Mid-year reflections from WIDE Trust scholars: Fieldwork, innovation & growth

At the WIDE Trust, we’re proud to support students who are not only dedicated to their academic development but are actively building careers across forestry, environmental science, wood processing, and engineering. The following stories from Semester One show the real-world impact of our scholarships, highlighting the passion, hands-on learning, and future-focus of this next generation.

Sophie Cusack: From Harvest Planning to Port Logistics

Sophie Cusack’s first semester was full of highlights, including taking part in Case Study, which explored wood availability in small-scale Central North Island forests. A field trip to the region allowed Sophie to see the diversity of opportunities across the forestry sector and bring years of learning together.

She also enjoyed courses on harvesting and advanced wood products processing, where she created products and entered them into an innovation competition, connecting academic learning directly with industry.

Sophie is currently working on a dissertation investigating log ship loading delays at the Port of Tauranga. Her summer role with Nixin Contractors gave her practical harvesting experience in the Wairarapa, where she learned quality control, loader work, and chainsaw safety.

“Without the support of the WIDE Trust, I wouldn’t have been able to focus on my university work or take on this research opportunity.”

Molly Sinclair: Innovation and Industry Connections

Molly Sinclair’s semester included three major courses: Case Study, Forest Harvest Planning, and Advanced Wood Product Processing. As someone from the Central North Island, the Case Study project on local wood supply was especially meaningful, supported by a field trip across the region.

In Advanced Wood Product Processing, Molly worked with a team to create a sustainable, adhesive-free bridge design, which was tested and judged by industry experts. The project won a sustainability prize, recognising both its environmental design and technical performance.

Harvest planning field trips and learning new software tools like RoadEng helped Molly gain confidence in the responsibilities of future foresters.

Zach Forster: Strong Foundations and Field Insight

First-year Bachelor of Forestry Science student Zach Forster approached Semester One with both excitement and uncertainty, but quickly found his footing. Achieving a GPA of 7.25, Zach excelled in forestry and management courses and credits much of his success to strong time management and peer support.

A highlight was a field trip to Hanmer Springs where he saw real-world forestry operations, including harvesting and mulching. This hands-on experience brought class concepts to life and deepened his understanding of health and safety, sustainability, and innovation in the sector.

“The WIDE Trust scholarship enables me to fully engage in my studies without financial stress. I can’t thank you enough.”

Lucy Cartledge: Community, Conferences and Field Skills

In her first semester of forestry studies, Lucy Cartledge embraced a wide range of learning experiences, inside and outside the classroom. She found value in FORE111 and FORE151 and especially enjoyed her GISC101 elective, which introduced Python programming for spatial data science.

Field trips to Hanmer Springs and Mt Thomas gave her practical exposure to forest operations, mechanical planting, and erosion management. Attending the NZIF Conference in Napier and shadowing a local forester during the mid-year break gave her insight into real-world forest planning, logistics, and networking.

“I’ve met so many inspiring people in the industry, and the WIDE Trust’s support has allowed me to truly immerse myself in these opportunities.”

Supporting Future Forestry Leaders

These students represent the drive and diversity of talent entering New Zealand’s forestry and wood-related industries. Their stories reflect how academic learning, field experience, and industry connections come together with the right support behind them.

Considering your own path in forestry, environmental science, or wood processing? Take a look at the WIDE Trust’s funding opportunities, you might be eligible for support just like the students featured here.