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A nationwide plan to tackle more than 800,000 hectares of wilding pine infestations over the next year will generate up to 550 new jobs and help prevent future wild fires, say Biosecurity Minister Damien O’Connor and Civil Defence Minister Peeni Henare. “We’re ramping up our wilding control activity in areas where jobs are needed most,”[…]

Preparations for LIGNA ’21 are already in full swing. The world’s top international wood-industry trade show is enjoying strong industry support despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. The scheduled opening day is a good eight months away, but demand for exhibition space is already strong. “The event will once again fill ten halls as[…]

Bioenergy sector supports obtaining greater value from New Zealand’s wood residues – The Bioenergy Association welcomes the release by Te Uru Rakau of the Wood Fibre Futures report but also wants greater focus by government on the immediate use of forest harvest and processing residues for replacing coal. Brian Cox, Executive Officer of the Bioenergy Association said “It’s[…]

Big opportunities for a high-value, low-carbon forestry future – A New Zealand wood fibre futures stage one report published last week identifies key wood processing technologies that could help drive a high-value and low-carbon economy. Te Uru Rākau (Forestry New Zealand) director sector investment Jason Wilson said the report, by an international consortium led by BioPacific[…]

The FinnMETKO 2020 annual professional exhibition for the heavy machinery industry attracted 9,950 visitors over its three exhibition days.  Thanks to all participants, visitors, exhibitors and the volunteers who helped to organize the exhibition. Together we achieved a successful event in good spirits amid this unprecedented situation, which required special arrangements, says Markku Suominen, Chair[…]

The newly formed Victorian Forest Products Association (VFPA) yesterday announced 23 foundation members and elected its Interim Governing Council. The new Association will span Victoria’s forest industry value chain including plantations, native forestry operators, sawmills and pulp and paper making. The eight members of the Interim Governing Council are: • Sarah Harvie: Opal Group •[…]

Kiwi Lumber is to set up permanent operations following the successful trial of a sawmill at Matawhero, Gisborne. The operation will create 50 jobs and pave the way for NZ$15 million of capital investment over the next three years and a substantial investment in systems and teams. Kiwi Lumber managing director Adam Gresham is confident[…]

Global forest innovation competition is being decided 24 September The What wood you do competition was launched in March to find new solutions that accelerate the transition to a fossil-free society. After more than 50 entries from 10 countries, six finalists have been selected from with ideas ranging from new uses for cellulose to high-tech[…]

Climate change – Humanitarian crises have recently been declared in Sudan, Yemen, Niger, Mali, and Somalia—affecting at least 450,000 people—due to flash floods and landslides. Areas with low tree coverage and poor soil quality are more likely to experience flood and drought, as the soil is less able to retain excess rainwater. Countries like Morocco,[…]

Early expressions of interest are being called for to present at next year’s major wood harvesting and log transport event, HarvestTECH 2021. Early details on the planned event can be found on the event website. Background: If you’re involved in wood harvesting, you’ll remember well the major harvesting event, HarvestTECH 2019 that ran in Rotorua, New Zealand[…]