Friday Offcuts – 4 July 2025
Click to Subscribe - It's FREE! Welcome to this week's edition of Friday Offcuts.We lead with a new ABARES report confirming that Australia’s native forests are sustainably managed - just 0.05% are harvested annually, and total forest area has grown by 2.8 million hectares since 2008. In New Zealand, the country’s largest-ever research body, the Bioeconomy Science Institute, has launched, merging AgResearch, Manaaki Whenua, Plant & Food Research and Scion. AFPA has welcomed the announcement of a review into Australia's gas market, as energy costs for wood processors and manufacturers rise, while the Forest Stewardship Council has opened public consultation on revised standards (closing 31 August 2025). SafeWork SA is also targeting forestry and logging to help reduce workplace injuries. New Zealand’s log market remains steady despite a quiet domestic winter. Several major plantation acquisitions have been finalised, and the NZ Institute of Forestry has announced its 2025 award winners. Finally, FIEA is calling for speaker submissions for ForestTECH 2025, with events in Rotorua (18–19 November 2025) and Melbourne (25–26 November 2025). Read these and more in another packed edition of Friday Offcuts.
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This week we have for you:
Australia’s native forests and wood production update
The latest ABARES insights report explores Australia’s
native forests managed for wood production, sustainable wood harvesting,
and the ecosystem services they offer. It finds that our
native forests, including those managed for wood production, have
legislation, policy and regulations to ensure their sustainable
management, and support unique biodiversity.Around 0.05% of Australia’s native forest is harvested annually from our publicly owned multiple-use forests to sustainably produce important wood products such as house frames, decking, flooring, furniture, power poles, pallets, packaging and paper for use by Australians Most of the area harvested (86%) is undertaken using ‘selective’ harvesting techniques where individual trees, or small groups of trees are selected for harvest, with the remaining trees providing ongoing habitat and food resources for biodiversity, and seed for the next generation of trees. The report also delves into issues including diminishing supply and climate change. More >> Source & image credit: ABARES New research institute to advance the bioeconomy
July marks a new era for innovation to boost the bioeconomy
as New Zealand’s largest research institute is launched.
The Bioeconomy Science Institute brings together four Crown Research Institutes (CRIs) to form one powerful research organisation focused on optimising the use of biological resources and protecting the natural environment. With more than 2,000 people, the Bioeconomy Science Institute is New Zealand’s largest research institute, supporting sectors contributing 80% of the nation’s exports and more than 10% of GDP. Through world-leading research, the Bioeconomy Science Institute will advance innovation in agriculture, horticulture, forestry, aquaculture, biotechnology and manufacturing; protect and enhance ecosystems from biosecurity threats and climate risks; enhance and protect our native forests; and develop new bio-based technologies and products. “The formation of the Bioeconomy Science Institute is a really exciting opportunity,” says Mark Piper, Transition CEO. “New Zealand’s economy relies on the food and fibre sectors, with exports predicted to grow by 10% over the next 4 years. Challenges such as the changing climate, unpredictable weather events and the growing global population will require transformational change for New Zealand and the world. By bringing together more than 1,500 researchers into one organisation we can better support the future growth and resilience of the bioeconomy while maintaining a healthy environment.” The New Zealand Institute for Bioeconomy Science Limited (Bioeconomy Science Institute) brings together AgResearch, Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research, Plant & Food Research and Scion into a single Crown Research Institute, the first step in forming new Public Research Organisations (PROs). We also see the formation of the New Zealand Institute for Earth Sciences Limited (Earth Sciences New Zealand), a merger of NIWA and GNS Science, and the New Zealand Institute for Public Health and Forensic Science (PHF Science), formed from ESR. The formation of a fourth PRO, for advanced technology research, is anticipated in 2026. More >> Source & image credit: Scion Public consultation opens on revised FSC standards
The Forest Stewardship Council® Australia and New Zealand
(FSC ANZ) has launched the first public consultation on
the revised FSC Forest Stewardship Standard (FSS) for Australia.
