New forestry expertise joins FOA executive council
Thursday 28 Mar 2024
The New Zealand Forest Owners Association (FOA) are pleased to
announce Matt Wakelin as its new President.
Matt was elected during FOA’s Annual General Meeting last week,
replacing retiring President, Grant Dodson.
Portfolio manager for New Forests, Matt has extensive experience stemming
from a lifelong career in forestry – managing forest estates, port
services operations, log supply and residues sales for log processing
facilities and offering his sector expertise in an executive and corporate
capacity.
Matt says New Zealand’s plantation forests, and the
forest owners that support them, will be critical for achieving a
greener future. “Our plantation forests sequester more than
half the country’s annual carbon dioxide emissions and are the only
real tool we have available right now to counter rising emissions and meet
the 2050 targets.”
The sector also holds the largest role in supporting New
Zealand’s emerging bioeconomy, Matt says. “Wood
chip, pellets and other forms of wood fibre are progressively replacing
coal as an alternative, eco-friendly source of fuel. Carbon intensive
materials such as steel and concrete are being subbed out for quality,
carbon-locking timber too. The innovative use of wood residues such
as pine pollen in the likes of pharmaceutical and skin care products is
also changing the way we see and use wood and has real potential to grow
the sector,” Matt says. “It’s an exciting time to be
stepping in as FOA President and supporting the sector on that growth
trajectory.”
Forest Owners Association chief executive Dr Elizabeth Heeg
acknowledges the leadership and support of outgoing president, Grant
Dodson, during his two-year term. “Grant’s keen
observations, industry practicality and deep knowledge of matters outside
forestry have become a valuable legacy for our industry as it meets the
challenges and opportunities ahead.”
Kate Rankin (Wenita Forest Products Ltd) and Darren Man (Earnslaw One)
were also elected to the executive council, replacing Steve Chandler and
Rowan Struthers respectively. Dean Witehira (Timberlands) will replace Tim
Sandall as Vice President for the coming term.
“Steve and Rowan have been a real asset to the executive council.
Their commitment to representing forest owner interests, particularly
their contributions to the sector’s training, careers and labour
space, will have a lasting impact,” Elizabeth says. “We are
excited to welcome our new executive members and look forward to seeing
their skills, knowledge and fresh perspectives in action.”
Source: New Zealand Forest Owners Association (FOA) via Voxy
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