Friday Offcuts – 30 May 2025
Click to Subscribe - It's FREE! Welcome to this week's edition of Friday Offcuts.First up, a quick reminder for those interested in the Carbon Forestry 2025 conference. While the event is still months away, it's already looking like a sell-out. If you're keen to attend, please note that super early bird discounts end today. In industry news, New Zealand's commercial forestry sector is a key focus this week, as the government moves to streamline rules and enhance national consistency. This initiative is being welcomed by FOA and the wider industry. On the trade front, New Zealand is also expanding its timber exports to Vietnam, with a new cooperation agreement set to bolster the existing NZ$48 million timber trade. Across the Tasman, AKD continues to grow, with the significant acquisition of Oberon-based Highland Pine Products. Meanwhile, as the sector addresses key shortages in specialised roles, ForestWorks has launched a new pilot training trial for saw doctors and wood machinists. Innovation also remains prominent, featuring new Scion research on the impressive durability of properly treated radiata pine, SEQH's unveiling of a world-first electric road train, fresh insights from bushfire mitigation research, and Trimble's launch of a new technology platform for forestry operations. Read these and more in another packed edition of Friday Offcuts.
Our Partners & SponsorsFriday Offcuts is made possible through the generous support of the following companies. 
This week we have for you:
NZ Govt backs commercial forestry with practical changes
The Government is taking firm action to ensure commercial forestry
– one of New Zealand’s most productive and sustainable
export sectors – is not stifled by red tape and inconsistent
council rules Minister of Forestry Todd McClay announced today.Public consultation opens this week on proposed amendments to the National Environmental Standards for Commercial Forestry (NES-CF), aimed at restoring national consistency and protecting the sector’s right to operate. “Our fibre sector – from forestry to wood processors – plays a crucial role in New Zealand’s economy, particularly in regional communities,” Mr McClay says. “These changes are about getting foresters and wood processors back in the driver’s seat and stopping councils from using their plans to rewrite the rules on forestry through the back door.” The current NES-CF was designed to provide a nationally consistent framework for managing the environmental effects of plantation forestry. However, recent changes have allowed councils to bypass that intent by imposing more stringent rules without justification – a trend that is now undermining investment and confidence in the sector. Key proposed changes include:
The forestry sector has been vocal about the need for a consistent regulatory environment that enables long-term planning and sustainable growth. These proposed changes are intended to support that vision while still managing environmental risks, including from storm events and slash. “This Government backs the fibre sector – and that means making sure regulation is clear, practical, and nationally consistent,” Mr McClay says. “Whether you’re planting trees, harvesting them, or processing them into world-leading products, you shouldn’t be subject to a different set of rules just because of which council you happen to fall under.” Consultation on the proposed changes to the NES-CF is now open via the Ministry for the Environment’s website and will run until 27 July 2025. Read Updating RMA national direction and Package 2 (Primary Sector) to find out more. Webinars are also scheduled to start next week. Also see the NZ Forest Owners Association response below. Source & image credit: Ministry for Primary Industries AKD to acquire Highland Pine Products
AKD, a proud Australian forestry and timber processing company
is pleased to confirm that it will acquire Pentarch Forestry’s 50%
shareholding of Highland Pine Products Pty Ltd (HPP).HPP is currently a 50:50 joint venture business owned by AKD and Pentarch Forestry, with the primary asset being the Oberon sawmill. The sawmill processes over 500,000 m3 of plantation grown sawlogs and produces a range of structural, landscape and packaging products. Post this acquisition, AKD will process nearly 2,000,000 m3 of sawlog per annum, producing over 1,000,000 m3 of timber from the Colac, Caboolture, Oberon, Tumut and Yarram sawmills. Commenting on the acquisition, AKD’s Chief Executive Officer, Shane Vicary said, “the Oberon acquisition is consistent with AKD’s focus on operating high quality, strategically located sawmills, and represents an opportunity to provide an improved supply and product range for customers and the broader timber supply chain. As a joint venture partner in the business since 2018, AKD has had an opportunity to work with the talented team in Oberon and see the opportunities that exist on the site and in the region and we are excited about the future. We are looking forward to working directly with the Oberon team as we welcome them to the broader AKD business of over 1000 employees. The acquisition enhances our ability to service both existing and new customers and we look forward to strengthening relationships with suppliers and continuing to provide a positive contribution to the Oberon community”. AKD would like to acknowledge and thank Pentarch for their positive and constructive contribution to the HPP partnership and wishes it success for the future. The acquisition is consistent with AKD’s approach of growth through a mix of strategic acquisition and capital investment and further highlights our 70-year commitment to the Australian timber and building industries by investing for the future. Completion of the transaction is expected to occur on 1 July 2025. More >> Source & image credit: AKD Support for industry training trial for critically needed roles
The Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA) is proud to support a
new two-year saw doctor and wood machinist pilot training trial
aimed at boosting these much-needed forestry sector skills for our
workforce, Chief Executive Officer of AFPA, Diana Hallam said
today.“There is a national shortage of saw technicians and wood machinists and it’s critical that we have efficient, accessible and fit for purpose training to support these important specialised skills across both softwood and hardwood processing and manufacturing. Saw makers and repairers are not currently listed on the Core Skills and Occupation List (CSOL),” Diana Hallam said. This pilot training trial will be delivered in conjunction with Timber Training Creswick and TAFE NSW with support from employers and the Australian Government’s $10 million Forestry Workforce Training Program being administered by ForestWorks. “Attracting new people into the industry begins at school, and we hope that this pilot training trial can go some way to encouraging more young people to consider fulfilling careers in these specialised areas that are critical for timber manufacturing,” Diana Hallam said. ForestWorks CEO, Mike Radda said, “We’re proud to be involved in this pilot training trial. We know saw doctors and wood machinists are professions that are experiencing shortages of qualified personnel. It’s important that we provide the required training here in Australia for people who want to undertake it – as a dual option with importing these skills from overseas.” “Australia’s forestry and timber sector is Australia’s 6th largest manufacturing sector, drives the housing sector, and the need for our products will only get more important as the country and different industries look to decarbonise by using timber and wood-fibre. We need to attract more people to our growing sector to fill the variety of important vocations we need to function,” Diana Hallam said. “This trial aims to make it easier for regional businesses to employ, train and retain skilled tradespeople. We are working to carefully identify industry needs, and to test a practical and pragmatic training solution including exploring the advantages of on-site employee training. AFPA will work with expert RTOs and businesses, in different states to make sure training is tailored and fit for purpose. “We are proud to be working in this space with trusted industry education partners and look forward to positive training outcomes and reduced skills shortages across the forestry and the timber sector,” Diana Hallam concluded. More >> Source: AFPA  Forest owners support consistency to forest regulation
The New Zealand Forest Owners Association (FOA) says proposed
reforms to the National Environmental Standards for Commercial Forestry
(NES-CF) will go some way in addressing the challenges forest owners
face due to variable and unjustified local council rules.Announced this week by Forestry Minister Hon Todd McClay, the reform looks to tighten and clarify the conditions under which councils can impose rules more stringent than the NES-CF and review forestry operations requirements for management of harvest debris. New Zealand Forest Owners Association chief executive Dr Elizabeth Heeg says the forestry sector has long called for clearer, nationally consistent regulation that provides certainty for growers. “Forest owners have been subject to a growing patchwork of conflicting council rules that contradict national policy,” Elizabeth says. “Over time, these local variations have disrupted forestry operations, jeopardised long-term investment and undermined confidence in one of New Zealand’s most sustainable and regionally significant industries.” “The NES-CF was originally designed to ensure national consistency in how forestry is managed. It’s hoped that, from our initial reading, these proposed changes will help restore that intent and recognise the vital role forestry plays in New Zealand’s economic and environmental future.” Elizabeth says forestry is not looking for a regulatory pass – but a fair, science-based regulatory environment that reflects forestry’s important contributions to sustainable fibre production, biodiversity and climate outcomes and regional employment. “It’s critical that the reform strikes a careful balance between enabling operational efficiency and strong environmental safeguards by remaining rooted in scientifically supported change.” Elizabeth says the proposed introduction of a mandatory Slash Mobilisation Risk Assessment could be a constructive, practical tool for the industry that will reinforce the work the sector is already undertaking to mitigate climate-induced risk. “We want to be good neighbours, and we want to operate to high standards,” Elizabeth says. “But we need a framework that’s predictable, proportionate and nationally coherent. That’s what these changes could offer.” Consultation on the proposed changes to the NES-CF is open until 27 July 2025 through the Ministry for the Environment’s website. The NZFOA encourages all those with a stake in the future of forestry in New Zealand — including landowners, wood processors, regional communities and iwi — to engage with the consultation process. More >> Source:NZ Forest Owners Association  Properly treated radiata pine: Built to last
