy and value from wood fibres. This was our largest and most comprehensive conference this year. With over 32 speaker presentations from a range of local experts and overseas innovators, delegates were also full of questions during the 16 Question & Answer Panel sessions over the two days of the conference in Rotorua. Conference delegates were also treated to the launch of a new Government “Wood Energy Strategy and Action Plan” by Hon Simon Watts, Minister for Energy. Coinciding with the two conference was the official launch of the $63 million research factory processing biowaste into chemicals, glues and bioplastics will turbocharge the biotechnology sector when it opens in Rotorua next year. The biofactory will be a commercial-scale facility that will transform low-value wood, food waste and animal products into high-value ingredients, which its promoters say will change industries and create new ones. The factory is to be built on the Rotorua Campus of the Bioeconomy Science Institute. The facility is charged with two main research aims – identifying opportunities in the wood fibre, pulp, biopolymer, packaging and biochemical industries and from their biomass side stream, and increasing New Zealand’s energy security through the use of forest and waste biomass for bioenergy. As demand for sustainable solutions grows, this event serves as a launchpad for innovations that replace petrochemical products with renewable forest resources. Attendees gained access to pioneering research, new technologies, and actionable strategies to lead in this multi-billion-dollar market.…

The Guide to Environmental Forestry 2026

With the New Zealand forestry sector facing a massive regulatory reset and intensifying environmental pressures, the upcoming Environmental Forestry 2026 conference is pivoting away from high-level theory to focus on the immediate, practical needs of forest managers and planners. While previous discussions in the sector have centered on the broad shift toward “applied solutions,” the 2026 event – taking place 23-24 March in Rotorua – is specifically designed to answer the operational question: “What will you bring back to the office from this event?” The programme addresses four critical pillars that are currently defining the future of the industry: 1. Decoding the “Alt-F Reset”: The regulatory landscape is shifting rapidly under the new Government. Keynote speaker James Newman from the Office of the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment (PCE) will provide an essential roadmap of the “Alt-F Reset” report, clarifying how national forestry strategies and compliance requirements will impact operators through 2026 and beyond. 2. Hard data for environmental reporting: Demonstrating environmental performance is no longer optional. Experts from the Bioeconomy Science Institute, including Loretta Garrett and Dean Meason, will share hard science on deep forest soil carbon and “forest flows” – providing the data evidence foresters need to back up their environmental and carbon reporting. 3. Direct lessons from the frontline: The 2026 conference moves beyond general case studies to look at specific, high-stakes scenarios. Industry leaders from Aratu Forests, Summit Forests, and Manulife will share how they are managing transitional forestry, un-harvestable stands, and 30-year stream monitoring projects. 4. Efficiency in protection: With resource-heavy wilding tree and pest management budgets under scrutiny, the event introduces new ROI-focused tools. This includes a post-conference workshop dedicated to the Wilding Tree Risk Calculator, designed to increase the efficiency of environmental management budgets. The full programme can be viewed on the event website. Supporting the next generation: FIEA is also pleased to announce that, with the support of the WIDE Trust, a limited number of complimentary places are available for forestry professionals aged under 35. This initiative ensures that the future workforce is equipped with the latest policy insights and technical tools. Click here for further details. Registration details: The event is supported by Te Uru Rākau – New Zealand Forest Service, NZFOA, and a wide range of technology and research partners.…

Jubilee Sawmill’s renewable energy upgrade – stage one operational

OneFortyOne has reached a significant milestone in its renewable energy investment at the Jubilee Sawmill in Mount Gambier, with phase 1 of its co-generation project completed and the new fuel handling system now successfully operational. The fuel handling system was constructed and started up during the 2025/26 summer shutdown. It is now fully operational transporting waste wood fibre residue to the existing boiler in the steam plant.  This marks the first major step toward the broader A$88 million biomass powered cogeneration system that will enable the site to generate its own renewable electricity. Jubilee Sawmill General Manager Nigel Boyd said the staged delivery model is central to ensuring reliability and long-term operational performance. “Phase 1 was all about getting the fuel handling system commissioned early so we can run it, test it, and refine it well before connecting it to the new boiler,” Nigel said. “Breaking the project into stages avoids commissioning one large system at once. It means major components can be proven before integration, which reduces risk and delivers a more reliable outcome for the sawmill.” OneFortyOne Engineering Manager Andrew White said the new system is a major upgrade of the sawmill’s ageing infrastructure. “We had our old conveyor for about 70 years, and it was approaching the end of its life. The new fuel handling system is safer, more efficient, and has the capacity to store and move significantly larger volumes of wood fibre,” Andrew said. “We can produce fuel faster than we consume it; four days of production gives us seven days of fuel, so the new system essentially acts as a large, flexible storage solution that supports potential growth.” Designed in‑house, the system has been built for the future. “We sized it for where the mill could be in the future, not just for our needs today,” Andrew said. “As log volumes increase, so does the energy required to dry and process them. This system creates a circular energy loop where increased log intake generates residue that becomes renewable fuel powering the sawmill.” OneFortyOne Project Manager Mick Geraghty noted the importance of local businesses working together on the project. “A number of local contractors worked with us to deliver the installation, and they should be proud of the outcome,” Mick said, “It’s a significant piece of infrastructure and an example of the capability we have in the region.” With Phase 1 complete, the project now moves into the main construction stage of the co‑generation plant. Civil works are well underway, including earthworks and site preparation. Major equipment installation will follow. This project marks a major step toward OneFortyOne’s 2030 emissions reduction target, eliminating Scope 2 emissions across its Australian sawmill operations. By converting waste fibre into renewable energy and moving Jubilee off the grid, OneFortyOne will cut emissions while creating a cleaner, self-sufficient site for the future. Source & image credit: OneFortyOne…

Wesbeam’s major manufacturing upgrades at Neerabup

Wesbeam have reached an important milestone in our ongoing manufacturing transformation with the successful commissioning of two advanced processing technologies at our state-of-the-art Neerabup manufacturing facility in Western Australia. Delivered with support from the Australian Government’s Accelerate Adoption of Wood Processing Innovation Grant, under which Wesbeam was awarded $4.486 million, these upgrades have enabled us to invest in advanced automation and smart manufacturing technologies that improve production efficiency, increase log recovery and enhance overall plant output. Green Veneer Composer: Maximising Veneer Recovery A key component of this upgrade program is the installation of our new Green Veneer Composer, supplied by Meinan. Positioned directly beneath the lathe, this fully automated, unmanned system recovers usable veneer segments from the tail ends of peeled ribbons and recomposes them into continuous whole veneer sheets. By recovering and recomposing material that was previously lost in the peeling process, the Green Veneer Composer enables us to maximise log utilisation and efficiently process smaller-diameter logs. This improvement is expected to deliver up to an additional 5,000 cubic metres of veneer annually for downstream drying and laminated veneer lumber (LVL) production, supporting both operational efficiency and sustainable resource use. Log Conditioning Chamber: Improving Hardwood Processing Performance Complementing the Green Veneer Composer is the newly commissioned Log Conditioning Chamber, a specialised pre-processing unit designed to soften hardwood logs before they enter the lathe. Conditioning logs prior to peeling reduces mechanical challenges such as equipment wear, spinouts and core failures – issues traditionally associated with processing certain hardwood species. As a result, the Log Conditioning Chamber improves equipment reliability, reduces maintenance interruptions and extends asset life. This upgrade is forecast to increase veneer yield from difficult-to-process hardwoods by up to 5 per cent, while also enabling us to successfully process a broader range of timber species, strengthening supply flexibility and resource resilience. Supporting Growth in Local LVL Manufacturing Together, the Green Veneer Composer and Log Conditioning Chamber form a key part of our broader strategy to enhance manufacturing capability and reinforce Wesbeam’s position as a world-class, world-scale LVL producer supporting the Australian construction industry. “These strategic investments reinforce our commitment to manufacturing excellence and sustainable local production,” said Kathy Morris, General Manager of Manufacturing at Wesbeam. “By improving material utilisation and plant efficiency, we are expanding the capacity and resilience of Australia’s engineered timber supply chain.” These upgrades build on earlier innovations introduced across our Neerabup facility and were made possible through the Accelerate Adoption of Wood Processing Innovation Grant program, which aims to strengthen productivity, sustainability and competitiveness across Australia’s wood processing sector. More >> Source: Wesbeam…

The global tungsten supply chain crisis

As global industrial sectors face unprecedented shortages, the 2025 tungsten supply chain crisis highlights a critical vulnerability, caused by extreme production concentration and shifting geopolitical policies. This issue was recently highlighted by Stewart Martin, CEO of Checkmate, who said, “Everyone within our specific industry is currently navigating a ‘perfect storm’ in the raw materials market.”  “For the past 12 months, our primary goal at Checkmate has been to insulate our customers from these escalating costs. We have absorbed significant impacts to maintain price stability for the sawmills and manufacturers who depend on us,” said Stewart. Tungsten prices have skyrocketed by over 200%, due to tightening export controls and reduced mining quotas from major global suppliers. Simultaneously, the Cobalt market has transitioned from a surplus to a sharp deficit following significant supply-side interventions. “However, over the last four months, the situation has elevated beyond any level that could have been predicted by historical market cycles,” said Stwart.  The following article explores how recent export restrictions and skyrocketing prices are forcing Western nations to rapidly diversify their sourcing and invest in domestic mining to secure this irreplaceable metal. A strategic overview Ttungsten, the metal of extremes, is essential for everything, from aerospace applications to precision manufacturing. The supply crisis has become a geopolitical flashpoint that exposes fundamental vulnerabilities in Western industrial supply chains. Defining the current market disruption The tungsten market entered unprecedented territory in 2024-2025, characterised by dramatic price volatility and supply discontinuity. This price escalation reflects not merely market dynamics, but structural changes in global supply allocation mechanisms. The magnitude of disruption becomes clear when examining licensing data. U.S. importers received zero tungsten export licenses from China throughout 2025, according to critical industry analysis. This represents a complete severance of the primary supply channel that historically provided the majority of tungsten imports to American manufacturers. Critical infrastructure dependencies on tungsten Modern industrial civilisation relies on tungsten across multiple mission-critical sectors that cannot easily substitute alternative materials. Defense contractors require tungsten for armour-piercing ammunition and aerospace components. Semiconductor manufacturers depend on tungsten interconnects for advanced chip architectures. Precision manufacturing relies on tungsten carbide tooling for automated production systems. More >> Key source: Discovery Alert, with additional commentary from Checkmate.Image credit: Checkmate…

Updated FPInnovations saw design software tool

Sawmills are pushing the limits of sawing systems to maximize production and recovery while trying to maintain acceptable sawing accuracy and uptime. There are a set of calculations based on bite per tooth, the sawdust carrying capacity of the gullets and cutting power that have been used for decades to ensure the tooth design is within a range that results in good sawing performance. However, these calculations are too simple to account for several known factors, such as: To address the above shortcomings, the FPI Saw Design program has been updated to: A common finding in many saw design reviews is that feed speeds are too fast for large depths of cut but could be faster for small depths of cut. Since there are typically few deep cuts, adjusting the feed table can result in more production while avoiding saw reliability problems. The new program provides more realistic calculations to allow mills to maximize saw performance. More >> Source & image credit: FPInnovations…

Biosensors monitoring plant physiology for precision forestry

Dynamic, non-destructive tracking of plant physiology using wearable biosensors was one of the top emerging technologies of 2025. In research published in August 2025, Bioeconomy Science Institute researcher, Dalila Pasquini, co-led the study into monitoring potassium ions in living pine trees. Ion-selective organic electrochemical transistors (IS-OECTs), or biosensors, are miniaturised and much more sensitive to fluctuations of ion concentration than current sensors. This allows continuous detection of subtle changes with minimal damage to the plants. Potassium, the most abundant ion in plants, is important for growth and defence, its variations can be a sign of plant health. Why this research matters? Recognised by the World Economic Forum as one of the Top 10 Emerging Technologies of 2025, autonomous biochemical sensing offers unprecedented insights into plant physiology. For the first time, we can dynamically track a specific ion pattern in vivo  (inserted directly into a living plant) over several weeks. The biosensors are also produced with low-cost manufacturing methods, compared with the current more complex and expensive methods. This innovative and cost-effective solution to plant monitoring has the potential for greater uptake across forestry and other agricultural and horticultural fields. This sensing technology allows for closer monitoring of trees and plants, enabling faster and more accurate decision making about what the plant might need to thrive. This work was led by the Bioeconomy Science Institute and funded by the MBIE Smart Ideas Fund, in collaboration with the University of Cambridge (UK) and Incheon National University (South Korea). Co-first author, Dalila Pasquini, has been supported by the Scion SSIF fund for her postdoctoral fellowship research. Mathias Sorieul, Alan Dickson, Stephanie Davy and Yi Chen contributed to the research. We also acknowledge Michael Watt, Donald White, Priscilla Corbett-Lad, Dean Meason, Graham Coker, Anita Wylie, Matt Dunn and Michael Robertson for their technical assistance and discussions. Read the full article here Source & image credit: Bioeconomy Science Institute…

Report: Across Australia, Eucalypt forests are declining

Across Australia, Eucalypt forests are declining in ways that cannot be fully explained by drought, pests, pathogens, or climate change. A major cause of this decline lies in the long‑term exclusion of regular, low intensity fire, an ecological process that shaped these forests for thousands of years. The absence of regular mild fire has altered soil chemistry, soil physics, root function, mycorrhizal communities, understorey structure, and ultimately crown health. A major challenge is that modern research often begins with hypothesis testing rather than observation. Jurskis (2015) emphasised that observation and thinking must precede hypothesis formation, yet many studies start by testing preconceived ideas. This has led to decades of research focused on symptoms rather than causes, leaving the primary driver of decline overlooked. This document aims to assist researchers and land managers by firstly highlighting well designed Eucalypt decline studies. And secondly by highlighting observation and research evidence to guide new research and land management into Eucalypt decline. And finally by assisting researchers and land managers to avoid overlooking the root cause/ causes of Eucalypt decline. Click here to view full report Historical, indigenous and overseas knowledge Historical observers recognised the link between fire and forest health. In 1890, Howitt described Eucalypt decline following reductions in burning. Traditional Aboriginal fire practitioners, including Victor Steffensen, have long described “upside‑down country, thin on top and thick underneath” and “sick trees with lazy roots on damp soils.” These descriptions align closely with the soil and root dysfunction now documented in a number of scientific studies, some outlined in this review. Globally, similar patterns have emerged wherever fire‑adapted forests have been deprived of regular burning. Fire suppression in North America, Europe, and Asia has produced mesic understorey thickening, nutrient accumulation, mycorrhizal shifts, and widespread decline in fire dependent species. Australia’s experience is part of this broader global phenomenon. Evidence from well-designed decline studies A number of high‑quality studies provide strong evidence that long periods without mild fire fundamentally alter forest soils and tree physiology. Turner et al. (2008) showed that exclusion of fire for up to 39 years leads to increased nitrogen, increased soil carbon, lower pH, and greater aluminium availability. These changes disrupt nutrient balances and impair root function. Restoring forest health The conclusion is clear: chronic Eucalypt decline is fundamentally a soil–root–crown problem driven by long periods without regular mild fire. Restoring forest health requires re‑establishing the ecological processes that sustained these systems for millennia. This means returning to regular, mild, frequent burning at landscape scale, integrating Indigenous fire knowledge, and implementing operational trials that monitor soil, roots, mycorrhizae and crown health. Re‑establishing healthy soil–root–crown function is essential for reversing decline and ensuring the long‑term health of Australia’s fire adapted forests. Read the full report Source & image credit: John O’Donnell…

