Friday Offcuts – 27 September 2024

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Welcome to Friday Offcuts.

This week, we highlight key developments in resource management reforms, industry support and technological advances. The WPMA applauds the NZ Government's efforts to streamline resource consents, which is a crucial step in fostering future industry investments. In addition, a new AI initiative has launched to support businesses in adopting AI technology, and wood processors are utilising grants for clean energy upgrades.

In Australia, local leaders at the Queensland Timber Fest emphasize the industry's economic significance, despite the ongoing challenges in the State. Wesbeam's price guarantee offers a lifeline to businesses, and Parks Victoria tackles the urgent need for climate adaptation across its forests and reserves. 

On the innovation front, AI takes centre stage, with Planet Labs and SCA launching new tools for carbon monitoring and digital forestry planning. Collaborative efforts between NZ, Scion, and Finnish institutions aim to automate forestry propagation using robotics. Additionally, WIDE Trust and BRANZ are nurturing the next generation of industry researchers.

Read these and more in another packed edition of Friday Offcuts. Enjoy.

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Industry supportive of Resource Management reform

Mandating the processing of resource consents to within 1-year for wood processing facilities and related activities announced by Government last week, as part of the resource management reform proposals, is welcomed by the Wood Processors and Manufacturers Association (WPMA).

‘In the current period of uncertainty due to escalating energy prices, it is encouraging to hear of the positive actions the government is proposing under the RMA reform to incentivise industry development, while at the same time safeguarding our environment’ said wood processors and manufacturers Chief Executive, Mark Ross.

"We thank the Minister responsible for reform, Chris Bishop, and Act MP and parliamentary under-secretary Simon Court for listening to our members and providing the leadership needed to back future development of both new and existing wood processing facilities. With examples of resource consent renewal taking up to 13 years and costing in excess of $2 million, due to the drawn-out regional council processes, a more efficient system is essential," said Ross.
 
Wood processing investments are capital intensive and long-lived. Once established the 'sunk cost' and 'make good' implications can be considerable, meaning that much of the focus of our members has been on renewing and upgrading existing operations, with excessive cost and uncertainty resulting in less focus on new and innovative investments. 

As a low net emissions industry, wood processing offers many public benefits, including being a high-value regional employer, adding value to commodities that are otherwise exported in raw form, along with providing domestic resilience in terms of the supply of building materials, residues for sustainable packaging and biofuel. 

WPMA look forward to working alongside the resource management reform expert panel and officials to ensure that the new Resource Management settings are effective for incentivising future investment and growth within our industry.

Source: WPMA


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Local leaders support QLD Timber Fest

Hundreds of industry workers and their families, whose livelihoods and businesses are supported by Queensland’s sustainable forest and timber industry, welcomed the support of local leaders at the recent Queensland Timber Fest in Gympie.

Timber Queensland’s CEO, Mick Stephens, said the family fun day at the Gympie Woodworks Museum was a good reminder for Governments that the industry is relied upon by thousands of people and their families. “Our industry supports over 25,000 jobs and injects $4 billion into the state economy every year, providing essential materials for the building and construction industry,” said Mr Stephens.

Everyone at the event welcomed the support of local leaders, Tony Perrett, Member for Gympie and Glen Hartwig, Gympie Regional Council Mayor. They clearly recognised the value of the industry in
growing regional jobs, providing materials to meet housing demand and delivering environmentally sound land management.

“Going forward, a key issue facing the industry is a lack of policy certainty over access to public and private native forests for sustainable hardwood production, as well as minimal incentives and measures to
promote plantation and farm forestry expansion to increase timber supply," said Mr Stephens. “With the right policy settings, there is significant potential for the industry to grow and prosper and deliver positive economic, social and environmental benefits for the state.”

Tony Perrett, Member for Gympie and Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, said, “the attendance of so many workers and their families is proof why the industry needs certainty to secure
timber for production and guarantee a strong future for this valuable renewable and sustainable resource. “I’m committed to providing that security for our valued timber industry,” he said.