A well-treated radiata pine can stand the test of time
– and Scion has the evidence to prove it.Transpower recently asked the Crown Research Institute to conduct a detailed analysis on a laminated radiata pine cross-arm installed on the Desert Rd in 1965 as part of the New Zealand Electricity Department's transmission network. The cross-arm had been lying on the ground on on dunnage (loose wood, matting, or similar material) 100mm off the ground, for over 15 years. It had undergone regular assessments until 1990 as part of Scion’s long-term service test programme. This recent analysis aimed to assess the cross-arm’s condition after several decades of service and help predict the remaining service life of similar units still in service. Scion’s timber durability researchers conducted a visual and microscopic inspection, which revealed localised decay – mainly due to brown rot fungi – where the cross-arm had been in contact with the ground, At this site, the effective cross-sectional dimensions were reduced by 10–15 percent. However, the remainder of the cross-arm showed no significant signs of deterioration. Structural testing showed the cross-arm retained an average bending strength (MoR) of 22 megapascals (MPa), meeting the characteristic strength requirement for GL10-grade laminated timber. After removing just a few millimetres from the surface, Scion’s team found the underlying timber was still in excellent condition – a remarkable discovery given the cross-arm’s age. Scion timber durability expert Dr Tripti Singh says the cross-arm performed as properly treated timber should. “While preservative penetration was likely limited – due to the impermeability at the glue lines and treatment after fabrication– the timber still demonstrated outstanding long-term durability.” “This case is a testament to the effectiveness of proper timber treatment and thoughtful engineering, showing that radiata pine, when handled correctly, can deliver exceptional performance for decades.” About the cross-arm Measuring 8.5m long, the cross-arms were made from 14 horizontally laminated pieces of 200 x 25mm radiata pine and scarf jointed to form a finished cross-section of 270 x 165 mm. They were bolted onto pairs of copper chrome arsenate (CCA) treated radiata pine poles, creating H-frame structures. Each cross-arm extended 1.35m beyond the poles at either end, supporting three 110kV lines — one line at each end and one centred between them. Manufactured at the Waipa State Mill in Rotorua, the timber underwent kiln drying and dressing before lamination. The adhesive used was Aerodux 185, a resorcinol formaldehyde exterior glue, cured at approximately 32°C. Following lamination, the cross-arms were treated using the Reuping (empty cell) process with a 5% pentachlorophenol (PcP) solution in Mobil No. 5 fuel oil, achieving a net preservative retention of 133 kg/m³. More >> Source & image credit: Scion .jpg) Competitiveness & sustainability in the B.C. forest sector
The B.C. forest sector plays a critical role in the provincial economy, providing family-supporting jobs across urban, rural and Indigenous communities, while operating under a robust sustainable forest management regime. However, the sector is facing serious challenges, including declining wood supply, mill closures, and reduced investment, all contributing to lower output, exports, and employment.This study compares the performance of B.C.’s forest sector against other leading forestry jurisdictions globally. It examines key quantifiable metrics alongside a global survey of industry leaders’ perceptions of competitiveness and investment attractiveness. Findings indicate that B.C.’s forest sector experienced the steepest decline in gross domestic product (GDP) among all jurisdictions. A decade of uncertainty in wood supply has led to declining harvest volumes in B.C., in stark contrast to competitor regions, resulting in reduced production, diminished export revenues, and broader economic challenges. This has cascading impacts on productivity and investments in modernisation and innovation. B.C. has an opportunity to reverse this trend. Stabilising and expanding the sector is essential for driving economic development, protecting jobs, maintaining forest ecosystem health, and sustaining communities across the province. The study underscores the urgent need for strategic action to restore the competitiveness of B.C.’s forest sector while maintaining its sustainability leadership. Decisive action is needed to secure the future of an industry that is foundational to B.C.  This study was prepared by O’Kelly Acumen for the BC Council of Forest Industries (COFI), and published April 2025. View the Executive Summary and Full Report Source & image credit: BC Council of Forest Industries Mitigating bushfires: How AU & US towns are reducing risk
