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.