WoodSolutions launches new Condensation Management in Timber Construction guide

Rising energy efficiency standards have significantly increased insulation and airtightness in modern construction, fundamentally changing how moisture moves through buildings. While better-sealed building envelopes improve performance, they also reduce pathways for water vapour to dissipate, leading to a marked rise in moisture-related issues across Australian buildings. Condensation is therefore a major risk that must be considered early in the design process, regardless of construction material. In response, WoodSolutions – an initiative of industry body Forest & Wood Products Australia, has released a new Technical Design Guide: Condensation Management in Timber Construction. The guide supports best practice for insulation and construction membranes specification to manage the flow of heat, air, and moisture to avoid surface and interstitial condensation in lightweight and mass timber construction. The guide reinforces the fact that timber buildings are durable and high performing when moisture is properly managed. As condensation challenges are not exclusive to timber construction, these same principles apply to many different construction materials. “Most condensation issues arise from design and detailing, rather than the material itself,” said WoodSolutions’ Head of Built Environment Programs, Kevin Peachey. “Effective condensation management relies on informed design, correct specification of insulation and membranes, and a clear understanding of regulatory requirements.” “When done well, these activities support National Construction Code (NCC) compliance, reduces risk and liability across the supply chain, and builds confidence in timber, particularly for mid-rise and multi-residential projects.” The guide explains condensation requirements under the NCC, outlining performance obligations and compliance pathways, including Deemed-to-Satisfy provisions and verification methods, while examining condensation risk across Australia’s four NCC climate zones. Critical contributing factors such as climate control of moisture during construction, the influence of temperature, and key junctions where moisture is likely to gather are also addressed in detail. While condensation is often perceived as a minor issue, a nationwide survey by the Australian Building Codes Board found that more than 40 per cent of new buildings (across all manner of building materials) show evidence of condensation and mould. These moisture-related issues can contribute to mould growth, occupant health concerns and structural deterioration, as well as increased defects, rework and project risk, reinforcing the importance of informed design and appropriate specification for all building materials. Available for free from the WoodSolutions website, this guide has been created to help architects, engineers, builders and specifiers design timber buildings that perform over the long term. By addressing one of the construction industry’s timber specification challenges, it supports confidence in specifying timber products for broad applications, and the delivery of healthier, more durable and resilient buildings.…

New tool to help road managers and industry understand the impact of heavy vehicle assets

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has released Freight PASS, a new online tool designed to help users compare the productivity, asset impact, safety and sustainability trade-offs of different heavy vehicle configurations. The new web app enables users to compare a range of safety, productivity, pavement wear and sustainability outcomes when different vehicle types are used to undertake a particular freight task. Chief Safety and Productivity Officer Matt d’Abbs said the NHVR had invested in the digital tools to support both governments and industry in filling ‘information gaps’. “Managing a heavy vehicle fleet or road asset means balancing competing factors like safety, sustainability and productivity, which is only further complicated when the impacts of different vehicle types are unknown,” Mr d’Abbs said. “Freight PASS can make comparisons across vehicle operating costs, travel time, crash likelihood, climate change impacts, pavement wear and other measures. “For example, it can show the relative benefits of moving from a standard 26m B-double to a 30m PBS A-double, which can reduce trip volumes by about 25% alongside improved safety, health and economic outcomes. “Having merged the new tool with the Pavement Impact Comparison Calculator, this new version of Freight PASS offers better usability and a more comprehensive digital offering for anyone seeking to understand the impact of heavy vehicles.” Rather than focusing on a single trip, Mr d’Abbs also said Freight PASS was designed to allow users to consider the cumulative impacts of freight movements over time. “Trucks generally make the same trip hundreds or thousands of times, so decisions about heavy vehicle operations and network impacts are best focused on the overall freight task, rather than single journeys,” he said. “Freight PASS enables a clearer understanding of how vehicle choice can influence long-term safety risk, environmental impact and economic productivity.” For road managers, the tool will offer greater road asset and vehicle insights, including the relative pavement wear and emissions benefits of an electric heavy vehicle compared to a diesel counterpart. Road managers can use Freight PASS to modify vehicle details, such as axle groups, mass distribution and tyre dimensions, to allow for clear comparisons between configurations. For industry, the tool can help operators fill information gaps, so they can identify vehicle designs better aligned with road manager considerations before applying for an access permit or expanding their fleet. Mr d’Abbs said the NHVR hoped Freight PASS would assist government and industry as the heavy vehicle landscape moved beyond traditional vehicle designs. “Using the tool can help with understanding how fewer vehicles carrying a greater amount of freight may have positive environmental and safety outcomes,” he said. “Developed under the NHVR’s Heavy Vehicle Productivity Plan 2025–2030, Freight PASS can support a forward-focused industry by allowing greater visibility of productivity, safety and sustainability metrics. “Our productivity offerings in NHVR Go are designed to equip stakeholders with more information and to assist decision making.” Freight PASS is free to use and can be accessed via the digital hub, NHVR Go.…

NEFD 2025: What it means for the forestry sector in NZ

The Ministry for Primary Industries’ (MPI) National Exotic Forest Description 2025 (NEFD) provides the latest snapshot of New Zealand’s plantation forest estate and confirms that the resource continues to expand and mature. Net stocked area increased to 1.82 million hectares, up 1.4% from 2024, while standing timber volume rose to 572 million cubic metres, a 2.0% increase over the year. The average age of the radiata pine estate also increased, from 17.7 to 18.2 years, indicating a gradually older and more heavily stocked forest estate. The age-class structure remains uneven, reflecting planting trends over past decades. A large concentration of forests sits in the 22–31 year age range, driven by the major planting boom of the 1990s. Although some of these forests have already been harvested, the bulge is still evident. In contrast, younger mid-rotation forests are under-represented because planting slowed significantly after the 1990s, which continues to influence future wood supply projections. The area of harvest-ready radiata pine aged 26–40 years increased by 8.3% to 466,000 hectares, now accounting for 28% of the national plantation estate. Regional differences are substantial. The Southern North Island and Canterbury have the highest proportions of mature forests at around 48% and 47%, respectively, while Hawke’s Bay and the Central North Island sit at the lower end, with 17% and 22% in this age class Normally, rising harvest-ready area would translate into larger harvest volumes. However, weak export markets in recent years have constrained harvesting activity, resulting in a build-up of mature forests. Earlier MPI wood availability projections suggested harvest volumes could decline from the late 2020s through to around 2040 due to a shortage of mid-rotation forests. Given current maturity levels and subdued harvesting, this scenario now looks less likely nationally, although some regions — particularly Hawke’s Bay — may still face longer-term supply constraints.…

The Netherlands’ new housing project showcases LVL modular construction

Metsä Wood’s Kerto LVL has played a significant role in the Netherlands’ first large-scale modular construction project, where the load-bearing structure has been built entirely from LVL. The five-storey residential complex in Almere, delivers 103 homes using an industrialised modular construction system developed by housing corporation De Alliantie and constructor Koopmans Bouwgroep. The project demonstrates how modular LVL construction can accelerate building delivery and reduce environmental impact while addressing construction sector challenges including longer timelines, labour constraints and the need to reduce carbon emissions. Industrial efficiency meets scalabilityXylino is constructed from 436 prefabricated wooden modules manufactured by geWOONhout, each arriving on site with integrated technical systems. Installation teams place eight to twelve modules per day, completing three to four apartments simultaneously, with an entire residential block reaching completion in approximately four weeks. The system’s scalability is enabled through digital design integration, where every component has a digital twin accessible via QR code, ensuring manufacturing consistency while allowing flexibility in layout and housing typologies. Resource-efficiency and structural performanceKerto LVL was selected for its superior strength-to-weight ratio and dimensional precision. The material is up to 50 percent more resource-efficient than comparable mass timber products while delivering equivalent performance, reducing transportation emissions and on-site material handling requirements.  The project utilises different Kerto LVL products optimised for specific applications: Kerto LVL S-beams measuring 5.2 metres for floors and roofs, shorter 2.9-metre S-beams for studs and rim beams, and Kerto LVL Q-panels extending 5.05 metres for floor surfaces. Load-bearing stability walls employ 100-millimetre reglued Q-panels at 3.3 metres. CNC machining maintains tolerances within 0.5 millimetres, ensuring precision installation and minimising waste. Kerto LVL’s listing in Category 1 of the Dutch National Environmental Database provides verified lifecycle assessment data that simplifies compliance with Dutch sustainable building regulations and supports transparent environmental reporting. Performance, comfort and circularityXylino meets rigorous standards for acoustic comfort, fire safety and durability, achieving R120 protection and 120 minutes of structural fire resistance. Acoustic decoupling between modules and additional mass in floors deliver residential performance thresholds.Environmental considerations extend across the building lifecycle. Lighter foundations reduce transportation impacts, and modules are designed for disassembly and material recovery. The completed buildings feature solar panels, high-performance insulation and rainwater harvesting systems, with low-carbon concrete deployed only where necessary. Ready for replicationXylino demonstrates that modular LVL construction can deliver affordable, high-quality housing at scale. Metsä Wood continues to expand Kerto LVL material supply and technical support across the Netherlands and Belgium to support the growing demand for industrialised timber construction. As Bas Broeke, Project Manager at Koopmans Bouwgroep, observed: “This system is ready to be repeated. The way it works here means we can apply it in many more places.” Aafke Van der Werf, Director of geWOONhout, emphasises the project’s design ambitions: “The best thing about Xylino is that you can’t tell from the outside that it was built using industrialised methods. To me, that proves that architectural freedom and modular construction can go hand in hand.”…

Safetree NZ – It’s time to focus on the soft tissue issue

Soft tissue injuries are quietly becoming one of forestry’s biggest safety problems. New FISC work on ACC data shows that sprains, strains, and similar injuries consistently account for more than half of all ACC forestry claims requiring more than five days off work. ACC defines soft tissue injuries as damage to muscles, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, nerves or other soft tissue – think torn ligaments, muscle strains, whiplash or repetitive strain injuries. While the total number of soft tissue claims peaked in 2021, they’re consistently claiming a bigger slice of all forestry injuries:< “Soft tissue injuries have been falling less quickly than other claim types,” says FISC chief executive Joe Akari. “That makes them a sticking point – and an area the industry needs to focus on. Fewer severe injuries mean fewer ACC claims, and that’s better for everyone.” The cost trend is moving the wrong way too. The average soft tissue claim cost has jumped 50% in just five years: And last year alone, for forestry ACC received: That means more than half of all serious time-loss forestry injuries are soft tissue injuries. “The next step is understanding what’s causing them,” Akari says. “Once we pinpoint the drivers, we can start reducing them — and we’ll share more as we work through the data.” Source & chart credit: Safetree…

Tigercat drum chipper to debut

The new Tigercat 6440 is a heavy-duty drum chipper designed for high production and ease of operation. The high horsepower engine uses a through-drive and belt system where the rotor drive belt is driven off the motor using a flex drive coupling and drive adapter. The engine base extends and retracts to engage or disengage the drive belts, eliminating the need for a clutch. The discharge chute is on a low 25° angle to allow for high volume output without the need for a chip accelerator. An optional chip accelerator is available for microchip applications. The discharge end chute pivots side to side, and up and down. Discharge end outrigger cylinders provide 620 mm (24.5 in) of stroke to adjust the height. Infeed outriggers provide 355 mm (14 in) of stroke to stabilize the machine. The standard chip rotor consists of eight staggered knives, and the optional microchip rotor has sixteen knives. Chip pockets are lined with replaceable wear plates. An easily accessible platform and large pivoting rotor hood provide for a comfortable work area when changing knives. A large storage box located nearby holds tools and replacement knives. The front belt cover may be removed in three separate pieces. The side access door on the middle cover allows for belt inspection and tensioning. A sonic belt tensioner is supplied with the 6440. Access doors located at the bottom feed roll, infeed head pulley, side doors, and top slide plate allow for effective debris clearing. Platforms and steps are located around the machine at maintenance and service point areas to access engine air filters, hydraulic oil filters, and the fuel fill. A centralized service area in the centre of the machine provides access to hydraulics, electrical components, and engine filters.…

Forest industry could restore degraded soils and strengthen global food security

Soil depletion has become one of the most serious global threats to food security. Forest industry side streams provide raw material for strengthening the soil resilience and microbiome. UNESCO and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations have warned that a significant portion of the world’s farmland could lose its productivity. According to a UN report, approximately 15 million square kilometres of soil have already been degraded, and the degraded area is estimated to be growing by one million square kilometres per year. This looming catastrophe is lowering not only the crop volumes but also the nutritional quality of our food. The areas most affected by soil degradation are the ones where long-term soil erosion and overly intense usage are putting pressure on agricultural land. Microbes are the soil maintenance team According to Adjunct Professor and microbiology expert Elias Hakalehto, soil degradation is the result of decades of erosion, climate stress, soil structure degradation, and excessive use of free salts adding mineral fertilisers.…

New Australian Log Haulage Manual & resources are available

ForestWorks is pleased to announce the completion of the new Log Haulage Manual for the Forestry Log Haulage Code of Practice and a companion suite of educational training videos. These resources provide concise, practical guidance to support safer log transport and is available through the ForestWorks website. The Log Haulage Manual for the Code of Practice is a clear, practical reference for drivers, contractors, supervisors and managers involved in hauling logs. The manual explains how safety duties under the Heavy Vehicle National Law and Workplace Health and Safety legislation apply to everyday forestry operations. It focuses on the areas that matter most to risk reduction, including load restraint, vehicle condition, forest road driving, site communication, and worker fitness for duty. Three educational training videos are available: More >> Source: ForestWorks…

BioCarbon secures first commercial biochar steelmaking project

BioCarbon is pleased to announce it has been awarded $4.8 million in funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) to support the development of its first commercial-scale project in Bulahdelah, NSW. The funding represents a major milestone in BioCarbon’s transition from pilot operations to industrial-scale production and supports the replacement of traditional, high-emission metallurgical coke with high-performance, net-zero GreenChar® in steelmaking. The Bulahdelah facility will produce renewable carbon products for use as charge carbon in Electric Arc Furnace steelmaking, providing a practical pathway to reduce emissions in existing steel operations. The project is supported under ARENA’s National Industrial Transformation Program and aligns with national efforts to accelerate the transition to low emissions metals. Proving a Pathway to Green Steel While the majority of the plant’s output will be allocated to primary operations, BioCarbon has confirmed that a dedicated portion of production will be made available to selected industry partners for exclusive trials. This will enable steelmakers and metallurgical operators to validate the performance of GreenChar within their own facilities, supporting future supply partnerships and broader adoption. The project builds on several years of technology development and validation, scaling BioCarbon’s proprietary pyrolysis and consolidation processes into a commercial facility capable of continuous operation. Breaking the green premium in biochar steelmaking A key objective of the project is to demonstrate that renewable carbon can be supplied at cost parity with traditional metallurgical coke. Historically, the so-called green premium has been a major barrier to industrial decarbonisation. BioCarbon’s engineering advances in pyrolysis and consolidation allow GreenChar to deliver a net-zero carbon profile at the same cost in use as fossil-based coke. This removes economic risk for steelmakers, enabling emissions reduction without increasing operational expenditure. Proven performance at industrial scale The commercial development follows years of rigorous research, development and industrial validation. BioCarbon’s technology has already been proven at scale, with GreenChar successfully replacing 100 percent of charge coke in Electric Arc Furnaces during trials that produced approximately 3,000 tonnes of steel. These trials demonstrated that GreenChar is a high-performance, drop-in replacement that maintains metallurgical integrity without requiring significant plant modifications. These achievements have earned BioCarbon significant global and domestic recognition, including selection in the XPRIZE Carbon Removal Top 100 and being named among the Tech23 cohort, Australia’s leading awards program for deep-tech innovators. More >> Source & image credit: BioCarbon…

Forests are changing fast and scientists are deeply concerned

A sweeping global study warns that forests are becoming dominated by fast-growing trees, while slow-growing species that stabilize ecosystems are fading away. This shift could leave forests less diverse, less resilient, and less capable of protecting the planet from climate change. Trees are essential to life on Earth. They absorb and store CO2, support animals, fungi, and insects, hold soil in place, manage water cycles, and provide people with vital resources such as wood, food, and cooling shade during hot weather. Despite their importance, forests around the world are undergoing a major shift. New research shows that many forest ecosystems are becoming more uniform, losing biodiversity, and growing less resilient. These findings come from a large international study published in the journal Nature Plants. By examining more than 31,000 tree species across the globe, scientists were able to map how forests are likely to change in the coming decades. Their analysis focused on shifts in species makeup, long-term stability, and how forests function as ecosystems. More >> Source: ScienceDaily…