There have been many bushfires that have had major impacts on towns and cities, indeed many that were bushfire disasters. However, there have been many cases where prescribed burning, mechanical treatments/thinning, active management options and grazing have resulted in reduced impacts on towns and cities or in some cases stopped bushfires completely. This is an especially good outcome considering the mostly small areas and scattered locations of bushfire mitigation often used across Australia, including prescribed burning, mechanical treatment and grazing, in most Australian states. The full review is included here. A number of these bushfire case studies are outlined within Section 2 in Australia, covering 25 case studies. The author appreciates the fact that a number of these case studies were written up, in some cases a number of case studies together. A number of these bushfire case studies are outlined within Section 3 in the US, covering 9 case studies. Valuable lessons captured from the case studies and identification of potential opportunities for the future are outlined in Section 4.1 to 4.8. Key lesson areas highlighted in those sections, there are many lessons and opportunity areas. Failure to fully utilise the benefits of economic returns on investment in disaster mitigation and preparation is to Australia’s loss. The current inefficiency of what is happening in relation to Australian bushfire disaster funding and management is highlighted in Section 4.7. It would be valuable for bushfire personnel, communities and politicians to consider these lesson areas and the many opportunities available to improve community and firefighter safety and budget efficiency opportunities. View report Source & image credit:John O'Donnell --(2022)2.jpg) Timber exports to Vietnam set to grow
Forestry and Trade Minister, Todd McClay has today announced a
new Cooperation Arrangement between New Zealand and Vietnam that will
grow timber exports and remove potential trade barriers for our forestry
sector.The arrangement will see New Zealand’s radiata pine recognised under Vietnam’s evolving timber construction standards, opening more opportunities in this growing market. “This will grow our $2.68 billion two-way trade and significantly bolster the $48 million worth of sawn timber we currently export into Vietnam,” Mr McClay says. “Vietnam’s economy has more than doubled in the past decade and is expected to see some of the fastest global income growth over the next. That means more construction, more demand for sustainable products—and more opportunity for New Zealand timber. “This agreement adds value to New Zealand wood products and offers opportunities in addition to exporting logs. It boosts our export potential and helps double our exports by value in 10 years.” Source: NZ Government GAF AG awarded ESA-funded WorldForest Project
GAF AG, an e-GEOS (Telespazio/ASI) company, has been selected as
the successful contractor for the implementation of the WorldForest
project, following a competitive bidding process. The project
is funded by ESA under the Earth Observation Science for Society
(EO4Society) element of the FutureEO-1 Segment-2 Programme
(2023–2025) Applications Element, which reinforces
ESA’s commitment to advancing Earth Observation (EO) applications
for societal benefit.The WorldForest project will be implemented by a highly qualified consortium comprising GAF AG, VITO, DHI, GFZ, NMBU and Caribou Digital, each of which brings specialized expertise that addresses the project’s ambitious goals. Together, this consortium will integrate complementary strengths to deliver cutting-edge solutions for adaptive and sustainable forest management. WorldForest aims to develop innovative methodologies and digital tools to support adaptive and sustainable forest management. The project addresses the requirements of the new EU Forest Strategy, related EU regulations and international frameworks such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals (notably SDG 15: Life on Land), the Paris Agreement, the Global Biodiversity Framework, and the Glasgow Leaders’ Declaration on Forests and Land Use. As ESA’s Prime Contractor for WorldForest GAF AG will lead the development and implementation of innovative EO-based solutions, transforming satellite data into actionable information for policymakers, scientists, and forest managers. The project will deliver:
GAF AG expresses its appreciation to all the partners and stakeholders involved in the bidding process and looks forward to collaborating on this flagship initiative to advance the sustainable management of forests and thereby contribute to climate action and biodiversity conservation. More >> Source & image credit: GAF AG LTSC funding 'My Everyday Wellbeing' trial
Invest in Your Wellbeing with LTSC and My Everyday Wellbeing!