The public consultation marks an important milestone in the revision process initiated by FSC ANZ to ensure the FSS continues to promote best-practice responsible forest management and remains fit for purpose. The consultation is open from 1 July to 31 August 2025. All stakeholders are invited to review the draft and provide feedback via the FSC Public Consultation Platform. “The Board considers the Forest Stewardship Standard to be the keystone of everything FSC ANZ does as an organisation, locking the whole together. We are grateful for the incredible work the SDG has put into developing this first draft," said James Felton-Taylor, Australian Sustainable Timbers, Chair of FSC ANZ. "We encourage everyone with a passion for responsible forestry to take part in the public consultation.” Click here to access the revised FSS and to participate in the consultation. To support stakeholder understanding and engagement, FSC ANZ will host two identical webinars presenting an overview of the revision process and the main proposed changes to the Standard:
What’s New in the Draft Revised Standard? Some of the most significant proposed changes include:
A Call for Constructive Input The SDG encourages all interested stakeholders to provide feedback on this first draft of the revised standard. It welcomes feedback that can help improve the draft and encourages stakeholders to be as constructive as possible in their feedback. Input that suggests how specific changes can be improved is especially welcome. Melanie Robertson, CEO of FSC ANZ, said, “the revision process is a powerful example of FSC’s ability to bring together environmental, social and economic interests to shape the future of responsible forest management. SDG members have brought extensive technical expertise and operational knowledge from across Australia’s regions and stakeholder groups to the revision work, working constructively to ensure the new and revised requirements are focused, streamlined, and clear in intent.” If you have any questions, please contact Stefan Jensen, Senior Policy Manager at FSC ANZ and SDG facilitator: s.jensen@au.fsc.org
 Austrailan gas market review needed due to rising energy costs
The Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA) welcomes the Albanese
Government announcement of a review into Australia’s gas market
regulations, to ensure ‘they’re fit for purpose and
deliver in the national interest’, as timber and wood-fibre processors and manufacturers continue to battle high energy and
other input costs, Chief Executive Officer of AFPA, Diana
Hallam said today.“The rising cost of gas and electricity is a major risk to our processing and manufacturing supply chain, with several major businesses on the brink as a result. We welcome this gas market review announced by Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen and Resources Minister Madeleine King and encourage it to work towards sufficient and more affordable gas supply going forward,” Diana Hallam said. The gas market review will examine the impact of:
“Australian forestry and forest products businesses are the nation’s 6th largest manufacturing sector and affordable gas and electricity is essential to make production trees into the range of sustainable and renewable everyday products we create – from timber house-frames to cardboard boxes,” Diana Hallam said. “In addition to energy, logistics and insurance costs are also rising – meaning some businesses are being forced to consider whether they continue manufacturing at all. Over the first term of the Albanese Government energy costs for a number of our members more than doubled – further increases of this magnitude are simply not sustainable. “Our sector is responsible for injecting $24 billion into the economy annually. We directly employ 80,000 people and indirectly employ another 100,000 on top. Many of these jobs are the lifeblood of regional centres. It’s vital to maintain the scale and integration of our sector – if the cost of one element in the supply chain becomes too difficult it will have a huge ripple impact across the rest of the sector. “The Albanese Government must support manufacturing, and the gas market review is a good step to examine the impact of what is a major input cost, placing considerable pressure on our industry,” Diana Hallam concluded. More >> Source: AFPA  EOI to present at ForestTECH 2025
ForestTECH 2025 will be running this year in Rotorua, New Zealand on 18-19 November 2025, and again in Melbourne, Australia on 25-26 November 2025.The annual ForestTECH series is the one single technology event every year that’s the ‘must attend’ event for foresters across Australasia. It’s well established and, since 2007, has attracted a very strong international audience with delegates from 20+ countries attending either in person – or remotely – every year. Last year over 250 attended the event series. ForestTECH provides an independent platform showcasing new and emerging technologies in remote sensing, data capture, inventory management, precision silviculture, and mechanised planting. The adoption and use of new technologies by forest companies, and the willingness to share lessons from in-forest trials and commercial operations across the wider industry, has been one of the key strengths of this annual series. We are developing the programme for 2025, and already have a number of key leads for content this year – which we’ll shortly be following up. We are looking for the very latest technology developments, trial results, key lessons from industry, and practical integration of new innovations into forest operations. If interested in presenting at the ForestTECH 2025, either in person, or remotely, please register your early interest by emailing ken.wilson@fiea.org.nz, before Thursday 31 July 2025. Further details can be found on our event website. More >> Source & image credit: FIEA  A New Zealand guide to growing our native tall tree species