Wildfire research focuses on beech forests

New research is putting the litter bed flammability of New Zealand’s beech forests under the microscope. The Bioeconomy Science Institute Maiangi Taiao’s extreme wildfire research team and Lincoln University academic staff are jointly supervising student Georgia Stevenson, who is conducting ignition experiments in Canterbury beech forests between now and April as part of her PhD. These experiments – the first to examine litter flammability and conduct field-based ignition tests in any native forest type in NZ – are taking place at two locations near Craigieburn. The tests are small in scale, with flames only allowed to spread for 30cm before being extinguished. Through these experiments, Georgia will evaluate the thresholds at which beech forests can ignite and spread. Her main aim is to identify the conditions under which litter beds will ignite and develop into self-sustained wildfires in mountain or black beech forests in the region. “It’s essential to understand litter flammability for effective fire management,” Georgia says. “Results from this research aim to help the prediction and management of wildfires in these forests.” The timing of the experiments is weather-dependent but they will run on up to 15 days throughout the planned timeframe. Georgia has Department of Conservation authorisation to do the research. Seven attempts at ignition have been made so far, over two burn days. “Most of these haven’t succeeded,” Georgia says. “The litter has been too damp, and we’re hoping for drier and warmer conditions so we can conduct tests until we get a self-sustaining ignition. Bioeconomy Science Institute fire ecologist Shana Gross says wildfires in these forests present a significant challenge for conservation and the management of landscape fire risk. “Several significant wildfires have impacted native beech rainforests in NZ over the past decade. “New Zealand forests are not considered very flammable because they’re often too wet to burn. However, everything can burn when conditions align, as we saw in the 2024 Bridge Hill fire that burned a significant amount of beech forest in the Craigieburn area. Georgia’s research is helping identify the conditions under which a native forest no longer acts as a fire break – and where we would lose these important ecosystems. “In NZ, the fuel moisture conditions we use as part of the fire weather warning system were developed for pine forests,” Shana says. “Georgia’s research is an important step in helping us understand how these fuel moisture conditions relate to the fire hazard in NZ’s beech forests.” Georgia’s experiments are part of and funded by a larger Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment project aimed at better understanding when native forests will ignite and when fires will escalate into extreme wildfires. The Brian Mason Scientific and Technical Trust has also contributed funding to Georgia’s project. Strict safety protocols will be in place for all experiments. These include keeping the ignition tests at a small scale and always having a team of firefighters and their equipment on hand. Source & image credit: NZ Institute for Bioeconomy Science…

Vineyard Post Reuse Pilot launch – towards timber circularity

A groundbreaking pilot project to reuse vineyard trellis posts has been launched in South Australia, marking a significant step towards advancing a circular economy for treated timber. Together with Forest & Wood Products Australia (FWPA) and Wine Australia, the National Centre for Timber Durability and Design Life (NCTDDL) launched its Vineyard Post Reuse Pilot as part of the Timber Circularity Project in McLaren Vale on Monday 17 February. The pilot is a practical trial testing how end-of-life treated vineyard posts can be recovered, processed and reused in a commercially and environmentally viable way. The launch marks an important milestone in the ongoing collaboration between key partners Wine Australia, Forest and Wood Products Australia (FWPA), the Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA), and the University of the Sunshine Coast. Professor Tripti Singh, Director of the NCTDDL, emphasised the importance of collaboration. “Together with our partners in both the forestry and viticulture sectors, we are developing practical pathways for the reuse of treated posts and other end-of-life timber products, demonstrating what collaboration across sectors, in research, industry and government can achieve,” Professor Singh said. “There will not be one single recovery solution for posts. A diverse range of options from small mobile solutions to large scale technologies will be required to ensure a shift towards a net positive future,” Professor Singh added. The pilot builds on extensive groundwork undertaken through the Timber Circularity Project, including mapping the volume and condition of unused wood resources, assessing national regulations and logistics challenges, and evaluating potential recovery solutions. Seeking solutions for problematic waste With additional funding from the SA Department of Primary Industries and Regions, as part of the South Australian Wine Recovery Program, the FABAL Group will undertake the pilot which features a mobile processing unit that removes fasteners such as clips, staples, and nails, then cuts the posts to size using a guillotine. This process avoids hazardous sawdust and prepares the posts for reuse as agricultural fencing or landscape timber. Ashley Keegan, CEO of the FABAL Group, highlighted the practical benefits of the pilot. “Our goal is to convert a problematic vineyard waste stream into a product that others are willing to confidently use,” Mr. Keegan said. The bigger picture Preservative-treated timber and engineered wood products play a critical role in storing carbon and supporting a renewable construction future. Ensuring these products have clear and viable end-of-life pathways is essential to strengthening timber circularity. The re-use of CCA treated vineyard posts also has the potential to save the wine industry up to $3000 per hectare in disposal costs. Professor Singh highlighted the extensive groundwork that has enabled the pilot to move forward and the importance of testing practical solutions. The pilot is one of several being planned to test other options in locations around Australia. More >> Source & image credit: FWPA…

Timber labelling supported by vast majority of Australians

More than nine out of 10 Australians want improved Country of Origin labelling on timber products, according to a new national survey, conducted by Choice. The Choice survey found nearly all of the 7,200 people surveyed said labelling information would sway their buying behaviour, reinforcing AFPA’s calls to introduce Country of Origin Labelling to ensure consumers can easily identify and purchase Australian-grown timber. AFPA Chief Executive Officer Diana Hallam said: “We welcome and applaud the latest Choice findings on timber labelling, as this compelling evidence supports and endorses what we hear every day from the building and construction sector, as well as everyday Australians. “Country of Origin labelling is an important reform that allows consumers to choose to buy Australian timber and better understand the potential environmental and sourcing implications of imported wood. With a growing amount of dubious, imported timber products flooding the Australian marketplace, including from China, it’s critical consumers can compare and consider the origins of timber products.” As part of AFPA’s Federal election platform last year, AFPA called on the Federal Government to introduce Country of Origin Labelling to allow consumers to choose locally-grown timber. “By providing easy-to-understand Country of Origin labelling, consumers can choose climate-friendly, sustainably produced and Australian-grown timber,” Ms Hallam said. “Importantly, a number of Australia’s softwood manufacturers are voluntarily labelling their products to show it is Australian, meets Australian Standards and has been manufactured in Australia. “This is vital, as a 2025 report from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), showed while examples of Australian-grown timber were correctly labelled, 63 per cent of import samples carried private certifications.” Around 50 per cent of Australia’s imported timber also failed traceability testing, according to the Source Certain report, produced for DAFF. Other statistics show Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) imports totalled 205,343 cubic metres for the year-ended October 2025, up 63% on the prior year. Source: Australian Forest Products Association…

AI-powered robot vehicles team up to fight fires

Fighting fires could be done remotely, without the need to place firefighting crews directly in potentially dangerous situations. Collaborative teams of artificial intelligence-powered robots, with extinguishing equipment on board, has had success in initial soft trials. Led by Cyborg Dynamics Engineering with Griffith University and funded by Queensland Defence Science Alliance (QDSA), the team demonstrated the technology in both simulated and hybrid simulation-physical demonstrations using an unmanned ground vehicle (UGV), simulating real fires for a team of up to five robots to extinguish. In the trial, the UGV successfully navigated around physical obstacles and teamed up with its simulated robot team members to locate and work together to extinguish multiple simulated fires. Dr Zhe Hou, project Lead Chief Investigator from Griffith University’sSchool of Information and Communication Technology, said the results demonstrated a 99.67 per cent success rate in navigating and extinguishing two fires, suggesting its strong potential for real-world deployment. “We demonstrated that multiple real and simulated UGVs, trained through a structured three-stage AI learning curriculum, could learn to perform both low-level navigation and high-level collaborative tasks,” Dr Hou said.“This confirms the operational potential of our approach for practical case studies such as autonomous navigation and firefighting.” The research team adopted an artificial intelligence (AI) technique called multi-agent reinforcement learning (MARL) to build neural-network-based AI ‘agents’ trained through a custom-designed curriculum, progressing from simple tasks such as single-robot navigation, to multi-robot navigation around obstacles, then finally to completing a complex firefighting scenario involving multiple robots and fires with obstacles. The team said the ability of the robots to self-organise and allocate tasks autonomously – such as splitting into teams to handle multiple fire outbreaks – reduced the cognitive load on human operators, offering increased safety and operational efficiency in emergency situations. “We have developed the control systems for firefighting UGVs that are currently deployed on mine sites across Australia,” Cyborg Dynamics Engineering General Manager Ryan Marple said.“These units are remotely controlled by a human, a bit like an RC car.“They have been an extremely effective measure in removing human firefighters from dangerous situations and enabling high-value assets to be saved from fires. By ingesting data from a wide variety of sensors, these systems can make decisions quickly, which just isn’t possible by the very limited situational awareness of a human looking at a screen. Looking ahead, the research team envisioned further advancements in both the design of neural networks and sim-to-real transfer methodologies.Future work would also explore the adoption of the developed AI technique on other autonomous systems, such as autonomous underwater vehicles and unmanned aerial vehicles, or even a hybrid team of different types of vehicles. The study ‘Multi-agent reinforcement curriculum learning for real unmanned ground vehicles’ has been published in Engineering Applications for Artificial Intelligence. More >> Source & image credit: Griffith University…

SA’s $400k investment to boost regional forestry training

The South Australian Forest Products Association (SAFPA) has warmly welcomed the State Government’s commitment of A$400,000 in funding to support the completion of LITA’s new training base, a significant investment in securing the future of skills development and long-term industry capability across the Limestone Coast. This funding recognises the critical and enduring role LITA plays not only in supporting the forest industries, but in delivering essential skills training that underpins all primary industries, trades, emergency services, First Nations groups, community busdriversand many other regional occupations. Completion of the new training base will deliver modern, fit-for-purpose facilities that reflects contemporary industry needs and emerging technologies. It will also improve access to vocational pathways for young people and career changers in regional areas, helping retain talent locally while strengthening the long-term economic resilience of the region. SAFPA Chief Executive Officer Nathan Paine said the Government’s decision demonstrates a strong understanding of the interconnected nature of regional industries, the significance of the forest industries to the state and the importance of investing indelivering skills infrastructure in the region. “Alongside investments in TAFE, the new Technical College, the Forestry Centre of Excellence and Tree Breeding Australia, the funding reflects a strong and consistent commitment to education, training, research and development in Mount Gambier and the future of the Limestone Coast,” said Mr Paine.“This commitment shows strong recognition that training capability is not just a forest industries issue, it is a community and regional development priority,” Mr Paine said. “LITA plays a vital role in preparing the workforce that supports forestry, farming, logistics, domestic manufacturing, emergency services and a wide range ofother community operations. Investing in LITA’s facilities is an investment in South Australia’s long-term productivity and regional prosperity.” The funding will help ensure the permanent training base is completed to a standard that meets both current and future needs, enabling LITA to continue delivering high-quality, hands-on education aligned with industry expectations and safety standards. Since the early 1990s, LITA has been a cornerstone of practical, industry-aligned training, equipping apprentices, trainees and existing workers with the skills required to operate safely, productively and sustainably. While its contribution to the forest industries has been significant, its impact extends well beyond a single sector. Without LITA’s presence in theSouth East, people seeking this training would be required to travel to Adelaide,or even as far as Port Lincoln,to access training that is currently delivered locally.The training delivered through LITA underpins workforce capability across the broader Limestone Coast economy and community. SAFPA congratulates the State Government, and in particular Minister for Forest Industries, The Hon Clare Scriven, forher support for LITA Training, which will deliverpositive outcomes for students,employers and regional communities alike. Source & image credit: SAFPA…

Does forest thinning in Australia reduce fire risk?

In the aftermath of Australia’s “Black Summer” bushfires of 2019–20, few policy questions have proved as persistent as how, exactly, to live with fire on a warming continent. Governments promise resilience. Communities demand safety. And industries facing declining markets look for new purposes. Out of this mix has emerged an unlikely battleground: the thinning of native forests. Mechanical thinning — the selective removal of trees to reduce stand density — has long been a conventional forestry practice. What is new is its political repositioning. In Victoria and Western Australia, where governments have largely halted native forest logging, industry advocates now present thinning as a public-interest service: a tool to reduce fuel loads, moderate fire behavior, and protect towns. Critics counter that the same activity, carried out at scale, risks becoming logging by another name. A recent perspective paper in Biological Conservation, Ecological trade-offs of mechanical thinning in temperate forests, provides a useful anchor for the debate. Its authors, including David Lindenmayer and colleagues, do not dismiss thinning outright. Instead they catalog a series of trade-offs that are often underplayed in policy discussions: impacts on biodiversity, carbon storage, hydrology, soils, and even fire dynamics themselves. Mechanical thinning, they note, can reduce competition among trees and sometimes lower canopy fuel loads. But it may also increase wind speeds near the ground, promote the growth of flammable understory vegetation, and release stored carbon — effects that can alter fire behavior in ways that are difficult to predict. More >>…

Solving the case of the missing carbon

Robust, time-sequenced calculations of carbon in different landscapes across Aotearoa are essential to support sensible conclusions about future national carbon inventory goals and commitments. Back in 2002, to establish a baseline, a nationally representative forest inventory plot network (the Land Use and Carbon Analysis System, LUCAS) was created by the Ministry for the Environment, to measure forest biomass and carbon storage. This national forest inventory consists of over 1,000 permanent measurement plots on an 8 km grid across Aotearoa’s pre-1990 natural forest and shrublands, including indigenous tall forest on or near public conservation land. The plot network is augmented and backed by increasingly sophisticated satellite data on land-cover, but nothing beats on-the-ground fieldwork. By 2017, when the plots were re-measured, no overall national change was detected in carbon storage in forests, but subsequent more detailed analyses suggested a decline in carbon in the widespread indigenous kāmahi-podocarp forest type. Such loss of carbon, if continued over the long-term, could have major implications for New Zealand’s carbon balance. In kāmahi-podocarp forests, many canopy tree species are browsed by non-native mammals. Because of this, it was suggested at the time that controlling browsing mammalian herbivores, particularly deer, goats and brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula), might reverse biomass declines in these forest classes and increase carbon storage. But were possums and other browsers really the culprits? Could browser control benefit carbon storage? Enter the carbon detectives from the Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research Group, armed with world-leading expertise in landscape ecology and data interpretation, large rolls of fencing wire, and a lot of patience. Their work had two complementary aspects: desk-based number crunching, and more of the all-important fieldwork. For the former, Manaaki Whenua’s researchers undertook a comprehensive re-analysis of the plot network data for the Department of Conservation. Completed in 2025, the analysis showed that in fact, there was no large-scale effect of herbivore-driven carbon declines in indigenous tall forest on public conservation land. Effects were slight, but not major, partly because deer, goats and possums browse their preferred foods but avoid other plants, so a well-established, mixed forest type can stand up well to browsing and no overall decline is noted. Overall, the re-analysis showed that there was virtually no change in carbon stocks in living plant stems across all plots nationwide (the actual average change across the whole country was -0.0005 milligrams of carbon per hectare per year). More >> Source & image credit: Bioeconomy Science Institute (BSI)…

Understanding real-world driver behaviour

Every day, thousands of professional drivers navigate New Zealand’s roads, delivering goods, keeping communities connected, and carrying the nation’s economy forward. Behind the wheel, however driver fatigue and distraction remain silent risks with the potential for devastating consequences. AutoSense has released it’s inaugural Guardian Insights Report for New Zealand, covering the 12-month period from 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025. AutoSense is proud to be New Zealand’s exclusive distributor of Guardian by Seeing Machines. This report draws on human-verified data from 5,945 vehicles equipped with Guardian technology, operating across 864 fleets and travelling over 442 million kilometres during this period — offering an unprecedented view of real-world driver behaviour across the country. For the year to 30 June 2025, Guardian technology captured 983,750 risky driving events across New Zealand This report is designed to support fleet operators and industry leaders in identifying, understanding, and managing the risks associated with driver fatigue and distraction. By highlighting key trends from Guardian’s in-cab technology, the insights in this report aim to inform better decisionmaking and guide targeted strategies that are essential to reducing preventable incidents and improving long-term safety outcomes. AutoSense CEO Charles Dawson said, “We believe data-driven insights are vital to improving road safety. This report reflects our continued commitment to providing the commercial fleet sector with practical intelligence and tools that support safer driving practices.” Educating drivers about the dangers of fatigue and distraction is critical to enhancing road safety.…