Gympie Mayor, Glen Hartwig, said he thinks there is a good opportunity to manage our state forests to harvest the appropriate timber but also maintain the environmental significance of the areas for generations to come. “That’s the vision I have for Gympie which will give sustainability, it'll give long-term jobs, and it'll give certainty to those people that have invested in the industry. But most importantly it pulls carbon out of the atmosphere and puts it into homes,” said Mayor Hartwig.

The Queensland Timber Fest was an opportunity to celebrate the history and collective value of the forest industry across the softwood plantation, native hardwood and native cypress sectors. Over 250 people
attended and, Timber Queensland acknowledges the support of the many industry exhibitors and community partners on the day.

View press release

Source & image credit: Queensland Timber


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Wesbeam announces 6-month price hold to support industry

In the face of rising costs across industries, Wesbeam, as Australia’s only LVL manufacturer, is stepping up to support Australian businesses. With the prices of energy, logistics, commercial leases, and materials increasing, many companies are passing these costs onto their customers. However, Wesbeam is taking a different approach, offering stability when it's needed most.

Effective immediately, Wesbeam is proud to announce a SIX-MONTH PRICE HOLD GUARANTEE on all LVL and LVL I-joist products until March 2025. While others are increasing their prices, Wesbeam is committed to maintaining current pricing for the next six months to help customers plan and operate with certainty during these challenging times.

“We recognize the pressures our customers are under, and we want to support them by offering price stability and supply security,” said James Malone, CEO of Wesbeam. “As Australia’s only manufacturer of LVL and LVL I-joist products, we are uniquely positioned to control what others cannot. This price hold reflects our commitment to Australian businesses and the residential housing market.”

Wesbeam is more than just a manufacturer. With a state-of-the-art production facility in Western Australia, secure and guaranteed timber resources, and nationwide distribution, engineering, and sales centres, Wesbeam ensures consistent, uninterrupted supply across Australia. In addition to this, Wesbeam offers industry-leading technical support to both customers and their builder clients.

“Our world-class manufacturing facility is equipped to meet demand, backed by a nationwide network of support. Supply security and price stability are at the core of what we offer, ensuring our customers succeed today and into the future,” added James.

As an Australian-owned and operated company, Wesbeam prides itself on delivering certified, high-quality products and exceptional service. The decision to hold prices for six months demonstrates the company’s commitment to helping businesses succeed despite the current economic challenges.

Source & image credit: Wesbeam



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Parks Victoria’s tough calls to mitigate impacts

A radical new approach to climate adaptation may mean conceding that some Victorian landscapes cannot be saved.  Dr Mark Norman has started thinking of it as war-gaming.

“It’s like, what’s our strategy, what’s our tactic?” he says. “What do we do this summer for a bad fire? What do we do in five years’ time, knowing that this plant or this animal is in trouble – what have we set up as insurance so we don’t lose it completely?” Norman is Parks Victoria’s chief scientist, conservation and climate action – responsible for overseeing the ecological systems of the 3250 parks and reserves the organisation manages – and the war he speaks of is climate change.

Changes that used to take place over hundreds or even 1000 years are now taking place in a lifetime. From 300-year-old banksias on the Gippsland Lakes suddenly dying from higher soil salt levels from rising sea levels, to emerging “ghost forests” near Mt Hotham, climate change is, well, changing everything.

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Source: The Age

Bonus Parks Victoria Podcast: Closer to Nature - Episode 5: Resist Accept Direct, Tackling Climate Change


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Planet releases AI-powered forest carbon monitoring product

Planet Labs, a leading provider of daily Earth data and insights, this week released its Forest Carbon Monitoring product, consisting of quarterly, 3-meter resolution measurements of forests globally. This new product offers partners and customers an unprecedented dataset to support voluntary carbon markets, regulatory compliance, and deforestation mitigation.

“The climate crisis is the biggest challenge humanity faces in the 21st century, yet our greenhouse gas emissions are still rising,” said former U.S. Vice President Al Gore. “Planet’s Forest Carbon Monitoring system is an important tool that helps the world monitor, protect, and manage one of the important resources in absorbing carbon from the atmosphere — our global forests. This kind of information is vitally important to governments, scientists, and advocates working to safeguard humanity’s future.”

This quarterly dataset estimates aboveground carbon, canopy height, and canopy cover over the entire Earth dating back to 2021, setting a new standard for monitoring forest growth and change. Forest Carbon Monitoring equips stakeholders with a cost-effective way to monitor forested areas — scaling from a single tree to the entirety of the Amazon rainforest.