Te Uru Rākau – New Zealand Forest Service, with content
provided by Tāne’s Tree Trust, has released A New Zealand Guide to
Growing Our Native Tall Tree Species.This is an introductory, educational resource to support farmers, private landowners, councils, iwi, and investors in establishing and further managing ‘new’ native forests for the wealth of values they can provide. It is designed to stimulate interest in native forest restoration and provide initial guidance, noting further site specific advice may be necessary. The guide brings together existing knowledge of fifteen well-known native tree species. It describes in detail natural & artificial establishment techniques, silviculture practices, pest and disease threats, timber properties, markets, non-timber products, environmental services, Mātauranga Māori and much more. For more information, visit canopy.govt.nz. Copies of the booklet are available online and in print from Regional Te Uru Rākau offices. Click here to view the guide Source & image credit: Te Uru Rākau – New Zealand Forest Service Honouring excellence in forestry at the 2025 NZIF Awards
The New Zealand Institute of Forestry (NZIF) proudly celebrated the
outstanding achievements of forestry professionals at the 2025 NZIF
Awards Dinner, held in Napier on 28 June as part of the
Institute’s annual conference. This year’s awards
reflect the depth, innovation, and commitment of the individuals shaping
the future of forestry in Aotearoa New Zealand.Honorary Member – David Bunting NZIF bestowed honorary membership upon David Bunting in recognition of his exceptional service to the profession. Over 11 years as the independent member of the NZIF Registration Board, David played a pivotal role in transforming professional registration, supporting its growth from 90 to over 170 members. His leadership contributed to major policy recognitions, including exemptions under the Real Estate Agents Act and the establishment of a career pathway for early professionals. His insights, drawn from experience with chartered engineering schemes, have elevated professionalism across the sector. Prince of Wales Sustainability Cup – Grace Hughes Grace Hughes was awarded the prestigious Prince of Wales Sustainability Cup for her inspiring work in sustainable forest management. A valued team member at Forever Forests, Grace leads indigenous forestry and ETS projects, while actively engaging with landowners and the wider industry through initiatives like Future Foresters and the Wood is Good campaign. Her commitment to science-based stewardship and community engagement earned admiration from both His Royal Highness Prince William and His Majesty King Charles III. FRESTRA Young Forester of the Year – Kendra Monteith Kendra Monteith was named the 2025 FRESTRA Young Forester of the Year. Described by her peers as a magnetic leader and the “glue” of Future Foresters, Kendra has built strong networks, particularly on the East Coast, and inspired a new generation of forestry professionals. In her day job, she has led critical work in Tairāwhiti, managing the removal of over 500,000m³ of debris from vulnerable catchments. Her blend of operational expertise, environmental focus, and empathetic leadership stood out in a competitive field of nominees. Forester of the Year – Dr Dean Meason The 2025 NZIF Forester of the Year is Dr Dean Meason, recognised for his groundbreaking leadership in forest hydrology. As head of the Forest Flows Research Programme, Dean led the deployment of over 1,700 sensors across nine sites to generate over 390 million data points, reshaping our understanding of forests’ role in water management. His team’s work has informed both regional and national policy, engaged communities and iwi, and led to international partnerships including with NASA and the European Space Agency. Dean’s contribution has had a profound impact on the forestry sector and environmental science in New Zealand. NZIF President James Treadwell, who concluded his decade-long tenure at the event, reflected: “It has been an honour and privilege to present these awards over the past ten years, and to see the emergence of new leaders through awards like the Prince of Wales Cup and Frestra Young Forester of the Year. Our profession continues to evolve, and these awardees embody the excellence, integrity, and forward-thinking approach which will carry forestry into the future.” The NZIF extends sincere thanks to NZ Carbon Farming Ltd for their generous sponsorship of the evening, and to all those who contribute to advancing forestry in Aotearoa. Source & image credit: New Zealand Institute of Forestry (NZIF) NZ log market report - June 2025
The June At Wharf Gate (AWG) prices for export logs around
New Zealand ports remained the same as May prices. The CFR
price for A grade logs in China has increased slightly to 113-115 USD