The Log Transport Safety Council (LTSC) is excited to offer members an exclusive opportunity to enhance their physical and mental wellbeing. As part of the "Wellbeing Package" project, LTSC is funding a trial of "My Everyday Wellbeing," a comprehensive online platform designed to support your overall health. We've secured 100 free spots for LTSC members for a 12-month trial. "My Everyday Wellbeing" offers expert advice, videos, podcasts, recipes, and more, covering topics such as mental fitness, nutrition, sleep, and financial wellbeing. Wendy Chittock from Pan Pac calls it "a fantastic resource for staying on top of their mental and physical health", offering practical tools, expert advice, and easy-to-access support. Don't miss this chance to invest in your health and build a stronger foundation for a balanced life. To sign up, get in touch with Emma Godwin at admin@logtruck.co.nz. More >> Source & image credit: LTSC Foreign pest could devastate iconic Australian trees
The Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA) and Forest
Industries Federation of Western Australia (FIFWA) are calling on the
Western Australian Government to take immediate and further action
against the Polyphagous Shot-Hole Borer (PSHB), a damaging tree
pest that could seriously impact our forestry industry and destroy trees
and ecosystems from local gardens to national parks – Australia-wide, AFPA Chief Executive Officer, Diana Hallam said today.The PSHB – first detected in WA in 2021 – is spreading through backyards, urban forests and native reserves across metropolitan Perth – killing trees. Eradication and containment efforts need to be increased or it’s a matter of time before it moves south of Perth to the state’s production forests, or potentially nation-wide, killing many iconic trees, decimating Australian backyards and impacting forestry. The only effective treatment known is tree or limb removal so the WA Government, along with the Commonwealth and other jurisdictions need to be on notice about the serious biosecurity risk this Borer presents. It would be a travesty if governments don’t resource the PSHB response sufficiently. Diana Hallam said, “AFPA and FIFWA have written to the WA Government to ensure appropriate resources and actions are being put in place with respect to requirements under the national Emergency Plan Pest Response (EPPR) to combat this significant exotic tree pest in Perth. We don’t want it spreading and impacting production forests in southern-WA or potentially other parts of the country. “This is not just WA’s problem, and we’re acutely aware that measures to eradicate PSHB through the national emergency plant pest arrangements haven’t been sufficient. If governments fail to up the ante and act decisively now, we risk setting a dangerous precedent. The cost of inaction won’t just be measured in trees lost, but also damage to ecosystems, biodiversity, communities and our ability to respond to future crises.” FIFWA CEO Adele Farina said, “In South Africa, the ongoing management costs associated with the PSHB are in the billions of dollars and we believe a national response may be warranted to contain the impact of this pest. We urge WA and other governments to seriously consider the impact of this pest and act before the problem potentially gets out of control. “We’ll engage further with the WA Government, other state jurisdictions and the Commonwealth as required, in response to the PSHB threat and further immediate action on the issue.” More >> Source: Australian Forest Products Association Image credit: WA Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development SEQH launches world-first electric road trainSouth East Queensland Hauliers (SEQH) has unveiled a world-first electric triple road train which will soon begin operations at the Port of Brisbane. The 53.5m Volvo FH-powered combination, believed to be the world’s biggest of its kind, will cart empty containers between the port and SEQH’s nearby base in Hemmant.The factory-built FH will go into work alongside SEQH’s new Volvo FM which will also cart empties as a 30.35m A-double when all the paperwork is signed off with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR). SEQH Deputy Managing Director Nathan Craner told Big Rigs that both will run as singles in the interim but expects to have them up and running in their full capacity by the end of June. Speaking to guests at the official launch at Port of Brisbane on May 27, SEQH Managing Director Brett Plummer said the electric trucks are another example of SEQH’s core values of innovation, collaboration and partnership. More >> Source: Big Rigs Image credit: Volvo Group Australia  Trimble launches Forestry One to connect forestry operations
Trimble® has launched Trimble Forestry One,
a comprehensive technology platform built to connect and streamline
forestry operations. Unveiled at the Trimble Forestry User
Conference, Forestry One enhances forest management by leveraging
Trimble’s common data environment for seamless integration with
Trimble Connected Forest® solutions, while also
simplifying regulatory compliance and optimising supply chain
management.Trimble Forestry One extends the capabilities of Trimble Connected Forest solutions by connecting and leveraging operational, spatial and environmental data to enhance decision-making with forest inventory, harvest planning, logistics and supply chain traceability. The platform enables Trimble customers to address critical technical challenges such as disconnected workflows, siloed data and outdated interfaces, promoting a more connected and collaborative future for forestry. Key capabilities delivered by Trimble Forestry One include:
More >> Source & image credit: Trimble  Jobs
Buy and Sell
and one to end the week on... new business
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.
Copyright 2004-2025 © Innovatek Ltd. All rights reserved
|