In order to measure forest carbon stocks, stakeholders typically use ground measurements, fly expensive airborne missions over select areas, or pay for temporally and spatially patchy satellite data. But by leveraging Forest Carbon Monitoring data — built using Planet’s extensive archive of PlanetScope imagery and a global library of airborne and spaceborne LiDAR data, with processing by AI — users can derive precise, scalable, and affordable measurements without sacrificing scientific rigor.

Achieving this level of granularity at a consistent cadence is indispensable for emerging voluntary carbon markets and governments. For countries implementing policies to reduce deforestation and sequester carbon, establishing an accurate baseline to quantify the current state of their forests is a critical step. Then they can draw on Forest Carbon Monitoring data to track changes and assess policy impact and effectiveness.

To protect our planet and preserve its resources, we have to value carbon and nature into our economy. Step one is measurement. To date we faced the choice between tape measures around tree trunks, which is accurate but not scalable, or inaccurate global systems. Planet’s forest carbon data is meant to fix that gap: scalable and precise forest carbon data, at the individual tree level, updated quarterly,” said Planet CEO and co-founder Will Marshall. “We believe this dataset will underpin global carbon markets — a multi-trillion dollar transition.”

Forest Carbon Monitoring can be leveraged by companies aiming to comply with the new EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Measuring tree canopy and carbon stock change of sourcing regions can help mitigate and track any commodity-driven deforestation risks. 

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Source & image credit: Planet Labs



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Clean tech buffers business from rising energy costs

As high energy costs put the squeeze on many of the country’s businesses, ANZ has highlighted the value of long-term investment in clean energy technology.

“Businesses are doing it really tough in the current economic environment and we know for many their focus is on day-to-day survival,” says Antonia Watson, CEO of ANZ New Zealand. “We work with our customers through the economic cycles, and part of this is supporting investment in initiatives, including energy technology, to help future proof their businesses.”

Ms Watson made the comments while visiting a newly installed state-of-the-art wood waste boiler at fence post and pole producer, Hautapu Pine Products Ltd, in Taihape. Before it upgraded its ageing coal-fired boilers in late 2022, Hautapu Pine had been burning 110 tons or $52,000-worth of coal every month, trucked in from the West Coast.

“We know businesses want to be able to better manage the challenges they face, whether that is extreme weather, emissions regulations or volatile energy prices,” Ms Watson says. “So it’s great to see businesses like Hautapu Pine invest in their future and find ways to be more resilient and self-sufficient.”

Hautapu Pine’s Managing Director Susan Benson says the company started exploring options a few years ago, believing there must be a way to burn its wet wood waste to make steam to prepare the fence posts. "We had piles and piles of pine peelings we were doing very little with, and only getting a small amount of revenue from,” Ms Benson says.

With the help of a $913,500 grant from the Government Investment in Decarbonising Industry (GIDI) Fund, the company settled on a $1.65 million high-tech Danish wood waste boiler. 

The new boiler, designed to handle the long, wet, stringy pine peelings, now powers the plant 24/7, turning what was once a waste product into a valuable resource. “It's sort of like magic. To be able to create the steam you need from a waste product and at the same time reduce your carbon emissions – in our case to just 6 percent of what they were. It’s pretty cool,” she says.

Hautapu Pine covered part of the total $3.6 million cost of the project with lending from an ANZ Business Green Loan.

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Source & image credit: ANZ



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FGR & Scion team up with Finnish robotics

An international collaboration, exploring using a robot from Finland, to improve productivity and consistency in propagation for forestry is being formalised. A key tool to help achieve those outcomes has been officially blessed.

Forest Growers Research (FGR) and Scion will sign a formal partnership agreement with the Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke) and the South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences (Xamk) as part of an FGR-funded research programme.

Tissue Culture Techniques for 21st Century Forests aims to expand and automate the use of somatic embryogenesis of radiata pine for the commercial forestry industry. Somatic embryogenesis is a process that induces immature embryos to produce masses of cells containing many tiny somatic embryos. These are encouraged to form mature embryos to develop into seedlings.