per JASm3 for July vessel arrivals, and the market
expects further small CFR price increases. Shipping cost increases
and currency movements are likely to negate any AWG benefit
from small price increases in China.Log demand has remained relatively constant within the 50-60k m3 per day range, despite the start of the Chinese summer when construction activity usually slows down. More recent log supply from New Zealand has dropped by about 10% causing log inventory levels to reduce in China. Domestically, winter continues to cast a damp shadow over the construction sector, with minimal activity or optimism on the horizon. Despite this, log pricing has remained consistent. The PF Olsen Log Price Index remains at $116. The Index is currently $2 below the two-year average, and $5 below the five-year average. Domestic Log Market The New Zealand domestic log market continues to face tough conditions, compounded by the seasonal winter slowdown and an oversupply of structural sawn timber. Building activity remains subdued in both the residential and commercial sectors, as higher interest rates and tighter credit conditions constrain demand. Sawmills are operating cautiously, maintaining lower log intakes to match reduced throughput. While there has been no major movement in domestic log prices, any upside for the third quarter appears unlikely. Most mills are signalling flat pricing through July and into early spring. Structural log grades remain in steady supply, though volumes of pruned logs are more variable depending on regional harvesting programs. The pulp market remains weak, with prices under pressure due to low demand from paper and packaging manufacturers. Export Log Markets - China CFR prices for A-grade logs are around USD 113–115 per JASm³ for July log vessel arrivals. Although demand is low by historical standards, it remains consistent at 50,000–60,000 m³ per day. Seasonal factors—including high heat and rainfall—are likely to further suppress construction activity in the coming months, potentially easing demand slightly. Between January and April 2025, New Zealand exported 5.89m m³ of logs to China, down just 4% year-on-year. China’s inventory levels continue to drop, aided by a larger more recent 10% reduction in New Zealand supply, particularly from the South Island. In this same four-month period, China imported a total of 570k m3 of logs from Japan. While this is a year-on-year increase of 26%, Japan still only accounts for a relatively small portion of China’s total log imports, representing just 7% of the 7.97m m3 imported during the same four-month period. Japan has a strategy to increase the harvesting of its plantation forests to 20% over the next decade, due to 40% of the population being affected by pollen allergies supposedly largely caused by ageing cedar and cypress plantations. This volume has mainly replaced the volume that was coming in from the United States. More >> Source & image credit: PF Olsen --(2022)2.jpg) SnapSTAT - Export value of the NZ forestry industry by sub-sector While the wider public can lament that much of our forests are exported in log form, the facts are clear in today's image. We grow great trees in New Zealand and we export lots of it. Logs are likely to continue to be our biggest lignin export. Behind this reality are a plethora of tariff and non-tariff barriers erected by our trade partners like China and India 'against' processed wood in any shape or form. .png) Read more: Figure.nz Kaingaroa Timberlands expands in NZ
Kaingaroa Timberlands (KT), one of New Zealand’s leading
forestry companies, is pleased to announce the acquisition of an
additional 9,200 hectares of existing and high-quality forestry land in
and around the South Waikato area.This acquisition was recently approved by the Overseas Investment Office and reinforces KT’s confidence in the future of New Zealand’s forestry industry and its commitment to sustainable land use and best practice forestry. The newly acquired business, Te Waihou Plantations Limited, was formerly owned by Te Waihou Holdings Limited (a Global Forest Partners LP (GFP) advised company) and is already dedicated to commercial plantation forestry. The deal ensures that the land will remain dedicated to its existing use, and will preserve its established role in commercial forestry, supporting existing jobs and the region’s economic and environmental objectives. “We are excited to expand our footprint in the South Waikato area, a region with a strong forestry heritage,” said Dean Witehira, Chief Operations Officer and Acting Chief Executive of KT’s wholly owned subsidiary Timberlands.“This acquisition underscores our long-term commitment to New Zealand and our confidence in the forestry industry”. “By expanding our estate, we are not only securing the future of forestry in the Central North Island, but we are also positioning ourselves to make further investments in our operations, driving further economic growth and job creation. It will help ensure New Zealand can remain a global leader in responsibly managed forestry.” Jointly owned by Canadian and New Zealand interests, and with an existing estate of approximately 215,000 hectares in the Central North Island, KT is a cornerstone of New Zealand’s forestry sector. This strategic expansion enhances KT’s ability to invest further in its operations, fostering job creation and retention, forestry innovation, and sustainable practices that seek to benefit local communities and the wider economy. KT remains dedicated to working collaboratively with local communities, iwi, and stakeholders to ensure its operations deliver positive outcomes for all. KT looks forward to continuing its role as a responsible steward of New Zealand’s forestry resources. Source & image credit: Kaingaroa Timberlands New SafeWork SA campaign for forestry & logging industries