The Patchell Group expands options through Australian joint venture

With decades of experience designing and building transport solutions for New Zealand conditions, The Patchell Group continues to focus on what it does best — producing robust, New Zealand-built trailers engineered to last. The Patchell Group has always been at the forefront of design and technology but recognises the benefits of aligning with other like-minded companies to be able to offer products that suit a range of transport solutions, which is why the Patchell Group has entered into a joint venture with respected Victorian manufacturer Kennedy Trailers, a long-established Australian company, to provide access to specialised forestry equipment where it makes sense for local operators. Kennedy Trailers, a family owned and operated business; pride themselves on custom transport solutions with over 40 years’ experience in the manufacturing of logging, mining and heavy transport equipment. Garry Kennedy started in 1980 as a mobile welding contractor servicing logging operations through the manufacture and repair of machinery and log jinkers. Garry’s focus and passion was always trucks and log jinkers, and the business progressed from repairs to design and manufacture of its own purpose built equipment. Over the decades, Kennedy Trailers has developed and produced a wide range of custom log and folding trailers for forestry and heavy haulage applications, with more than twenty different trailer configurations built since its first log trailer entered service. CEO, Garry Kennedy, says they are very excited to be involved with this joint venture with the Patchell Group in New Zealand to offer trusted solutions for the New Zealand market. This partnership brings together Kennedy Trailers’ proven Australian engineering and manufacturing expertise with Patchell’s strong local knowledge and established reputation in New Zealand. By working collaboratively, we are confident we can deliver innovative, high-quality folding log trailers that are purpose-built for local conditions and provide long-term value to New Zealand operators. Patchell brings more than 50 years of experience in the manufacture and supply of forestry equipment, with products that have operated successfully in New Zealand conditions over many years. Patchell will continue to design, build, and sell its own range of Patchell-branded products. Through the joint venture Patchell will offer Kennedy Trailer products, such as the specialised folding trailer design incorporating proven Kennedy technology and reliability into Patchell designed and manufactured trailers that meet the tare and operational requirements unique to the NZ log transport task. While there have been some similar options tried in the past in NZ, traditionally they may not have suited New Zealand applications. Changing operating environments and customer requirements mean there may now be new opportunities for some local users. By working with an established manufacturer rather than duplicating proven designs, The Patchell Group aims to ensure customers have access to the most appropriate equipment — supported locally by a team that understands New Zealand conditions and long-term performance requirements. Brent Whibley, Patchell CEO says “Our industry is evolving, and operators and forest owners are looking for smarter, more efficient ways to do business.  This partnership allows us to introduce a proven solution to the New Zealand market, backed by local support and engineering.  We believe it represents a meaningful step forward in lifting productivity and performance in some specific need areas”.…

Environmental forestry: Case studies to applied solutions

Environmental forestry is no longer a niche discussion. Across Australasia, forest managers are grappling with increasingly complex challenges — from pest incursions and biodiversity protection to wildfire risk and climate-driven extremes. One of the most encouraging developments is the growing emphasis on practical, applied solutions, shared openly through real-world case studies. In recent years, forestry professionals across New Zealand and Australia have been demonstrating how innovation, collaboration, and technology are reshaping environmental outcomes on the ground. Technology adoption has been a consistent theme. The use of remote sensing, GIS mapping, and drone surveillance is enabling more precise monitoring of forest health, pest activity, and post-harvest recovery. In one New Zealand example, drone-based surveys following harvesting led to a 30% reduction in replanting costs, while also improving seedling survival rates — a clear win for both economics and environmental performance. Equally important are the collaborative approaches emerging across the sector. Community-led reforestation projects involving industry, local government, and indigenous groups are restoring degraded landscapes while strengthening cultural connections and creating regional employment. Riparian restoration initiatives, in particular, are delivering measurable improvements in water quality and biodiversity. What ties these examples together is a clear shift in mindset: environmental forestry is increasingly about shared knowledge, applied learning, and scalable solutions. The sector is moving beyond theory and towards implementation — supported by better data, stronger partnerships, and a willingness to adapt. These themes will continue to shape industry discussions throughout 2026, as forestry professionals look for proven strategies to build resilience while meeting environmental and commercial expectation Several of these approaches will be discussed in more depth at Environmental Forestry 2026 (23-24 March 2026, Rotorua, New Zealand), where recent case studies and applied outcomes from across the region will be shared. Early bird registrations for the event close today, Friday 30 January.…

Well-managed forests essential for long-term climate

Forests, when well-managed, are critical to Australia meeting its emissions reduction targets, according to a new evidence review released today by Forestry Australia. The Forest Carbon Balance Evidence Review brings together the latest science on forest carbon dynamics, demonstrating that sustainable forest management plays a vital role in carbon sequestration, emissions reduction, and climate resilience. Click HERE to view the Evidence Review The Review confirms that forests are one of Australia’s most important natural resources for capturing and storing carbon. Actively growing forests absorb carbon at higher rates, while large trees store carbon at forest sites. Yet forest carbon is not static. As forests age, carbon stocks can decline through natural mortality and disturbance events, particularly bushfires. It also highlights that accurately estimating forest carbon is complex and requires a full life-cycle analysis. This includes accounting for on-site carbon stocks, emissions from management, transport, and processing, carbon stored in wood products, and the substitution benefits gained when timber replaces more emissions-intensive materials such as steel and concrete. “Forests are dynamic systems, not permanent carbon vaults,” Dr Michelle Freeman, President of Forestry Australia, said. “How forests are managed over time significantly influences whether they are carbon positive, neutral, or negative.” Importantly, sustainable use of forest resources delivers additional climate benefits through long-term carbon storage in wood products and by enabling bioeconomies based on renewable biomass. Substituting timber for steel and concrete can reduce embodied carbon by up to 75 per cent. The Review also underscores the significant role of wildfire in driving Australia’s forest emissions. The 2019–20 bushfires alone accounted for approximately 35 per cent of Australia’s total greenhouse gas emissions in 2020. Strategic fuel-reduction burning and silvicultural practices, such as thinning, can reduce carbon losses from high-risk wildfires while improving forest resilience to drought and climate change. While protecting carbon-dense forests is important, the Review found that forest reservation alone does not necessarily deliver greater carbon mitigation outcomes than sustainable active management in many Australian forest types. Increasing risks from climate change, wildfire, and widespread tree mortality mean that unmanaged forests can become a significant source of carbon emissions. It also highlights the risk of emissions “leakage” if domestic timber production declines, and whilst an increased reliance on imported wood products may improve Australia’s reported emissions on paper, it reveals that “reductions in local timber production may cause significant leakage from Australia to other countries, potentially in the order of 70%.” “The evidence is clear,” Dr Freeman said. “Well-managed forests are essential to delivering genuine, long-term climate benefits for Australia.”…

WoodTECH 2026 programmes released and registrations open

The Forest Industry Engineering Association (FIEA) have officially unveiled the full programmes for WoodTECH 2026, the Southern Hemisphere’s premier event for sawmilling and wood processing innovation. With the release of two distinct agendas tailored for the New Zealand and Australian markets, registrations are now live for the biennial conference series. Themed “Sawmilling & Wood Processing Innovations: Improving Productivity & Advancing Operations,” WoodTECH 2026 will return to the region in June 2026: Two Countries, Two Focused Agendas Today’s announcement marks a significant milestone in the event’s planning, with the release of two comprehensive programmes featuring international technology providers and local industry pioneers. In New Zealand (18-19 June 2026), the programme leads with a keynote from Tony Johnston, Executive Director of Wood Engineering Technology (WET), focusing on optimized engineered lumber. The agenda highlights operational excellence, closed-loop size control, and the “zero light” manufacturing concept from global leaders like LINCK and Springer. In Australia (23-24 June 2026), the focus shifts to industry-wide progress with a keynote from Ian Blanden, Head of R&D at Forest & Wood Products Australia (FWPA). A major highlight for the Australian event is the session “Splinters to Structures,” featuring Tim Woods (Industry Edge) and Prof. Benoit Gilbert (Griffith University), discussing the breakthrough transition of Bluegum from pulpwood to high-value Glulam. Technology at the Forefront Both programmes showcase a heavy emphasis on the “next wave” of wood processing, including: “WoodTECH 2026 is about more than just looking at new machines; it’s about the integration of research and smart operating practices into daily operations,” says John Stulen, Director of Innovatek. “With registrations now open and the full programmes available, companies can now plan their attendance to ensure their production and engineering teams stay ahead of the curve.” Registrations Now Live Early bird registrations and group booking discounts are now available via the event website. Given the record attendance at previous in-person WoodTECH events, industry members—including mill managers, saw-doctors, and technology suppliers—are encouraged to secure their spots early. For more information, to view the full programmes, or to register, visit www.woodtech.events.…

Engineering wood: circular by design, durable to nature

Researchers at the University’s Structural Timber Innovation Laboratory are breaking ground with durability programmes to open new applications for low carbon cross-laminated timber in demanding outdoor environments. The novel product, which is made by stacking layers of thick solid wood boards crosswise and gluing them together, is increasingly used as a low-carbon option for walls, floors and roofs in buildings. However, its use is largely limited to indoor environments, and has only rarely been used in applications such as bridges, facades, outdoor pavilions, and other infrastructure “Our research aims to change that,” says Dr Gary Raftery, a research director in the University’s Circular Innovations Research Centre. The team is conducting a series of long-term exposure trials using both outdoor and lab experiments that simulate extreme conditions. They will then analyse the product using advanced tools, including a high-powered microscope that can reveal information in relation to the deterioration and a tool that can read ‘chemical fingerprints’. This allows the engineers to identify the composition of the material and track how its chemical structure could change over time. Raftery says cross-laminated timber is known for its strength and architectural versatility, but unprotected exposure to the elements can lead to biological degradation like rot and mold, dimensional instability, and structural compromise. Working with industry partners, the team is meticulously assessing adhesive and preservative systems to augment the performance of cross-laminated timber, while keeping sustainability front-of-mind. “We want to ensure that solutions align with circular economy principles, so cross-laminated timber elements can be reused, repurposed, or recycled at the end of their service life,” he says. “This data will give designers the confidence to adopt more sustainable construction practices and further support a transition to low-carbon construction.” Life-cycle analysis on end-of-life applications is also being conducted to assess environmental impacts. Early findings are already informing design engineers and may contribute to future updates to building standards. Source & image credit: University of Auckland…

Horse powertrain joins scania electric timber truck pilot

Horse Powertrain has been selected by Scania to provide its advanced range-extender system for the pilot vehicle, currently operating as a heavy-duty timber truck in Sweden. The collaboration marks an important step in testing hybrid powertrain solutions for demanding transport applications such as forestry logistics. The pilot forms part of the Scania Pilot Partner program and is currently operating in Sweden under SCA, one of Europe’s largest forestry companies. The vehicle is built to handle Sweden’s most demanding timber routes, transporting heavy loads through steep and remote terrain where access to charging infrastructure remains scarce. By combining a powerful battery-electric drivetrain with the generator designed In Sweden by Horse Powertrain’s division Aurobay Technologies, the truck achieves both long-distance capability and reduced CO₂ emissions. The test route covers approximately 16 km, with an operational target of completing 7–8 rounds per day – comparable to a diesel truck and delivering slightly higher productivity than a pure battery-electric truck due to avoided charging downtime. The configuration supports the truck’s battery packs with a 120-kW range-extender unit based on Horse Powertrain’s 2.0 liter high-efficiency multi-fuel engine. Acting purely as an onboard charger, the unit supplies electric energy when required. For instance, during long hauls, temperature extremes, or unexpected delays, Matias Giannini, CEO at Horse Powertrain, said:   “Forestry logistics represents one of the toughest challenges for electrification. The forest roads of northern Sweden demand strength, range and reliability. Charging stations are few, but the timber never waits. You can think of our range-extender as a powerbank for a heavy-duty truck: silent, efficient, and always there when you need it. By partnering with Scania and drawing on our engineering excellence, we’re proving how a compact, high-efficiency range-extender enables electric trucks to operate reliably in the most demanding environments. It’s a technology that cuts CO₂ now.” Tony Sandberg, Vice President at Scania Pilot Partner added: “What we’re doing in Sweden with Horse Powertrain and SCA builds directly on the 100-day trial we ran together with a logistics partner in Germany earlier this year. That vehicle logged almost 22,000 kilometers and drove more than 90 percent of the time on pure electric power, only using the range-extender when no charging was available. The result was a CO₂ reduction of over 90 percent compared with a diesel truck. Those learnings give us a strong foundation as we tailor the system for demanding Nordic timber operations.” More >> Source: Horse Powertrain via CisionImage credit: Horse Powertrain…

New fully automated panel production facility for Adelaide

The Australian company 5North, a specialist in innovative construction solutions, and KUKA, one of the world’s leading providers of intelligent automation solutions, announce their collaboration. Together, they are building a state-of-the-art, fully automated production facility for 2D panels at the new manufacturing site in Adelaide. The fully automated production facility for 2D panels use cutting-edge robotics and conveyor technology to efficiently feed raw materials such as timber. The materials are then precisely cut, milled, and drilled. Robots also handle the accurate placement of components as well as bonding and screwing operations. This creates a fully automated manufacturing process, from material feeding to the finished panel. In the new facility, the production process is elevated to a new level using the latest robotic technology. The plant will be able to produce a finished 2D panel every ten minutes. These 2D building elements are prefabricated, flat components that play a central role in modern timber construction. They are made from wood-based materials such as radiated pine, cross-laminated timber or solid wood and serve as walls, floors, ceilings, or roof components. The term “2D” refers to the fact that these elements are manufactured in two dimensions, length and width. Thanks to automated production, the panels are dimensionally accurate and ready for immediate use. On-site, the elements only need to be positioned and connected, significantly reducing construction time. At 5North, we believe everyone deserves an address and have a significant focus on Social and Attainable homes, delivered with sustainable and healthy materials. 5North is not the builder but with our new plant, we are setting new standards in the construction industry for our developer and construction clients. Working with KUKA allows us to use technology and advances manufacturing to offer maximum precision, consistent quality, and an unprecedented production speed,” says Wayne Hughes, Founder and CEO of 5North. The production of the 2D panels is scheduled to start in mid of 2026. With this new technology, it will be possible to respond flexibly and quickly to different customer requirements. The highly automated manufacturing process ensures not only consistent quality but also reliable scheduling of orders, offering a major advantage for construction companies and end customers. By combining digital planning with automated production, 2D panels are created that are perfectly tailored to the requirements of each project. This makes homebuilding efficient, sustainable, and future-proof. “This is a milestone for Adelaide as a manufacturing site and will strengthen the competitiveness of the Australian construction industry,” adds Timo Heil, CEO of KUKA Systems EMEA. Source & image credit: KUKA…

New AI cameras stop runaway bush fires in Tasmania

At 8.40am on Dec 12, 2025, in the midst of Australia’s bush fire season, a blaze erupted in Golden Valley, a remote woodland region of the island state of Tasmania. Typically, such a fire in a sparsely populated area might not be detected until hours later and, by then, would have become uncontrollable. But this fire was detected by a new artificial intelligence-powered camera on a tower 19km away. The camera, which rotates 360 degrees every minute and takes photos every five seconds, spotted a plume of smoke and alerted Sustainable Timber Tasmania (STT), a state-owned forest management and timber production company that is one of the state’s three firefighting agencies. A fire truck that happened to be nearby was sent to dump water on it. Two helicopters and two firefighting crews were later deployed. By 11am, the fire was out, according to Dr Shaun Suitor, strategy manager at STT. “This was in dense bush land,” Dr Suitor told The Sunday Times. “Without the camera, this fire would not have been seen for hours, and it would not have been controllable.” More >> Source: The Straits Times Image credit: Indicium Dynamics…

