MOU to revitalise forestry hubs through clean energy [NZ]

MOU to revitalise forestry hubs through clean energy [NZ]

Friday 11 Sep 2026

Energy Estate, Kākāriki Renewables and NZ Bio Forestry sign MOU to revitalise forestry hubs through clean energy and bioindustry

MOU will explore integrated clean energy, forestry biomass and infrastructure opportunities for nextgeneration bio-industrial precincts.
Collaboration will assess how former and existing forestry hubs can be repurposed to support advanced manufacturing and regional development.
The parties aim to align clean energy supply, forestry resources, infrastructure and partnership with mana whenua to create long-term regional opportunities.

Energy Estate, Kākāriki Renewables and NZ Bio Forestry have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to investigate opportunities that combine renewable energy, forestry biomass and enabling infrastructure within integrated bio-industrial precincts.

The agreement brings together complementary expertise in clean energy, infrastructure development and bioindustrial technology. The parties will assess how these capabilities can support the revitalisation and repurposing of forestry hubs, advanced manufacturing and long-term regional economic development.

Energy Estate Co-Founder Simon Currie said the collaboration reflects the company’s commitment to forestry regions and to giving established industrial locations a renewed economic purpose.

“Forestry has helped shape communities and regional economies across New Zealand. This collaboration is about working with NZ Bio Forestry to explore how forestry hubs can be revitalised and repurposed, bringing together clean energy, infrastructure and new industries to breathe life into regions and strengtheneconomies affected by industrial change.”

“NZ Bio Forestry’s goal of creating higher value uses for forestry resources is closely aligned with Energy Estate’s approach to integrated precinct development. By connecting energy, customers, supply chains, infrastructure and communities from the outset, we can investigate practical opportunities that create enduring regional value.”

The parties will undertake site assessments, technical and commercial feasibility studies, master planning, stakeholder engagement and evaluation of delivery models for potential projects. The work will consider renewable energy supply, biomass utilisation, energy storage, waste heat recovery and other complementary industrial uses.

NZ Bio Forestry CEO Wayne Mulligan said the partnership builds on the company’s work to create higher value uses for wood fibre, biomass and forestry residues while supporting regional employment, decarbonisation and advanced manufacturing.

“Forestry communities have experienced the effects of restructuring and economic decline, even while remaining close to some of New Zealand’s most significant forestry resources. This partnership begins by acknowledging that history and then looking forward: building trust, creating value and restoring opportunity.”

More >>

Source & image credit: Kākāriki Renewables

Return to Newsletter

Share |