SafeWork SA is launching a series of industry-specific
compliance campaigns targeting the priority industries of
Agriculture, Construction, Manufacturing, Transport, Forestry and
Healthcare. From 1 July 2025, the campaigns will include
site visits and compliance audits to detect and deter unsafe workplace
behaviour.The agency’s presence on worksites is increasing with 4486 recorded site visits and 4038 statutory notices issued in the first nine months of this financial year. Forestry and logging plantations in South Australia cover more than 168,000 hectares. The industry employs about 5,200 full-time workers and is forecast to grow by about 10 per cent over the coming years, contributing $210 million in additional income and creating 1,500 jobs. The industry supports a thriving number of downstream businesses including sawmills, wood processing, paper and pulp manufacturing, furniture and cabinet making and construction. However, the industry faces significant challenges such as environmental concerns, climate change, regulatory pressures, and labour shortages. Key policies and strategic plans that govern the sector:
Forestry and logging Between July 2015 and September 2024, there were 480 workers' compensation claims, mostly from the logging sector. The main injury mechanisms were body stressing and falls, trips and slips – accounted for 59 per cent of the injuries in these claims. Common injuries included traumatic joint/ligament and muscle/tendon injuries, wounds, lacerations and amputations. The majority of claimants were machine operators and drivers. Downstream industries There were 3,313 workers' compensation claims for downstream industries during the same period, with the highest claims in log sawmilling and wooden structure fitting. Common injuries included body stressing and being hit by moving objects. Significant occupations at the time of injury included cabinet makers, paper and pulp mill workers, and sawmill or timber yard workers. More >> Source: SafeWork SA  Proposal for a forest engineering theme at Waikato Uni
This proposal came after some Gisborne schools said that wanted a North Island alternative to the University of Canterbury’s BE (Hons) Forest Engineering.The School of Engineering, Te Kura Mata-Ao, at the University of Waikato wants feedback from forestry industry experts on a proposal to have a Forest Engineering theme of our existing BE(Hons) Civil or Mechanical Engineering. A theme is where engineering students can elect to take specialist papers, in this case forest engineering, to help prepare them for a career in that industry. It comprises three specialist Forest Engineering papers, plus a final year industry related Forest Engineering capstone project and compulsory 800 hours of work placement in the forestry industry. See below an example of the proposed structure for the BE(Hons) Civil Engineering with a Forest Engineering theme. Light green indicates the Forest Engineering theme papers. To deliver the Forest Engineering theme, we aim to recruit a new academic staff member with forest industry experience and expertise. They will work with industry to determine the content of the three papers, coordinate and supervise industry related capstone projects and liaise with our Work Integrated Learning (WIL) team to ensure students get appropriate forestry related work placements.
Source & image credit: School of Engineering, University of Waikato Matariki Forests: the next chapter
The Rohatyn Group (TRG), an investment firm specialising in
emerging markets and real assets, has completed its acquisition of
Rayonier Inc.’s shareholding in Matariki Forestry Group (MFG) and
local management company, Rayonier New Zealand Ltd.With a presence in New Zealand for more than 25 years, TRG’s Forestry & Agriculture team has owned and managed forest estates in almost every region of the country, spanning small single plantations to some of the largest industrial estates. The team brings to MFG a wealth of experience having successfully managed such a wide range of assets through multiple market cycles and with both direct ownerships and numerous multi-party investments including joint ventures with Māori. Alistair Brown, MFG Managing Director, says TRG is uniquely positioned to be a strong, long-term majority owner of MFG. "We are excited to welcome TRG aboard and the new opportunities it brings to MFG. As we move forward, our focus remains on creating the highest quality estate, strategically positioned to meet customer needs and drive long-term, sustainable growth and strong return." More >> Source & image credit: Matariki Forestry Group .jpg) Jobs
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and one to end the week on... Happy 4th of July to our American friends
And on that note, enjoy your weekend. Cheers.  Brand PartnersOur Partners & Sponsors Friday Offcuts is made possible through the generous support of the following companies.
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