Scion is the science lead on the research programme which involves other international partners and aims to create a reliable and cost-effective propagation method to boost productivity and ensure consistent results. Sorting mature somatic embryos before germination is time-consuming and subjective so Scion and FGR are exploring using a robotics system from Finland for the task.

Luke and Xamk jointly developed a robot prototype and software to automatically pick mature somatic embryos for germination. It uses automated image capture using machine learning and artificial intelligence to determine if the embryo should be germinated or rejected. The robot was initially programmed for use on Norway Spruce (Picea abies) and the tissue culture programme is exploring its suitability for radiata pine.

In September 2023, Scion staff including scientist Associate professor Jana Krajňáková visited Luke and Xamk to explore if the machine could be used for radiata pine embryos and successful trials led to its purchase in October 2023 by Forest Growers Research.

In May the robot arrived at Scion. Xamk engineer Elmar Bernhardt assembled it, and Luke scientist Sakari Valimaki has been hosted by Scion while he trains the team in Scion’s Tissue Culture laboratory to work with the robot and the robot to work with radiata pine.

The four parties are exploring integrating AI into the robot to achieve a working prototype for automated picking of radiata pine embryos. Commercialising the robot and expanding its use to other species is under preparation. They are also looking at the commercial potential of somatic embryogenesis for radiata pine.

This month, the four-way collaboration is being formalised with the signing of a partnership agreement. The robot has been officially blessed.

Dr Paul Adams from FGR says the partnership is an exemplar of the benefits of international collaboration and a cross-disciplinary approach. We learn from each other, gain different experiences with different species, and finding a more efficient way of making faster progress. The ability to apply the learnings across other important forestry species will be a gamechanger into the future, he says.

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Source & image credit: Scion


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Forest360 NZ market update - September 2024

Opinion Piece: Marcus Musson, Forest360 Director

Spring has sprung, lambs are frolicking, daffodils are blooming, and the feeling of warmer temperatures and better times is hanging heavy in the air. Unfortunately, like the frolicking lambs, logs are still worth bugger all in the export market, with September prices flat and with August at around NZ$113/m3 for A grade.

However, that feeling of better times is likely to come to fruition for logs (but probably not lambs), as shipping rates ease and in-market sales prices increase, albeit very marginally. If you run the abacus over what October might look like, you get a number in the early NZ$120’s/m3 for North Island ports. This increase will be as welcome to forest owners as Darlene Tana’s departure from parliament will be to the Greens (and everyone else).

On port log inventories in China have increased by over 200,000m3 in August to 3.4million m3 as supply has been stronger than expected, however, offtake has also recently increased by around 10,000m3 per day to 60-65,000m3 per day which should help balance the books. The NZ:US exchange rate has continued to be strong at $US0.62 which has not helped pricing levels. As a rule of thumb, every cent appreciation in the $NZ takes around $NZ3/m3 off the bottom line.

There’s still no change in the residential construction activity in China and there’s not likely to be for a while, as there’s currently enough empty new housing stock to rehome the entire Chinese population and still not touch the sides. This is being reflected in the log mix demand, with less demand for the lower industrial grades (Ki and KIS) and more demand for the higher grades (A grade), especially the longer lengths. This is due to demand now coming from the furniture and packaging sectors which require higher quality logs rather than construction and likely represents the new norm going forward.

Construction numbers at home don’t look terribly flash either with consents down 22% compared to 2023. While we don’t have the ridiculous over supply issues that China does, we do have other issues. Construction Minister, Chris Penk, said recently that it was “too hard and too expensive to build” and committed to cutting red tape and lowering building costs. This will be great news for homeowners as anyone that has dealt with building consents will understand the cost that bureaucracy adds to a build.

Domestic log demand has, however, remained relatively stable despite the current trading conditions facing merchants. The recent closure of the Winstone Pulp and Sawmills in Ohakune as a fallout of the recent power price spikes has rocked the local communities with the loss of 230 jobs. 

More >>

Source & image credit: Forest360



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AI Activator to support rapid adoption of AI in NZ

A new Callaghan Innovation-led initiative will support Kiwi businesses of all sizes and stages to boost productivity and competitiveness through the transformative power of artificial intelligence.