Wood industry encouraged to boost energy efficiency

The Wood Processors and Manufacturers Association says the industry needs to seize efficiency opportunities to reduce energy costs and fuel use. “A lot of our sector’s emissions come from energy, as well as a large proportion of ongoing operational costs. We’re increasingly seeing businesses taking steps to use less energy because it’s a win–win; lower bills and lower emissions,” says Mark Ross, WPMA Chief Executive. EECA (Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority) says there’s never been a more important time for businesses to consider their energy use, with costs rising and growing uncertainty about the security of supply. “The easiest and most cost-effective first step businesses can take is to see how they can operate more efficiently. Many businesses can save 10-30% off their energy bills by doing simple adjustments like boiler tuning or fixing leaky valves,” says Paul Bull, Manager Regional and Sector Partnerships, EECA. One of the country’s leading packaging manufacturers, Oji Fibre Solutions (OjiFS), has slashed nearly a fifth of its LPG use at its Christchurch box plant. After installing a data-driven platform to analyse and collect data to help fine tune its operation, OjiFS found it was losing a large amount of heat through the plant’s corrugating preheating rollers. Through a process of ongoing tuning the plant has been able to send automated decisions to its boiler and reduce LPG fuel use by 18%. Andrew Bavis, National Operations Improvement Manager, OjiFS Packaging, said the process has supported a learning culture at the plant, enabling the team to continue refining operations. “It’s really important to us that we’re leaving the environment in as good if not better state than we found it and that’s a really important part of what we do. We always have a focus on how we can do more with the same or less input,” Andrew says. The Wood Processors and Manufacturers Association says it’s a clear example of what progress is possible in the industry.…

Ecological monitoring in the Greater Blue Mountains

Western Sydney University’s Blue Mountains Hub for Ecology and Conservation has made substantial progress in establishing a long-term, integrated ecological monitoring network across one of Australia’s most significant and vulnerable landscapes. Developed in partnership with the Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network (TERN) and technology partner Edaphic Scientific, the Hub is laying the foundations for a research platform that will support ecological science, conservation management, and environmental decision-making for decades to come. Over the past year, the Hub has completed field surveys for 35 permanent ecological monitoring plots extending from the Cumberland Plain, across the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, and into the Central West of New South Wales. This 165-kilometre transect spans a broad range of elevation, climate, and vegetation types, capturing major environmental gradients in temperature and rainfall. The resulting plot network provides a robust framework for understanding how ecosystems respond to pressures such as climate change, drought, fire, and urban expansion at Sydney’s western edge. Each plot has been established using a standardised design to ensure long-term consistency and compatibility with national and international monitoring programs. Within 30-metre diameter plots, all trees greater than or equal to 10 centimetres in diameter have been measured, tagged, and mapped, creating a permanent record of forest structure and composition. Larger, overlaid survey areas support monitoring of fauna, enabling integrated assessments of vegetation and biodiversity across dry sclerophyll forest, wet sclerophyll forest, and rainforest communities. A major milestone for the Hub has been the completion of terrestrial LiDAR scanning (TLS) across 35 plots. These surveys were led by Professor Kim Calders in collaboration with the SpaceTwin team, including Zane Cooper, Wout Cherlet, and Wouter Van den Broeck (Ghent University). The high-resolution three-dimensional scans provide unprecedented detail on forest structure, enabling precise estimates of biomass, carbon storage, and structural complexity. The terrestrial LiDAR datasets are being complemented by aerial LiDAR surveys using unmanned aerial vehicles, allowing forest structure to be scaled from individual plots to the surrounding landscape. Together, these approaches position the Hub at the forefront of forest monitoring and ecological remote sensing in Australia. More >> Source & image credit: Western Sydney University…

FWPA: Alterations & additions growth trends & forecast

Ongoing challenges in the Australian residential construction sector, particularly rising material and labour costs, supply chain disruptions, and capacity constraints, have shifted household activity away from new builds towards alterations and additions (A&A). Renovating and extending existing homes has become a more attractive option for many households, allowing them to improve or expand their living spaces without the higher costs, delays, and risks associated with new construction. Overall, the rapid growth in alterations and additions reflects a structural shift in the housing market, where upgrading existing homes has become a more cost-effective and practical response to affordability pressures in new housing construction (Figure 1). At the national level, the value of alterations and additions (A&A) increased strongly between 2020 and 2025, growing at an average annual rate of 9.7% %, from $9.1 billion to $14.5 billion. As mentioned above, this surge reflected shifting household preferences toward renovating existing homes in response to higher construction costs, labour shortages, and supply chain disruptions. Looking ahead, A&A activity is expected to continue expanding, although at a more moderate pace. From 2025 to 2035, the value of A&A work is forecast to grow by around 3.7% per year, increasing from $14.5 billion in 2025 to $20.2 billion by 2035 (Figure 2). While the rapid growth seen during the pandemic period is unlikely to be repeated, the long-term outlook remains positive. Alterations and additions are expected to remain a key segment of the residential construction market, supported by an ageing housing stock, population growth, and ongoing pressure on the affordability of new housing. Overall, A&A activity is becoming a structurally important part of the housing sector, providing steady demand for building materials and construction services over the coming decade. Source: FWPAChart source: ABS. FWPA Data Dashboard…

Forestry training changes: Industry consultation open

Changes are underway across New Zealand’s vocational education system, and forestry training is part of this wider reform. These changes follow the Government’s decision to disestablish Te Pūkenga and restructure work based learning, which has included Competenz. Competenz has confirmed it will move in 2026 to a new Private Training Establishment (PTE) focused on engineering and manufacturing. Forestry training will not move into this new organisation, as forestry sits under the Food and Fibre Industry Skills Board. This means a new arrangement is needed to support forestry training in the future. Forestry must advise Government of its preferred option for delivering vocational training by the end of March. The main options are to work with a polytechnic, a Private Training Establishment (PTE), or a wānanga. The focus for industry is to ensure any new arrangement supports practical, on the job training and continues to work well for employers and learners. More than 85 percent of forestry training happens on the job, and forestry has a remarkably high training participation rate. Training is an important tool for helping to manage health and safety risks in harvesting and silviculture. The FOA and FICA Forestry Training Committee is focused on protecting what works well for forestry. This includes preserving the forestry knowledge, resources, and key people currently supporting training through Competenz, and ensuring the national network of trainers and assessors can continue through the transition to a new provider. Members of the Forestry Training Committee recently met in Auckland with management from Competenz and Primary ITO to discuss the future of forestry training and how a smooth transition could be achieved. Based on the committee’s due diligence work, the suggested approach is for forestry to align with Primary ITO as it transitions into a new Primary Industry Private Training Establishment (PTE). Under this approach, forestry training would sit within a dedicated forestry business area, rather than being absorbed into a generic training model. This would allow forestry to retain strong industry control, with clear feedback and accountability through an industry advisory group supporting the forestry business unit general manager. Forestry would also have a seat on the board of the PTE. The proposed Primary Industry PTE model is being discussed with other primary industry groups to confirm details around structure, governance, reporting, and funding. The proposed forestry business area would focus only on vocational training, similar to the role previously played by Competenz. Forestry diplomas, degrees, and other education programmes would continue to be delivered by their existing providers, and other Private Training Establishments (PTEs) would still be able to operate in the forestry training market. Industry consultation will open in February. Feedback from forest owners, contractors, trainers, and other stakeholders will help shape the final advice provided to Government. During February and March, the Forestry Training Committee will engage with the sector through online consultation sessions with Wood Councils, followed by four regional workshops around the country, with an additional online session for those unable to attend in person. These sessions will explain the proposed approach and provide an opportunity for questions and feedback. This is an important opportunity for forestry to help shape the future of training and ensure it remains practical, straightforward, and fit for purpose for the sector. Source: NZ Forest Owners Association (FOA)…

Changes to NZ forestry earthworks training standards

A New Zealand Certificate in Infrastructure Works, comprising Forestry earthworks unit standards, has just been launched.  The qualification, approved by the NZ Qualifications Authority is specifically for Earthworks Excavator Operators, as to date, there has been no suitable Level 3 qualification available for them. It is the product of a forest industry working group which consulted widely with contractors and forest management companies and has facilitated delivery for Tairawhiti iwi training provider, Turanga Ararau. Learner and assessment resources have been prepared by the working group that developed the qualification, which was driven by Matariki Forests and Manulife Investment Management. Intended outcomes for the qualification include; The programme content provides a solid background for candidates, in the importance of job prescriptions for earthworks, compaction and impacts of erosion and sedimentation. This supports the primary practical skills in excavator operating to form roads, tracks, landings and culverts. These core skills in the qualification are supported by several companion micro-credentials, such as maintenance, rehabilitation of tracks and landings, pavement, deadman and geotextile installation. The ‘knowledge-based’ standards are ideally suited to be delivered either on-job in one-to-one training or in classroom workshops for small groups. The practical standards can be achieved on job where candidates can train and be assessed by in-house trainers and assessors, or contract assessors. At this stage a tracked, hydraulic excavator is the machine of choice for the qualification award. This because of its’ versatility and ability to meet all the tasks within the standards selected. This doesn’t preclude development of a qualification later, specifically for bulldozer or other machine operators. There is flexibility in entry points to the programme, which recognises the demographic of our earthworks workforce. The ideal state is to encourage people to sign up for the full qualification. Some experienced workers may already hold some of the standards, or can be easily assessed because of their experience and relative skills and knowledge. Alternatively, new entrants can start their learner programme with any of the knowledge-based units and progress at their own pace as opportunity permits. The programme builds on existing in-house training capability and is dependent on assessors being developed within crews or contract assessment of candidates. As host provider, Turanga Ararau will receive support and direction from an industry advisory group and be responsible for the operating system which holds learner and assessment resources and manages trainers and assessors. There is a first principle of encouraging training before attempting assessments, although there will be cases where assessment can be used early to recognise current competence in well-experienced individuals. Trainer/Assessor development will attune role holders to training and learning concepts whilst encouraging quality assessment. This project development has been underwritten by Matariki Forests and Manulife Investment Management but moving forward, it will be user-pays and operate without TEC funding. Turanga Ararau will operate a schedule of fees and charges for sign-ups, resources and NZQA reporting. Opportunity exists for employers, potential trainers and assessors to make contact to engage with this system designed to recognise learners and improve performance in forestry earthworks. Contacts: Source & image credit: Greg Steele…

Native tree study a NZ first

A New Zealand-first native tree study has highlighted the Bioeconomy Science Institute’s position as a forestry research leader. Our work to improve propagation and increase the production of indigenous species in nurseries was the focus of a journal article published in 2025. We investigated the impact of container grade size on the survival and field performance of 12 key native species – to better understand the link between containers and post-planting seedling survival and growth performance. The study saw the Bioeconomy Science Institute team raise seedlings from the selected species in different container sizes and test how they performed in good-, average- or poor-quality sites. It was a collaborative effort with Te Uru Rākau – New Zealand Forest Service, Minginui Nursery, CNI Iwi land Management, the Tumunui Land Trust, Timberlands, Rotorua Lakes Council and the Tipu Waiariki Charitable Trust (Tipu Wai), which provided the sites and helped with preparation and planting. Industry-standard pots used for natives were compared with bigger containers such as 7cm and 8cm paper Ellepots and smaller forestry-grade pots. The effect of differences in the type of container were monitored to determine the impact on survival rates and tree growth across sites. Programme lead David Siqueira says results showed variable patterns depending on tree species, container size and the quality of the respective planting sites. “Some species, such as manuka (Leptospermum scoparium), survived and grew well (>75%), even when raised in small containers, while others such as kowhai (Sophora microphylla) had low survival rates (< 25%), even when raised in revegetation container grade sizes.” Other species such as cabbage tree (Cordyline australis) and totara (Podocarpus totara) appeared to depend more on site quality. “The results show the importance of aligning the choice of container grade size to the needs of individual species and planting purpose,” David says. “Nursery container systems for raising New Zealand native plants should be chosen based on the biology of the species, nursery management practices, quality of the planting site and a balance between cost and benefit for each situation.” Nurseries have traditionally used large containers to successfully establish native species, but this means the trees take longer to grow – making this approach costly and labour-intensive at the planting stage. It also limits the rate of establishment.  “The conventional approach of sowing native seed, setting out and then growing in containers takes 12-36 months, adding significantly to native tree establishment costs over typical New Zealand-grown exotic forest trees,” David says. “By enhancing our understanding of how container size affects native tree growth when planted in sites of varying qualities, we hope this research will result in more fit-for-purpose natives being raised in nurseries to generate our thriving future forests – conserving New Zealand’s biodiversity and contributing to the mitigation of climate change.” More >> Source & image credit: Bioeconomy Science Institute…

A world review of mild fire and forest decline

This report is a world review of forest decline in relation to inadequate regular mild fire and consequent changes in soils, nutrients, mycorrhizae and other soil factors. Released by John O’Donnell on 5 January 2025. The role of mild fire and forest decline Published research work by a number of experienced researchers clearly shows that a large amount of research has been completed in relation to forest decline across the world, including eucalypt decline, and decline in forest health associated with changed fire and grazing regimes.The author considers that exclusion of frequent low intensity mild fire as a primary cause of forest decline in native forests across the world. Based on considerable evidence, the author believes that changed soil processes are the hidden drivers of forest decline. Exclusion of regular mild fire destabilises nutrient cycles, alters soil physics and chemistry, and undermines the root–mycorrhizal foundation of forest health. Above ground symptoms (crown thinning, pest outbreaks) are consequences of these below ground changes. The full review is included here. The full review has pulled together 82 key references in relation to inadequate regular mild fire and consequent changes in soils, nutrients, mycorrhizae and other soil factors. Lack of regular mild fire, ecosystem change and forest health Research across Australia and globally shows that exclusion or lack of regular mild fire has profoundly altered forest ecosystems, driving forest decline in forests and fire-adapted species. Authors such as Jurskis, Burrows, and Forestry Corporation of NSW highlight that reduced low-intensity burning leads to soil nutrient imbalances (particularly nitrogen accumulation), dense understories, weakened tree physiology, and heightened susceptibility to pests, parasites, and arbivory. These changes increase fuel loads, making forests more vulnerable to severe, less controllable wildfires. Evidence from long-term experiments and case studies demonstrates that human management decisions, including fire suppression, grazing exclusion, fertiliser use, and conservation policies, are the primary drivers of forest decline. Research highlighted above underscores that frequent, low-intensity fire is essential for sustaining nutrient cycles, structural diversity, and long-term forest health, and that its absence has led to widespread decline and heightened ecological imbalance. Research across multiple regions demonstrates that the absence of regular low-intensity fire is a major driver of forest decline, balanced ecosystems and forest health. Overall, the evidence converges on the importance of mild fire and soil processes in maintaining forest resilience, biodiversity, and long-term health. Lack of regular mild fire and changes in soils, nutrients, mycorrhizae and other factors Research demonstrates that exclusion of regular mild fire alters soil moisture, nutrient status, and microbial communities, driving chronic forest decline. Collectively, research studies highlighted above reveal that soil changes from fire exclusion destabilise root physiology, water relations, and stress signalling, making forests increasingly vulnerable to compounding climate and biotic pressures. Research consistently shows that exclusion of regular mild fire disrupts soil chemistry and physical properties, driving chronic forest decline. Research findings support the conclusion that mild fire is essential for maintaining soil equilibrium, root function, and long-term forest health, with Australian research leading in demonstrating these links. Research shows that exclusion of regular mild fire profoundly alters fungal communities through changes in soils, driving forest decline. The evidence supports that fire regimes and mycorrhizal dynamics jointly underpin forest health, with disruption of either leading to decline. Collectively, these findings support the conclusion that regular mild fire and adaptive management are essential to maintain soil equilibrium, root physiology, and long-term forest health and resilience. View full report Source & image credit: John O’Donnell…

Tree death rates climbing across australian forests

Australia’s trees must contend with many lethal factors, from intense megafires to introduced diseases and invasive species.  But beyond these specific pressures, new research indicates the underlying natural death rate of trees in major forests across the country is rising. This increase in tree deaths is due to higher average temperatures from climate change, according to a study published in the journal Nature Plants, and it has scientists concerned that forests will sequester less carbon dioxide in years to come. The world’s average temperature has warmed about 1.3 degrees Celsius compared to an 1850–1900 pre-industrial baseline. Senior study author and plant physiological ecologist Belinda Medlyn, from Western Sydney University, said the research team was “startled” to see tree death rates, from cool temperate forests in southern Tasmania up to the savannas of the tropical north, steadily increase over the past six decades. “We [in Australia] have a much more variable climate than many other parts of the world,” she said. More >>…

