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