Science Innovation and Technology Minister Judith Collins launched the AI Activator at the Aotearoa AI Summit. The AI Activator is designed to boost economic growth and exports via the rapid adoption of AI. The initiative is a collaboration between Callaghan Innovation, NZTE and NIWA. 

“Globally, there are significant and growing opportunities to harness the power of AI. There is a growing gap between those who understand and use AI, and those who don’t. Some businesses find it hard to know where and how to start – that's where the AI Activator comes in,” says Sarah Sun, Callaghan Innovation Head of AI and Digital.

The AI Activator is based on the highly effective ‘activator’ model developed by Callaghan Innovation for ecosystem-wide support. “Activators, including the HealthTech and AgriTech Activator, have been really successful in supporting the needs of early-stage and innovation-intensive companies in Aotearoa New Zealand,” says Sarah Sun. “The new AI Activator initiative provides access to AI expertise, R&D resources, AI tools for businesses and interactive learning modules. We are keen to work with businesses who want to know the basics and understand opportunities and risk mitigations for AI-solutions. There is something for everyone,” she says. 

Judith Collins also announced GovGPT, a new proof of concept product that is part of the AI Activator, at the AI Summit. GovGPT is an AI conversational companion to help businesses get the information they need from Government websites, faster. GovGPT makes information available from a range of business-related Government websites through a simple, chat-like interface. Callaghan Innovation is planning to make the GovGPT pilot available on its website in October.

“We are delighted to be working with our partners at NZTE and NIWA to help more ambitious businesses integrate AI and expand their growth horizons,” she says. “NZTE is committed to supporting Kiwi businesses to grow; AI holds significant potential to increase productivity and efficiency and enable businesses to compete and expand on the global stage.

NZTE is excited to host in-person workshops, as part of the AI Activator, aimed at enhancing AI knowledge and capabilities among all export businesses. We believe these workshops will help businesses pinpoint high-value AI opportunities within their models and accelerate AI adoption where it is most beneficial.”

“In addition, we are seeing a growing number of our tech exporters embrace AI technology to build new products and augment services to their customers around the world,” says NZTE Sector Lead, Manufacturing, Technology and Services, Richard Cotman.

NIWA will play a crucial role to support stronger relationships between researchers and scientists who can support businesses to take advantage of the latest advances in AI.

More >>

Source & image credit: Callaghan Innovation


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SCA uses AI for digital forestry planning

SCA, based in Sweden, has launched a new tool with AI functionality for digital forestry planning. In 2023, small-scale tests were conducted to scale up to more extensive tests in 2024. “It’s incredibly exciting. It involves both new technology and new working methods that give us several advantages,” says Magnus Bergman, who leads SCA Forest’s technology and digitisation staff.

The goal is that by 2025, all forest planners at SCA Forest will use digital forestry planning to prepare for harvesting in SCA’s own forests. “Digital forestry site planning brings several positive aspects. The most important is that we achieve more efficient forestry site planning thanks to higher and more consistent quality of our forest data, and a large part of the planning work can be done in the office. Additionally, we can plan more during the winter,” says Magnus.

In-House Developed Tool

Behind the initiative for digital forestry planning lies extensive development work by SCA Forest’s technology and digitisation staff. By utilizing information from forest laser scanning and harvester data in combination with AI, SCA has created a digital twin of the forest using automated data interpretation.

“We have developed our own tool that provides our forestry planners with access to high-resolution images from different perspectives and data about the forest, so they can look at the forest and analyse the area,” says Magnus.

“This means that forestry planners always plan in the office and verify different parts in the field when needed. The tool contains a wealth of data about the forest and each individual tree. It becomes a great support for the planners,” explains Per Östman from Forest and Management, responsible for implementing the new tool in the operations. “It will also provide better data for our Production function,” adds Magnus.

The new tool is fully integrated with the “TP application”, another tool developed by SCA for forestry planning. “Our new tool is like a viewing window for interpreting images and can only be used online and works best in the office, while the TP app is where the actual forestry planning work takes place and also works offline and thus out in the forest,” says Magnus.

With digital forestry planning, the planners can focus on visiting more complex forest areas that need to be visited in the field. 