7 supply chain tech breakthroughs from CES 2026

From AI-driven digital twins to autonomous robots, CES 2026 highlighted practical technologies reshaping how goods are made, moved and delivered. Every January, the global technology sector converges on Las Vegas for CES, billed as the “most powerful tech event in the world,” by its makers. The event draws manufacturers, startups, analysts and anyone else looking for signals about what technologies are moving from concept to commercial reality.  CES 2026 delivered on that promise, with a notably strong presence from companies focused on supply chain, logistics and transportation. Across the show floor, exhibitors highlighted tools aimed at improving execution, visibility and resilience in increasingly complex global operations. Here are seven different supply chain and logistics innovations that made their debut at CES 2026: 1) Industrial AI digital twins for end-to-end supply chain management. At the show, Siemens unveiled new digital twin capabilities that connect real-time operational data with AI-driven simulation. These tools allow manufacturers and logistics operators to model production lines, warehouse flows and transportation scenarios before making physical changes, uncovering hidden capacity and reducing capital spend. More >> Source: Supply Chain ConnectVideo source: CNET…

Radial Timber installs unique automated radial saw

Radial Timber is a Victorian based company that grows, mills and distributes a range of unique and standard products from durable and sustainable Victorian Hardwoods. Their latest innovative Radial Saw technology is extremely unique and proudly developed in Gippsland Victoria. The Radial Saw works by taking very small diameter hardwood sawlogs and cuts them up into wedges – like a pizza. Once the saw has cut the log into wedges, it then cuts those wedges into boards whilst maximising the recovery of sawn timber from smaller logs. As such, Radial Sawing has a range of both environmental and technical benefits. Where conventional sawing methods require large diameter logs, the Radial Saw helps make small hardwood logs more viable by maximising the yield of high value timber products. 20 years ago Radial Timber started with a prototype plant which was very manual labour intensive, and very low in productivity. Over the years the team at Radial kept refining and developing their ideas and concepts. They realised if they were ever going move forward they had to scale up to a fully commercial plant. As the demand for their Radial sawn commercial timber increased, the team made plans to improve production as well as their processing methods. The team at Radial Timber started early discussions with engineering company – AE Gibson & Sons, to discuss their concepts and ideas. They wanted to get a reputable engineering business in Australia to produce the sawmill equipment and help them to develop and improve on the sawmill machinery they already had on site. Once Radial Timber had the IP in place for the unique process, they knew they were onto a winner. The engineering team at AE Gibson & Sons took it in their stride to engineer a fully customised unique machine. The Gibson team understood the brief provided by Radial and came back with an implementation plan to engineer a suitable solution. Prior to the Gibson machine design, the initial Rail Saw was difficult to load and position the log accurately. It was also time consuming to extract the wedges from the cut zone. With the newly designed Radial Saw the log is positioned and dogged automatically, and the saw cut pattern is PLC controlled. As each saw cut is completed, the log rotates 45 degrees resulting in 8 cuts per log. This greatly increases the machine production outputted and it’s all controlled by an operator located safely in a control cabin. The timber wedges move from the log saw to a transfer deck and then the Resaw, where each wedge is cut into multiple boards. With eight timber wedges and up to five or six boards out of each wedge, this results in 35 or more long timber boards coming out of every small log. Radial Timber owner and Managing Director – Chris McEvoy said “It helps to predict exactly what you’re recovering from each log, if it’s a six metre timber log most of the boards are six metres long”. This was so important to the team at Radial Timber, since they could see the log size coming from forests were getting smaller, and the increased need to recover more from the small logs. This helped them make the decision to invest in improving their overall process with Gibson machinery and technology. Radial Timber have also invested in plantation forests, with 1,000 hectares of plantations that have been planted over the last 20 years with 1,000 hectares more to go. The important thing about the Radial technology is that it’s ideally suited to plantation timber.  With plantation timber you can grow a tree to a certain size and a certain height.  This enables the Radial production to plan and predict exactly what they are going to get out of every piece of timber. The more uniform the timber product, the higher the recovery with less wastage and the more profitability there will be. The team at AE Gibson and Sons are proud to be part of this exciting and unique project with Radial Timber.…

Drax launches biomass tracker for supply chain clarity

UK-based Drax has launched its Biomass Tracker, a new digital tool that provides greater visibility into the journey our woody biomass takes through the company’s global supply chain. The interactive tool shows the countries and states where Drax sources its biomass, the types of fibre used in Drax’s own woody biomass, how it is transported, and the carbon associated with each stage of its journey to Drax Power Station or to third-party customers. It also includes data on independent sustainability certifications, helping to strengthen accountability across the sector. The Biomass Tracker uses quarterly real-world data presented through an interactive Sankey diagram, allowing users to explore each stage of the supply chain from fibre origin (for Drax-own pellets), pelletising to transport, storage and use. Miguel Veiga-Pestana, Chief Sustainability Officer at Drax, said: “The Biomass Tracker is another important step for Drax in delivering on our Sustainability Framework commitments. “Transparency and data-led reporting are essential to building trust and confidence in sustainable biomass. By showing where our biomass comes from and how it moves through our supply chain, we are showing through openness and accountability, that biomass can be sustainably sourced, to support the UK’s energy security.” The launch of the Biomass Tracker supports the commitments set out in Drax’s Sustainability Framework, introduced in February 2025. It advances the company’s focus on enhancing transparency, harnessing data and digital innovation to strengthen sustainability reporting, and demonstrating responsible sourcing across the biomass supply chain. By visualising how and where biomass is produced, transported and used, the tool brings greater clarity to the complex systems that underpin sustainable renewable energy. The tool is now available to access on the Drax website and new data, options and functionality will be added where possible with further updates, underlining Drax’s commitment to continuous improvement and best practice in sustainability.…

Future in motion: Canadian zero-emission truck trials

Future in Motion is a technical series presenting the key findings from the completed Zero–Emission Trucking Testbed Project led by the PIT Group and FPInnovations. This project was conducted with support from Transport Canada’s Zero–Emission Trucking Program and in collaboration with two major fleets in the Greater Montreal region: Loblaw Companies Limited and Martin Brower of Canada Co. Achievable GHG reduction through Battery Electric Vehicles This article focuses on the magnitude of energy use and GHG emission reductions achievable with battery powered vehicles. The Volvo VNR Electric and Freightliner eCascadia typically operated 150–200 km per day, compared with 300–350 km for their diesel counterparts. Both fleets performed LTL deliveries between warehouses and distribution centres in the Montreal region. Across the study period, diesel trucks averaged 1 930 km per week, while the electric trucks averaged 840 km per week. During summer, the electric trucks more consistently achieved their advertised range and completed longer daily trips, yet they generally remained within 50 km of their home terminals. Overall, the electric trucks operated within this radius 95% of the time, with only limited exceptions in surrounding urban areas.…

Feedback open: NZ workplace drug & alcohol practice guide

Safetree wants your help as it prepares the first update to its Drugs and Alcohol Good Practice Guide and Policy for Fitness to Work in over a decade. And we need your feedback by Friday, 13 February, 2026. The current guidance was originally written in 2008 and revised in 2015. Since then, much has changed: Safetree chief executive Joe Akari is encouraging anyone in the sector to provide their thoughts on the draft document. “Providing feedback is quick and easy, and we will value the input. People affected by alcohol or drugs pose a serious risk to health, safety, and performance, so getting this right is vital for our sector,” he says. The updated guidelines are designed to help forest owners and industry employees develop their own company policies. They include a policy template covering three key areas: Have your saySafetree is keen for feedback from contractors, forest owners, forestry workers and anyone else involved in the industry. Tell us what works, what doesn’t, and what you need. Feedback closes Friday, 13 February 2026.…

FGLT 2026 research focuses on resilience & biosecurity

The Forest Growers Levy Trust (FGLT) Board has approved 22 new research projects under its 2026 work programme, complementing ongoing long- and medium-term programmes such as Precision Silviculture and Automation and Robotics. Sixty percent of the projects are hoped to support industry resilience and adaptation and a further nearly 20 percent will focus on improving biosecurity outcomes for forestry. Advancing industry resilience Significant investment continues in disease management through projects targeting red needle cast, Dothistroma needle blight and Terminal Crook Disease. Several initiatives explore natural bacterial and fungal treatments as alternatives to chemical controls, while new satellite-based and machine learning tools aim to reduce surveillance costs for Dothistroma. Work will also advance the digital decision support tool for red needle cast, shifting it from prototype to operational use so forest managers can track risk patterns and respond proactively. Climate adaptation research will quantify how forest cover reduces downstream storm damage and expand wind risk modelling following recent extreme weather events. Tissue culture research will also investigate whether somatic embryogenesis plantlets face higher snapping risk than traditionally propagated stock. Strengthening biosecurity Biosecurity readiness remains a core theme. Pre-emptive testing of New Zealand genetics against major international pests and pathogens continues in Spain’s Basque Country. The Forest Biosecurity Pest Risk Evaluation enters its final phase, identifying high risk insects requiring surveillance and response planning. A project dedicated to Lecanosticta acicola will develop threat specific readiness protocols for this disease, which has heavily impacted radiata pine abroad. Additional research will assess pest and pathogen risks associated with chemical thinning. Preparing for future gene editing opportunities Gene editing research will identify susceptibility genes in radiata pine to support long term development of disease resistant varieties under New Zealand’s updated genetic technology settings. Supporting advocacy, compliance and operational efficiency Several projects indirectly contribute to sector promotion and reduced regulatory burden. Research on forest cover’s protective role will provide evidence for land use planning, while work on waterway safe herbicides and precision aerial application systems will support more efficient and compliant operations. Developing technology and sector capability New technology initiatives include expanded UAV based assessment methods, AI enabled tools for forest managers and ongoing development of uncrewed aerial application systems. The Youth Micro Innovation Challenge will return in 2026 and planning begins for transforming the Puruki Experimental Forest into a leading forest systems research platform. With 78 percent of new levy investment supporting resilience and biosecurity, the 2026 R&D portfolio responds directly to industry pressures while positioning New Zealand forestry to adapt to changing operational and environmental conditions.…

Using machine data to boost forest productivity

New Zealand forest harvesting operations are highly mechanised, with all stages of the harvest process, from felling to loading out, being achieved by machines. All the functions of these machines are controlled using the Controller Area Network (CAN) bus, a standard designed to enable efficient communication primarily between electronic control units. As a result, a substantial amount of data sets are generated by these machines, including parameters such as engine speed, joystick movements and hydraulic pressures. Harnessing this data in real time offers significant benefits for operational monitoring and decision-making for operators, contractors and forest managers. One of the projects in the FGR Automation & Robotics programme involves collecting machine data and transforming it into management information. To do this, a system has been developed to tap into the harvesting machinery’s diagnostic ports to extract CAN bus data. Using Wi-Fi (Starlink), data is sent to the cloud where it is processed and then displayed in an interactive dashboard (see Figure 1). The dashboard enables real-time machine monitoring, as well as access to historical data from when the system was first installed and linked to GPS to display machine location and tracking over time. Several parameters can be visualised, including operating and idle time, fuel consumption and the terrain on which the machine is operating. The significant amount of data gathered is only useful in the context of how the machine is completing tasks. To address this, a method was developed to use CAN bus data to predict machine activity during an operation. This method was then trialled on a John Deere forwarder. Results showed that the system achieved over 95 percent accuracy in predicting whether the forwarder was idling, loading, unloading and travelling loaded or unloaded. Once the machine activity is known, it becomes possible to dive deeper into actual operations. For example, work cycles can be broken down into elements and then into individual movements. A method was developed based on an operator’s joystick movements to determine how many movements were required to complete a task. This approach allows standardised comparison of operator behaviour across different environments, operators and machines. This analysis will be useful for training new operators, identifying processes to increase or reduce workload and for enabling self-improvement through accurate and timely feedback to the operator. By transforming CAN bus data into meaningful insights, decision-making, operation monitoring and training of new operators can be improved. Harnessing machine data is an important first step towards achieving greater connectivity across the forest products supply chain.…

Expressions of Interest (EOI) now open for micro-credentials

Employers and workers across the forestry and wood products industry are invited to register interest in nationally aligned, flexible micro-credentials designed to build capability and support progression towards a qualification. This program is funded by the Australian Government under the Forestry Workforce Training Program (FWTP) and is delivered in partnership with TAFE NSW, TAFE Gippsland, and Timber Training Creswick. Training Focus Areas This training program supports the development of transferable skills that are valued across forestry, timber and related sectors, helping workers adapt to different tasks, worksites and operational contexts as business needs evolve. Register your team or yourself as a participant for training that supports: Learning is modular and stackable, with theoretical components delivered primarily online, allowing participants to choose the most relevant modules and build credit towards a qualification. Register by: 28 February 2026. Places are limited…

Tonsley Technical College showcase mass engineered timber

The opening of the State Government’s Tonsley Technical College marks a major milestone for South Australia’s forest and timber industries, which have proudly grown, manufactured and supplied much of the mass-timber material used in this state-of-the-art educational facility. Purpose-built to train the next generation of technicians, tradespeople and innovators, the College is also a practical learning tool for South Australia’s builders, architects and developers. While mass engineered timber has featured in high-profile local projects such as the Adelaide Oval Hotel and an apartment development in Kent Town, it is still not widely adopted across South Australian construction. The contemporary design of Tonsley, designed by DAS and delivered by Sarah Constructions, demonstrates how mass timber can be used at scale in high-performance buildings. Chief Executive Officer of the South Australian Forest Products Association, Nathan Paine, said the project highlights timber’s role in decarbonising the built environment while supporting domestic manufacturing. “Tonsley shows how local architects, builders and developers can deliver future-focused buildings that support South Australian manufacturing and help decarbonise the economy by storing carbon within the structure,” Mr Paine said. “The College demonstrates the practical use of engineered mass-timber products, including cross-laminated timber (CLT) manufactured in Tarpeena, South Australia by NexTimber by Timberlink, and glue-laminated timber (GLT) supplied by Australian Sustainable Hardwoods from Heyfield in Victoria. “By choosing locally manufactured timber over more carbon-intensive materials, the project supports forest growers, timber manufacturers and regional jobs, while reducing embodied emissions and locking away carbon for decades.” According to the Association, the CLT and GLT used in the project are estimated to store more than 900,000 kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent. When combined with local steel and concrete, the building’s total embodied carbon is 3,792,548 kilograms of CO₂-e, a 40 per cent reduction compared with a traditional build. The project also reflects a renewed focus on South Australia’s sovereign capability to manufacture essential building materials locally. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the risks of relying on imported products and reinforced the importance of domestic manufacturing for economic resilience and national security. As South Australian Treasurer Tom Koutsantonis recently said, “If we can’t make key building products ourselves and are entirely reliant on imports, in a changing and dangerous world that makes Australia incredibly vulnerable. COVID showed us the importance of having our own sovereign capability.” Using South Australian timber in State Government projects is a practical expression of that principle. More >> Source: South Australia Forest Products AssociationImage credit: DAS Studio…

WoodTECH 2026 – Call for Speakers

FIEA has officially launched the Call for Speakers for the highly anticipated WoodTECH 2026 conference series. The 2026 event series, themed “Sawmilling & Wood Processing Innovations: Improving Productivity & Advancing Operations,” will bring industry leaders, technical specialists, and technology innovators together across two key locations, 18-19 June 2026, Rotorua, New Zealand and23-24 June 2026, Brisbane, Australia. WoodTECH 2026 is focused on extracting maximum value from advancing technologies and developing new ways to improve wood products across the industry. We are seeking proposals for presentations, case studies, and workshops that showcase practical, technology-led solutions to challenges in wood processing. Presentation Focus Areas The programme is being developed to cover a wide array of technical and operational advancements, including: FIEA is particularly interested in hearing about recent industrial trials, the successful roll-out of new equipment, and practical lessons learned from integrating research into everyday operations. Who Should Submit? The conference audience consists of sSawmill site managers, production and engineering managers, saw-doctors, mill supervisors and maintenance staff, QC personnel, wood treatment managers, and technology suppliers. If you are a technical specialist, researcher, industry professional, or technology provider with a compelling, data-driven story to share, you are encouraged to submit a proposal. Submission Guidelines To be considered for a presentation slot at WoodTECH 2026, please send us a presentation title for a case study, a solution-focused technical presentation, or an industry-wide issue, and a short abstract/outline (4–6 sentences) clearly describing your presentation’s content, innovation, and key takeaways for the audience. Please forward your details to john.stulen@fiea.org.nz. In addition to presentation proposals, the organisers also welcome suggestions for other speakers or topics that could contribute significantly to the 2026 programme.  Further information can be found on the WoodTECH website.…

