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.