More >>

Source & image credit: SCA


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Celebrating excellence at the 2024 Northland Forestry Awards

The Northland Wood Council proudly hosted the Northland Forestry Awards at MacKay Stadium on Friday 20 September 2024, honouring the exceptional contributions of individuals and organisations in the forestry sector. The event drew an impressive crowd of 450 guests, with renowned MC Te Radar skillfully guiding the audience through an inspiring night filled with celebration and recognition.

At the heart of the evening was the announcement of the Supreme Forest Industry Award for 2024, which went to Graham Waru of Rosvall Sawmill Limited. With over two decades of experience in the forestry industry, Graham has solidified himself as a cornerstone of his organisation, renowned for his commitment to product quality, consistency, and precision. 

Matt Pederson chair of the Northland Wood Council highlighted, “There is a huge reservoir of knowledge and skills in this region and the industry has to celebrate its achievements and the people that are out there working everyday.” 

The night also celebrated the remarkable achievements of the Ngati Hine Forestry Trust, which was honoured with the Outstanding Environmental Management award. Their transformative Indigenous Forestry Strategy exemplifies a deep commitment to environmental stewardship, integrating traditional Māori knowledge with contemporary sustainable practices.

The Northland Forestry Awards proudly showcases the dedication, innovation, and relentless pursuit of excellence that defines this vibrant industry. The Northland Wood Council extend their congratulations to all winners and nominees, whose hard work continues to shape the future of forestry in Northland.

Results:
  • Supreme Forest Industry Award (sponsored by Northland Wood Council): Graham Waru (Rosvall Sawmill LTD)
  • Forestry Family of the Year (sponsored Rayonier – Matariki): Cale and Dane Subritzky-Clark (Subritzky-Clark Logging 2024)
  • Outstanding Innovation of the Year (sponsored by Qube Ports): Ian Newey (IK and SM Newey Transport)
  • Outstanding Health and Safety Management (sponsored by Summit Forest NZ Ltd): John Lumby (Northpine Limited)
  • Outstanding Environmental Management (sponsored by Wise on Wood): Ngati Hine Forestry Trust
  • Forestry Excellence (sponsored by Rosvall Sawmill): Stuart Warren (Stuart Warren)
  • Roading Excellence (sponsored by Fortuna): Nik Birch (JSB Construction) & Andrew Bradley (JSB Construction)
  • Harvesting Excellence (sponsored by AB Equipment &Tigercat): Richard Connolly (Rosewarne Logging)
  • Distribution Excellence (sponsored by PMG – Pacific Motor Group): Russell Masters (IK & SM Newey Transport)
  • Primary Wood Processing & Manufacturing Excellence (sponsored by Whangarei ITM/Waipapa Pine): Jonathon Lawson (Croft Poles & Timber)
  • Secondary Wood Processing & Manufacturing Excellence (sponsored by Croft Poles & Timber): Graham Waru (Rosvall Sawmill LTD)
  • Tree Faller Excellence (sponsored by Northland Forestry Managers): Joel Niha-Neumann (Niha Contracting Limited) & Derek Rosewarne (Rosewarne Cable Loggers)
  • Woman in Forestry Excellence (sponsored by PF Olsen): Jenna Ringrose (Rosewarne and Ringrose)
  • Log Truck Driver Excellence (sponsored by Patchell Group of Companies): David (Billy) Kanaraa (IK & SM Newey Transport)
  • Emerging Talent of the Year (sponsored by Forestry CO): Jess Winikerei (Mold Logging Ltd)
  • Trainee of the Year (sponsored by Competenz): Taausi (Lapi) Peletana (Croft Poles & Timber)
  • Good Deed Award (sponsored by Safetree): Jack Ratu (Rosewarne Contractors – Crew 89)
IMAGE: Graham Waru (Supreme Forest Industry Award winner) and MP Grant McCullum (National Party Whangarei)

Source & image credit: Northland Wood Council



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Student projects enhanced by collaboration with BRANZ

PhD students from the University of Canterbury's School of Forestry, Parisa Sedighizadeh, Milad Lezgi, and Lili Jia, recently visited the Building Research Association of New Zealand (BRANZ), with the generous support of WIDE Trust. This visit underscores WIDE Trust’s ongoing commitment to supporting postgraduate students whose research focuses on the utilisation of timber for building applications.