Get to the wood-chopper: heli-harvesting study now underway

The feasibility of salvaging dead Huon pine from remote areas across Tasmania using helicopter harvesting methods is being examined. Minister for Business, Industry and Resources, Felix Ellis, said the study reflects Tasmania’s commitment to balancing economic opportunity with environmental stewardship. “Huon pine is a treasured part of our cultural and natural heritage,” Minister Ellis said. “It is crucial that our timber-dependent industries, including wooden boat building and fine timber craftsmanship, continue to have access to Huon pine resources. The potential harvesting of dead standing timber represents a new source of supply for the sector, as well as having other potential benefits such as reducing fire risk in remote areas and supporting regional jobs.” This study ensures that consideration of new practices is guided by research, sustainability, and industry expertise. Part of a $50,000 initiative to support the Tasmanian special species industry’s future access to Huon pine timber, Minister Ellis said the study will conduct preliminary research into potential salvage sites, collect samples for analysis and develop tools to guide future industry decision making. “Stage 1 of the project, a preliminary scoping plan to explore the viability of heli-harvesting salvaged dead Huon pine, is now complete,” Minister Ellis said. Stage 2 of the project will result in a practical resource that industry can use to evaluate future opportunities for salvage harvesting in a sustainable and informed way. Consultation with the Special Species Working Group will continue throughout this process. “We are working together to move our state forward, and we will continue to back our strong, sustainable and value adding special species timber sector,” Minister Ellis said.…

Green Triangle creates high-strength structural bluegum timber

A groundbreaking national research project, backed by the Federal Government, has delivered a major manufacturing breakthrough, unlocking opportunities to create domestic value for hardwood plantation bluegum timber, laying the foundations for a new regional engineered wood products (EWP) market. The Splinters to Structures project, a three-year-long research and commercialisation initiative supported by the Agricultural Trade and Market Access Cooperation (ATMAC) program, delivered in partnership with the Green Triangle Forest Industries Hub (GTFIH) and Forest & Wood Products Australia (FWPA) has resulted in the delivery of a major feasibility toward building new manufacturing capability in the Green Triangle region. The project successfully delivered a high-strength Glue Laminated Timber (GLT) from plantation-grown blue gum (Eucalyptus globulus) – achieving Australian-standard certification at GL18 and GL21 levels and above – strength ratings comparable to steel. The study also showcased the viability of utilising bluegum exclusively, or a bluegum and softwood (Pinus Radiata) resource, in a hybrid Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) product, also for structural use. “This is a breakthrough moment for the Green Triangle’s forest industries, demonstrating the power of collaboration and innovation. These new plantation-based prototypes are not only strong and sustainable, but they also provide a new domestic supply chain pathway, delivering new regional industry opportunities,” GTFIH chair Cam MacDonald said. “With the closure of native hardwood harvesting in several states, the ability to produce certified, high-strength engineered timber from local plantation resources is essential for Australia’s construction needs.” The multi-phase project involved converting over 180 plantation logs, grown in the Green Triangle, into engineered product prototypes. Extensive testing confirmed blue gum sawn boards and peeled veneers exhibited exceptional structural performance, with high stiffness and load-bearing capacity ideal for use in internal framing, floor systems, and prefabricated applications. Key research outcomes included: Australia currently imports more than half of its LVL and high-grade GLT requirements. The Splinters to Structures program not only demonstrated local capability but also proved the potential to build export-ready products for international markets like Japan, South Korea and Singapore. FWPA CEO Andrew Leighton, said the project was a powerful example of what’s possible when government and industry come together to invest in applied research, “delivering real-world impact”. “By aligning national priorities with industry need, the project delivered not just a technical breakthrough, but a scalable pathway to strengthen Australia’s engineered wood manufacturing capability and support the transition to more sustainable construction materials produced locally in the Green Triangle, Mr Leighton said.” The Splinters to Structures research was delivered by IndustryEdge, supported by project partners WTIBeams, Whiteheads Timber Sales, Australian Bluegum Plantations, OneFortyOne, Timber Training Creswick and the Queensland Government Department of Primary Industries Salisbury Research Facility. More >> Source & image credit: Green Triangle Forest Industries Hub…

Austroads releases recommendations to update its guides for large freight vehicles

A new report examines how existing Austroads guidance addresses the geometric design requirements needed to accommodate large freight vehicles (LFVs).  The report focuses on the physical space and layout required for safe and efficient LFV operations, rather than vehicle mass. “Innovation in vehicle design has delivered major productivity gains for the road transport industry in recent years,” said Amy Naulls, Austroads Transport Network Operations Program Manager. “We’ve seen more larger vehicle combinations, and strong industry support for use of vehicles such as B-doubles.” Road agencies in Australia and New Zealand support the use of LFVs wherever possible due to their potential to improve productivity, safety, and sustainability outcomes. However, the Austroads guides need to be updated to consider the dimensions and performance capabilities of current and future LFVs. The report reviews several Austroads guides to identify where updates may be needed to better accommodate LFVs. These include the Austroads Guide to Road Design, Guide to Road Tunnels, Design Vehicles and Turning Path Templates, Guide to Traffic Management, and Guide to Pavement Technology. The review summarises the current treatment of LFVs in the guides, the dimensions of common Performance Based Standards (PBS) vehicles – including forecasted growth and the drivers influencing the adoption of LFVs in the future. “Updating Austroads guides to include the dimensions and performance of LFVs, including more PBS vehicles, will help increase the uptake of these vehicles,” said Amy. “Harmonising road design standards in this way can improve network efficiency, reduce the number of freight movements, and contribute to national goals such as Net Zero 2050.” The report recommends targeted updates, particularly to the Austroads Guide to Road Design Part 3: Geometric Design. Updates are suggested for road cross-sections, lane and shoulder widths, intersections, turning paths, rest areas, and other elements critical for LFVs. Additional updates would be beneficial in areas such as pavements and roadside safety features. “Austroads is committed to ensuring our guidance reflects the capabilities of emerging vehicles,” said Amy Naulls. “By prioritising updates to critical sections of the guides, we can support safer, more efficient, and sustainable freight movements while helping designers make informed decisions that align with evolving vehicle standards.” Download Synthesis of Road Design Requirements for Large Freight Vehicles…

Precision & adaptability: Fritch Sawmill’s path to serving niche markets

When Eric Fritch rebuilt his family’s Washington state sawmill after a devastating 1996 fire, he faced a critical decision about the operation’s future. “We don’t have the opportunity of being large,” Eric admits. “Instead, we have to be more creative in sourcing our raw material, how we go to market, and what we produce.” That mindset has defined Fritch Sawmill’s success. The 32-employee operation now fills a valuable niche, handling orders that larger mills cannot. “Often, when people call, we can help them find something unusual, a tight specification they need, or a very tight schedule to meet,” Eric explains. The mill processes Douglas fir, Western hemlock, Western red cedar, and cottonwood from within a 50-mile radius. With everything pre-sold before leaving the facility, Eric maintains a substantial log inventory while keeping finished lumber stocks to a minimum. When the COVID pandemic created unprecedented demand for fencing materials, Eric saw an opportunity to expand capabilities. Working with Wood-Mizer representatives, they designed a customized production line to efficiently handle both large timber and smaller fencing components. The system features a Wood-Mizer WM4500 head rig paired with an EG400 two-saw edger. A WM1000 wide cut sawmill, handles logs up to 67” in diameter and now primarily processes cedar for fencing operations. Eric’s engineering background proved valuable in configuring equipment that could flexibly adapt to different product demands without requiring a cookie-cutter approach. Logs pass through a ring debarker and metal detector before sorting. The resaw operation makes multiple passes until achieving finished dimensions, with lumber graded and trimmed in 2’ increments up to 26’. Products are then sorted into as many as 64 different categories across the yard. At Fritch Mills, lumber drying is a precise, well-engineered process powered by two identical side-loading kilns. Fired with natural gas and heated with hot water instead of steam, they deliver consistent results without the need for high-pressure steam systems or additional regulation. Each kiln measures 33’ wide, 24’ deep, and 17’ high, holding about 60,000 board feet of lumber when loaded with 2” material. Capacity adjusts slightly depending on thickness, less for 4/4 stock, more for thicker timbers and beams. Certified by the Pacific Lumber Inspection Bureau (PLIB) for heat treatment compliance with ISPM 15 standards, the kilns can reach a maximum internal temperature of up to 170°F. The operation embodies advice Eric’s father shared years ago: “Pay your bills and keep your word”. In an industry where handshakes still matter, that philosophy has kept Fritch Sawmill competitive for 74 years and counting.…

Environmental Forestry 2026 rescheduled to March 2026

The Forest Industry Engineering Association (FIEA) has confirmed new dates and released the full programme for its highly anticipated Environmental Forestry 2026 conference. The event, initially slated for September 2025, will now take place on 23-24 March 2026, at the Distinction Hotel in Rotorua, New Zealand. A programme built for forestry management and policymakers Designed in collaboration with industry leaders and government agencies, the Environmental Forestry 2026 conference is positioned as a vital forum for navigating the complex challenges facing the sector. It is meticulously structured for both technical and environmental management specialists, operations planners (the people ‘with boots on the ground’), and policy creators who are crafting the regulations. The two-day programme will focus on improving environmental performance, ensuring compliance, and sharing successful management strategies across forest estates of all sizes. Key highlights of the 2026 programme The conference agenda tackles the most pressing environmental, regulatory, and operational issues, offering actionable insights for all attendees: Networking and registration The conference provides unparalleled networking opportunities, bringing together environmental, operations, and technical representatives from the forest industry, local government, and central government. Leading organisations such as the Bioeconomy Science Institute, MPI, Summit Forests, Aratu Forests, and Ngati Hine Forestry Trust are confirmed participants. Forestry professionals are encouraged to secure their registration immediately to benefit from the discounted rate. The Super Early Bird discount ends 31 December 2025.…

Interpine welcomes a new era of daily 1m imagery

Interpine is proud to be New Zealand’s Planet Partner, delivering high-frequency satellite imagery to forestry and natural resource clients across the country. For years, our clients have benefited from near-daily monitoring at 3m GSD (Ground Sample Distance) using Planet’s SuperDove constellation—supporting applications from windthrow detection to harvest tracking and waterway monitoring. Now, Planet has announced its next-generation satellite fleet:  OWL. These new satellites will deliver  near-daily 1m class imagery with low latency, dramatically enhancing the resolution and speed of Earth observation. Equipped with NVIDIA GPUs, OWL satellites will perform AI-powered onboard analysis, enabling faster insights and smarter monitoring capabilities than ever before. OWL maintains compatibility with existing PlanetScope workflows, ensuring seamless integration for users already leveraging SuperDove data. With a wider swath width (60+ km) and enhanced geolocation accuracy (<10 m CE90), OWL is set to redefine what’s possible in forestry, environmental monitoring, and land management. At Interpine, we’re excited to bring this leap in satellite technology to our clients. Whether you’re monitoring forest health, assessing storm damage, or managing land use, OWL’s sharper view and smarter insights will empower better decisions—faster. Timeline for OWL Satellite Rollout Planet has announced that the first OWL satellite will launch as a technical demonstration in late 2026, with the full fleet entering production and deployment in the years following. This phased rollout ensures continuity with existing SuperDove operations while gradually introducing higher-resolution, AI-enhanced capabilities to customers worldwide At Interpine, we’re excited to bring this leap in satellite technology to our clients late next year. Whether you’re monitoring forest health, assessing storm damage, or managing land use, OWL’s sharper view and smarter insights will empower better decisions—faster. For more technical details on OWL and its capabilities, visit Planet’s official page: OWL – Next-generation Monitoring | Planet. More >> Source: InterpineImage credit: Planet…

The forestry sector’s critical role preparing for bushfires

Australia’s forestry sector is responsible for more than $100 million of direct annual investment into bushfire prevention, mitigation and response nationally, so it’s important to remember this critical industry contribution as the bushfire season in the southern states commences, Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA) Chief Executive Officer, Diana Hallam said. “Australia’s forest industry managers make an enormous contribution to bush firefighting, prevention and mitigation efforts alongside government agencies, volunteer groups and other landholders. As the weather warms up and our forests and landscapes dry out, forest industries are well prepared to fight potential threats to forestry assets, farms, reserves and regional communities,” Diana Hallam said. “While the bushfire season is underway, fire management is a year-round process, and our forestry companies invest a significant amount of effort and resources into prevention and preparedness activities to ensure our staff are educated and prepared to the best of their ability to protect Australia’s forest estates.” A new survey of AFPA members shows the contribution the sector makes towards reducing and managing bushfire risk and fighting fires when they start. AFPA members are responsible for: “We thank our forestry sector for the contribution and work it does in this critical space, and we remind state governments how important the industry is in managing risks and fighting bushfires when they happen,” Diana Hallam said. This year’s outlook suggests an increased risk of bushfire during spring in parts of Western Australia, South Australia and Victoria. The official summer 2025-26 bushfire outlook will be issued in November. Source: Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA)…

Strengthening the voice of AFCA members

There has always been strength in the national collective voice of AFCA members and we are pleased to announce it will be growing stronger. It may sound cliché but adapting to more complex and demanding business changes through innovation and continuous improvement has been a hallmark of the professional forest service businesses AFCA has been serving. “For almost 25 years, AFCA has been a lean, member-driven organisation,” said Lloyd Martin, Chair of the AFCA Board of Directors. “We know the financial and operational challenges facing our industry and our member businesses. Like them, we are evolving to ensure AFCA is positioned for the next 25 years.” AFCA’s success has always come from the strength of its members businesses who are known for their professionalism and adaptability in changing environments. The next stage of AFCA’s evolution builds on that strength through a renewed organisational structure designed to increase engagement and enhance member representation. As part of this transition, AFCA is streamlining its operations with the ending of the CEO role and the introduction of a new Operational Engagement Manager position, reporting directly to the Board. This role will act as a direct conduit between members and the Board—collating issues, facilitating discussion, and ensuring member priorities are represented both regionally and nationally. “With guidance from the Board, the Operational Engagement Manager will help us remain adaptable and responsive to emerging issues,” Mr Martin explained. “It also gives us the flexibility to bring in subject matter experts when needed, ensuring AFCA’s voice remains informed, credible and influential.” AFCA is also undertaking internal process improvements to maximise efficiency and focus resources where they deliver the most value. “We’re reshaping how we operate to get the best out of what we have and remove what we don’t need,” said Mr Martin. “This change is about ensuring AFCA continues to deliver strong outcomes for members in a sustainable way.” As AFCA reaches out to members, sponsors, and partners to share this new direction, the organisation will also be seeking member input on AFCA’s future priorities. “After all,” said Mr Martin, “we are here for our members—so who better to guide our direction than the people we represent.” AFCA member businesses remain vital to Australia’s forestry supply chain, and AFCA is committed to supporting their success for another 25 years and beyond. More >>…

Introducing Crann – the world’s first AI forestry assistant

Irish forestry technology company Treemetrics Ltd has announced the launch of Crann, the world’s first AI Forestry Assistant. Designed to reduce time spent on administrative work, Crann allows foresters to focus more on managing forests and less on paperwork. Crann combines satellite monitoring, sensor data, and AI-driven workflows to support a range of forestry tasks. The system can detect forest health changes, flag disturbances, and assist with compliance paperwork, licence applications, and field reporting through simple prompts. According to Treemetrics, the tool uses specialised AI agents trained on forestry operations and Earth observation data to streamline day-to-day management. Treemetrics has opened an early access program for forestry companies and organisations interested in testing Crann. Early partners will have the opportunity to work directly with the system, provide feedback, and help guide its future development. The company says the goal isn’t to revolutionise forestry overnight, but to build practical, field-ready tools that make foresters’ work easier. Source & image credit: Treemetrics (via LinkedIn)…