During their visit, the students had the opportunity to meet with several BRANZ researchers. Parisa Sedighizadeh engaged in discussions with Dr. Kathryn Stokes (Senior Materials Scientist), Dr. Catherine Nicholson (Senior Materials Scientist), Dr. David Carradine (Structures Team Leader), and Dr. Angela Liu (Senior Structural Engineer) regarding her PhD research “Impact of Flooding on the Structural Performance of Light Timber Frame Shear Walls.” Milad Lezgi and Lili Jia also benefited from the expertise of Dr. Carradine and Dr. Liu, discussing the experimental setups proposed for measuring in-plane shear properties of cross-laminated timber (CLT) in their respective studies.

In addition to the productive meetings, the BRANZ researchers generously provided the students with a tour of their state-of-the-art testing facilities. This experience offered valuable insight into the practical aspects of timber research and testing, helping to bridge the gap between academic research and real-world applications.

The visit proved to be an invaluable experience for the students, offering them not only a deeper understanding of timber research, but also an opportunity to expand their professional networks. WIDE Trust’s continued support ensures that emerging researchers like Parisa, Milad, and Lili can collaborate with leading experts and further their studies, contributing to the future of sustainable timber utilisation in building applications.

Businesses, students and others involved in studies and work to enhance the forestry and wood industry sectors in New Zealand are invited to apply to the WIDE Trust for a grant to support their efforts.

Apply Online - www.widetrust.org.nz.

Source & image credit: WIDE Trust



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Free public event in Sydney - Creating Real Value for Nature

In the run-up to the Global Nature Positive Summit, being hosted by the Government of Australia in October, there will be a free public conference and reception on Creating Real Value for Nature at Taronga Zoo in Sydney on Thursday, 3 October 2024. With expert speakers on carbon and biodiversity markets, environmental finance and conservation investment, it is an opportunity to get a global perspective on the rising opportunities in Natural Capital.

Key speakers include former Australian Treasury Secretary, Ken Henry, President of international NGO Forest Trends, Michael Jenkins, Alice Ruhweza, Senior Director Policy and Influence, WWF international, David Brand, Executive Chair of New Forests, Fiona Messant, Executive Manager, Climate Change, Qantas, Erica Kolosi, Head of Nature Markets, Conservation International, Tony Goldner, CEO of the Task Force on Nature Related Financial Disclosure, Cherie Gray, Global Lead, Sustainability and Market Development, Swiss Re, Rosemary Bassett, Head of Sustainability, Governance and Risk, National Australia Bank, Heechung Sung, Head of Natural Capital, Clean Energy Finance Corporation, and many more. For the full agenda and to register please go to the Creating Real Value for Nature website.

Source & image credit: New Forests


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Jobs



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... and one to end the week on... a phone call

The boss wondered why one of his most valued employees was absent but had not phoned in sick. So he dialled the employee's home phone number and was greeted with a child's whisper, 'hello.'

'Hi, is your daddy home?' replied the boss.
'Yes, he's out in the garden,' whispered the small voice.

'May I talk with him? '
The child whispered, 'no.'

So the boss asked, well, is your Mommy there?'
'Yes, she's out in the garden too'

The boss asked, 'may I talk with her?'
Again, the small voice whispered, 'no.'

Hoping there was somebody with whom he could leave a message, the boss asked, 'is anybody else there?'
'Yes,' whispered the child, 'a policeman.'

Wondering what a cop would be doing at his employee's home, the boss asked, 'may I speak with the policeman?'
'No, he's busy,' whispered the child.

'Busy doing what?'
'Talking to Daddy and Mommy and the police dog men.'

Growing more worried as he heard a loud noise in the background, the boss asked, 'what is that noise?'
'It's a helicopter,' answered the whispering voice.

'What is going on there?' demanded the boss, now truly apprehensive.
'The search team just landed a helicopter.'

'A search team?' said the boss. 'What are they searching for?'
Still whispering, the young voice replied with a muffled giggle.... 'ME!!!'




And on that note, enjoy your weekend. Cheers.

Ken Wilson
Editor, Friday Offcuts
Web page: www.fridayoffcuts .com


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