Workforce insights programme: employers & workers

FISC recently received a report from Worksafe – Workforce Insights Programme: Employers and Workers. WorkSafe commissioned a series of research reports on workers and employers to help track health and safety performance over time. The employers and workers report examines employer health and safety maturity; worker engagement, participation, and representation; and the impact of workplace safety culture. Some of the Key findings were: The survey shows overall improvements in New Zealand’s work health and safety cultures, compared to 2023. Forestry employers are most likely to prioritise health and safety, and implement robust practices. You can see this report here – it has many encouraging insights about forestry and other industries. Against most of the research elements, forestry is making positive improvements, but there is still plenty of headroom to improve. I was reflecting on this report and couldn’t help but note our current transition to the new ACoP as a tangible example of how our work practices can evolve. One of the most significant changes in the new ACoP is the shift in tone. The new ACoP is less prescriptive. It has a strong focus on identification of hazards and risks, assessment of those risks and development, implementation and monitoring of controls. This approach provides latitude for continuous improvement. Contractors and others should see this as encouragement to monitor and evolve their practices, so long as they meet or exceed the ACoP standard. Thinking about both the report and the how the sector has responded to the new ACoP, one can’t help but think about how we are evolving as an industry. There is a simple framework called the Bradley Curve, it was developed to assess the stages of maturity of a safety culture. Simply, the stages are: This framework is applied to a single organisation, but if you were to consider the sector as a whole, where do you think we would sit on the curve? Are we maturing as a sector? We certainly see evidence of strong compliance cultures, which is not surprising given our poor safety performance prior to the independent review. However, we also see higher levels of engagement and investment in continuous improvement and innovation. I see a strong aspiration that the sector wants to be better, and an understanding that if we are to move to higher levels of safety culture, we need to do this together – a rising tide lifts all waka. More >> Source: Safetree / FISC Image credit: WorkSafe NZ…

Post-event summary: ForestTECH 2025

ForestTECH 2025 reaffirmed its position as Australasia’s leading forestry technology event, bringing together forest managers, researchers, and technology specialists in Rotorua, New Zealand (18-19 November) and Melbourne, Australia (25-26 November). The series continued its role as an independent platform for showcasing new tools in remote sensing, data capture, inventory management, and precision silviculture. A consistent theme across the programme was the accelerating convergence of data, connectivity, and artificial intelligence (AI) to improve efficiency and transparency in forest management. International speakers demonstrated practical, data-driven applications, particularly for Pinus radiata and other Southern Hemisphere plantation species. Key Technological Insights In remote sensing and inventory, Masanori Onishi of DeepForest Technologies presented Revealing the True Value of Forests through Drone and AI Analysis, illustrating how commercial drone imagery can now support tree-level assessments, including species identification. DeepForest also reported major operational efficiencies, reducing analysis time for tens of hectares from 19 person-days to about four. Albrecht von Ruffer of SKYLAB highlighted the importance of specialised, customisable AI models for forest health assessment, timber inventory, and carbon monitoring. SKYLAB’s #forestAi toolbox now supports counting complex seedlings and harvest residues, performing change detection, and generating 3D models for carbon and volume estimation. Real-time monitoring and connectivity also featured prominently. Esthevan Gasparoto of Treevia introduced The Digital Forest, demonstrating internationally deployed IoT, AI, and Big Data technologies that track forest growth and carbon sequestration online. David Bruce and Andrew Holdaway presented Dwell, a cloud-based forest health surveillance system that combines satellite imagery (including Sentinel-2) and AI to monitor landscape change and detect disturbances in softwood plantations. Operational Efficiencies and Precision Silviculture Several presentations focused on improving operational performance. Ian Wilton and Chris Auchlin of FORCO reported on trials of a Nordic Forestry Automation (NFA) retrofit system that equips harvesting machines with LiDAR-based, real-time forest information. The system provides centimetre-accurate tree positions and DBH measurements, supporting mechanised thinning and helping ensure stem/ha targets are met. In tree-stock management, Chris Campbell and Anthony Ham of Integral showcased PlantIT, a mobile platform using QR-based traceability and real-time GPS to track seedlings from nursery to planting site, providing a full digital audit trail and strengthening biosecurity. Interpine’s David Herries presented TreeTools.ai, combining cloud-based LiDAR processing (SilvaCloud) with field inventory tools such as VirtualPlot. Human factors in technology adoption were also a central theme. Brionny Hooper of the Bioeconomy Science Institute outlined practical lessons from workforce innovation programmes and the transition to mechanised systems such as the M-Planter. Closing Reflections Across both venues, ForestTECH 2025 underscored that digital transformation is now essential for competitiveness. Improved connectivity is emerging as the key enabler, while collaboration between forest owners, researchers, and technology providers remains critical for scaling innovation across the sector. View the event website for further details Source & image credit: FIEA…

Fire research in Australia providing lessons and mitigation

Australia’s bushfire landscape has been shaped by 60 years plus of important fire research, providing a legacy of lessons in fire mitigation, behaviour, suppression and other research areas, and the attached comprehensive review highlights this. The full review is included here. A legacy of high standard and effective research Fire research has been critical in the development of Australian fire management, 143 research reports are highlighted in Annexure 1 of the full review. The author of this review considers that many of the listed research across Australia has been world-class in relation to prescribed burning, aerial prescribed burning development, fire behaviour and fuels, fire effects, Aboriginal and human burning, unnatural fire regimes, severe fire events, eucalypt decline, bushfire suppression and lesson capture. Researchers such as Alan McArthur, Harry Luke, David Packham, and Geoffrey Rodger are recognised for their foundational contributions. Their work laid the groundwork for understanding fire dynamics and developing practical tools for suppression and prevention.  Case studies in fire research excellence Three major research programs illustrate the depth and impact of Australian fire science: Aerial prescribed burning revolutionised fire management in Australia The development of aerial prescribed burning revolutionised fire management in Australia. First trialled in WA’s Pingerup State Forest in 1965, the technique quickly spread nationwide. By the early 1970s, WA was conducting aerial burns over 300,000 hectares annually, dramatically reducing the incidence of severe bushfires. Innovations such as the incendiary capsule, combining potassium permanganate and ethylene glycol, enabled precise ignition on the ground from aircraft. This method allowed for grid-pattern burns, ensuring thorough fuel reduction even in inaccessible areas, spacing and the location of the capsules to minimise scorch. The success of aerial burning extended beyond Australia, influencing fire management practices globally. It offered a scalable, efficient, and safe solution to the challenge of managing vast forested landscapes under mild weather conditions. Modern advances and ongoing challenges Aerial fire management now includes planes, helicopters, drones, and advanced ignition systems. These tools enhance safety, precision, and coverage, particularly in rugged terrain. As outlined in the review, current research sometimes downplays the importance of prescribed burning and fails to address practical failures in fire management. Long intervals between burns, sometimes up to 60 years, have led to dangerously high fuel loads across landscapes. The review calls for renewed attention to high fuel loads and strata, fuel reduction, better consideration of lightning strike scenarios in high fuel loads, and improved focus on community, firefighter and ecosystem safety in relation to intense bushfires. A path forward Fire research is critical in the development of effective fire management strategies. It is important that research programs soundly progress research including prescribed burning, aerial prescribed burning development, fire behaviour and fuels, fire effects, Aboriginal and human burning, unnatural fire regimes, severe fire events, eucalypt decline, bushfire suppression and effective lesson capture.  As fire risks evolve, fuel loads increase and understories across landscapes increase (from intense bushfires and eucalypt decline), it is crucial to revisit and apply research lessons and assess research directions with renewed urgency to optimise community, firefighter and ecosystem safety in relation to intense bushfires. Read the full report Source: John O’Donnell…

Yarram sawmill to close

Associated Kiln Driers (AKD), Australia’s largest softwood producer, announced this week the closure of its Yarram sawmill in Gippsland. The decision, which impacts 73 employees, comes amid challenging market conditions and the prolonged slowdown in housing construction across the country. The Yarram sawmill produces lower-grade fibre products for landscaping and pallet and packaging manufacture. AKD CEO Shane Vicary said that following an organisational review, the company determined that the current market conditions and near term forecast demand alongside increasing operating costs, meant Yarram’s operations had become unsustainable. “This has been an extremely difficult decision to arrive at – but a necessary one to take – when we consider all the external factors at play and priories what’s best for AKD’s long-term future,” Mr Vicary said. “To remain a sustainable and competitive Australian business in this sector, we are adapting to market conditions, simplifying our operations and strengthening the core business at our four major sawmilling sites – which continue to produce the full suite of structural softwood products.” AKD, which employs 1000 people nationally, will consolidate production across its four larger sites in Colac, Caboolture, Tumut and Oberon. The closure of Yarram will not impact AKD’s ability to deliver products to its customers. Affected employees at Yarram are being supported by an Employee Assistance Program and learning about redeployment options at other AKD sites. Mr Vicary acknowledged the impact that the sawmill closure will have on the local community of Yarram. “Having operated in regional communises for 70 years, the significance of our departure from Yarram is not lost on us. We understand how important our operations have been to the fabric of this region, and we are committed to working with local stakeholders in Gippsland to reduce the impact of the closure where reasonably possible.” “We’re grateful to each and every individual at the site for their hard work, care and dedication through their time with AKD.” Source & image credit: Associated Kiln Driers (AKD)…

WPMA navigates economic headwinds

The Wood Processing and Manufacturing Association’s (WPMA) 2024-25 financial year report documents a period of significant economic challenge for the New Zealand sector, balanced by strong advocacy and export growth. The Domestic Challenge The domestic market for timber sales was profoundly flat, with some commentators branding it the worst market seen in years. The sector faced major headwinds: building consents dropped by 25%, and government cancellations of construction and infrastructure projects further constrained demand in an effort to curb Crown debt. Export markets provide momentum In stark contrast, export markets offered momentum and opportunity. The sector’s global focus yielded strong results, as evidenced by Stats NZ reporting a significant 42% increase in exports of logs, wood, and wood articles for April 2025 compared to April 2024. Policy and advocacy In parallel with market activities, WPMA maintained intensive engagement with new policy initiatives on behalf of the sector. The association actively submitted to more than twenty legislative and regulatory proposals released by the government. This extensive advocacy covered critical industry issues, including new trade agreements, settings for migrant workers, energy policy, and resource consent reform. WPMA’s core activities and further financial year highlights are detailed within the 2024-25 Annual Report. Source & image credit: WPMA…

New resources for employers committed to disability inclusion

Building on the insights from the recent “Let’s Level Up” report, All is for All have launched a new suite of practical resources for New Zealand employers committed to disability inclusion. The manufacturing, engineering, and logistics sectors are among those hit hardest by skills shortages. Without immediate intervention, the number of vacancies is set to reach 156,000 by 2030. “Let’s Level Up” estimated that more than 268,000 disabled adults represent a ready and capable workforce that could help close that gap, generating a fiscal benefit of up to $1.45 billion if participation rates are equalised. The research also highlighted cultural and systemic barriers to inclusion, with 63% of employers never having discussed disability in their workplace, and many disabled workers saying they feared disclosing their disability due to stigma or job insecurity. Industry feedback highlighted a need for tools that demystify conversations and build confidence in attracting, hiring and retaining disabled professionals. These free resources have been developed to meet that need head-on, designed specifically for the complex manufacturing, engineering, and logistics sectors. The initial release includes: Access the full suite of resources here. Source & image credit: Hanga-Aro-Rau…

New research shows fungus can strengthen NZ bioeconomy

New Bioeconomy Science Institute research shows a fungus discovered in 2020 can process wood and agricultural waste more effectively than traditional commercial enzymes – helping transition forestry into a high-value manufacturing sector. The fungus, Penicillium rotoruae, was discovered as a new species growing on radiata pine in the timber graveyard at Scion – now part of the Bioeconomy Science Institute – and named after Rotorua. By producing natural enzymes that can easily break down the complex sugars in softwood, it will efficiently transform low-value wood waste into fermentable sugars. Project leader, Dr Alankar Vaidya, says it will help produce sustainable green fuels, chemicals, biomaterials and bioproducts that will strengthen New Zealand’s circular bioeconomy while cutting reliance on fossil resources. “This will support forest-based economies and bioindustrial clusters by adding value to existing resources, which could enhance regional sustainability. It will also disrupt the industrial biorefining market, which relies on expensive commercial enzyme cocktails to process wood and agricultural waste. “Softwood such as radiata pine is a major renewable resource but notoriously difficult to process due to resistant cell wall structures. This breakthrough will speed up and enhance the productivity of enzymatic hydrolysis* – traditionally a bottleneck in biorefinery processing – to make wood conversion cleaner and cheaper. “Natural enzyme blends from the new fungus can replace or complement costly commercial enzyme formulations, reducing feedstock conversion costs. Faster and more complete hydrolysis of softwood translates directly to increased yields of fermentable sugars – which are critical inputs for bioethanol, bioplastics and bio-based chemicals,” Alankar says. In New Zealand, wood (biomass) from planted radiata pine forests is the one renewable feedstock available in large enough quantities to compete with fossil resources. Using current processes, more than half of the softwood biomass is degraded into low-value material under harsh conditions. New Zealand needs a nature-based approach to make the most efficient use of available softwood biomass – to reduce waste. This innovative study shows how natural enzyme systems can pave the way towards a more sustainable, circular bioeconomy in New Zealand and globally. “This study will be really helpful as a long-term cross-disciplinarity example for researchers across the Bioeconomy Science Institute, as well as other institutions in New Zealand and overseas,” Alankar says. “It presents valuable intellectual property potential for biotechnology companies, aligning with New Zealand’s strategy to monetise indigenous biological assets in sustainable innovation.” Penicillium rotoruae is the first fungi in Rotorua that’s been publicly named after the city. *Enzymatic hydrolysis is a biochemical process where enzymes use a catalyst to break down large molecules into smaller ones, such as proteins into amino acids. Source & image credit: BSI | Scion Group…

Evaluate thinning from above? Promising results from new TreeTools platform

The status quo for thinning operation QC is to get boots on the ground to check that the target SPH has been achieved. It’s accurate, but it’s slow and costly. Interpine is putting a different approach in front of forest managers: use LiDAR and drone imagery to check stocking from the office and only send people in where it really matters. TreeTools, recently launched at ForestTech, is Interpine’s new online platform bringing these tools together. SilvaCloud automates LiDAR processing to deliver detailed stocking maps. VirtualPlot uses drone imagery to produce precise tree counts and flexible stocking assessments. Everything is accessed through a straightforward web interface at treetools.ai. Interpine led a recent project comparing post-thinning outcomes from three sources: field measurements, RGB imagery and LiDAR data. High-grade GPS was used to align plot centres so that field plots, VirtualPlots and SilvaCloud plots were identically sized and located. TreeTools then produced total tree counts for each plot, which were compared against the traditional field data. A detailed comparison was made between tree counts and stocking values derived from VirtualPlot and those from the SilvaCloud assessment. Most plots fell within about ±5% error, indicating good agreement for most areas, with only a few plots showing larger differences where VirtualPlot appears more sensitive to local plot conditions. On average, the stocking difference between the two approaches was just 1 tree per hectare (512 from SilvaCloud versus 511 from VirtualPlot), demonstrating a high level of consistency between independent remote-sensing methods. A second comparison looked at average stocking across the entire study area using three sources: field measurements, SilvaCloud and VirtualPlot. While individual field plots were located near, but not exactly at, the same positions as the virtual plots – and plot sizes also differed – the overall averages still tell a clear story. Field plots measured an average stocking of 514 stems per hectare, SilvaCloud reported 512, and VirtualPlot 511. In other words, both LiDAR- and drone-based assessments tracked the field measurements to within roughly 1% on average, providing strong evidence that TreeTools can support reliable thinning assessments at operational scale. TreeTools is now being extended to additional sites and the platform is already available for operational use. Friday Offcuts & ForestTECH News readers can trial TreeTools at treetools.ai using the coupon code FORESTTECH for an introductory discount on SilvaCloud and VirtualPlot plans.…