Friday Offcuts – 28 November 2025
Click to Subscribe - It's FREE! Welcome to this week’s issue of Friday Offcuts.We open with major policy developments, as Australia’s native forestry sector raises strong concerns over the newly negotiated EPBC reforms and the removal of Regional Forest Agreements. In New Zealand, the Prime Minister is addressing energy and gas supply challenges, while Europe has adopted a new bioeconomy strategic framework that paves the way for future biomass innovation. Technology and innovation also feature strongly this week, with our full post-event summary from ForestTECH 2025 and a major breakthrough in the Green Triangle, where researchers have produced high-strength bluegum GLT. We also highlight Air New Zealand’s record-setting mass-timber hangar. Across the region, we cover industry campaigns and market updates, including the NZ Forest Growers’ new sector promotion, WPMA’s latest economic report, and monthly log market trends. Finally, we share updates from WoodSolutions, FSC’s Chain of Custody consultation, new Forestry Australia Directors, and new resources supporting disability inclusion. Read these stories and more in this packed edition of Friday Offcuts.
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This week we have for you:
Grave concerns for future of native forestry
AFPA has expressed deep disappointment that Australia’s
forestry sector has once again been horse traded on new national
environment laws, ignoring the evidence showing
Australia’s native forest industry is sustainable and already
delivering strong environmental outcomes.The new Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) laws, negotiated overnight between the Albanese Government and the Australian Greens, will not achieve improved environmental outcomes in our native forests but instead undermine the future of Australia’s world-class and sustainable native forest industry. Under the EPBC reforms, the removal of Regional Forest Agreements (RFA) – which have effectively served the nation and managed our forests sustainably for decades – will strangle the native forest industry in green tape and put at risk any future plantation investment. As the Federal Court confirmed last year, RFAs are an alternative mechanism by which the objects of the EPBC Act can be achieved. AFPA Chief Executive Officer Diana Hallam said: “I have grave concerns for the future of our native forestry and plantation industries after seeing the new laws. With the loss of RFAs, native forestry will be effectively treated as ‘high-risk land-clearing’, and the Commonwealth Government will likely find themselves, once again, in the middle of every disputed forestry decision. “The loss of Victoria’s RFA last year has had a terrible impact on local jobs and communities and undermined new plantation establishment. The suggestions that plantations can replace the timber from our native forest estates are false – it will just lead to more imports from Brazil, Indonesia and countries with worse environmental standards than ours," said Diana Hallam. The Federal Government claims it supports our ongoing sustainable native forestry sector, so it will be incumbent on them to prove this following the draconian deal with the Greens, who want to end native forestry. Unfortunately, the $300 million forest growth fund relies heavily on concessional loans, which will be of little help to a sector under immense financial pressure due to the depressed housing market, a flood of cheap imports, increasing energy costs and considerable uncertainty around their operating arrangements. We expect any federal support for timber processing facilities will likely be used to process imported timber from less sustainable sources, which is a worse outcome for the environment, the economy and rural and regional communities that rely on this wonderful industry for their livelihood. Source: AFPA See also: Future of Tasmania's foresty industry uncertain as Labor, Greens agree on environmental reform (ABC News) Post-event summary: ForestTECH 2025
ForestTECH 2025 reaffirmed its position as Australasia’s leading
forestry technology event, bringing together forest managers,
researchers, and technology specialists in Rotorua, New Zealand (18-19
November) and Melbourne, Australia (25-26 November). The series
continued its role as an independent platform for showcasing new tools
in remote sensing, data capture, inventory management, and precision
silviculture.A consistent theme across the programme was the accelerating convergence of data, connectivity, and artificial intelligence (AI) to improve efficiency and transparency in forest management. International speakers demonstrated practical, data-driven applications, particularly for Pinus radiata and other Southern Hemisphere plantation species. Key Technological Insights In remote sensing and inventory, Masanori Onishi of DeepForest Technologies presented Revealing the True Value of Forests through Drone and AI Analysis, illustrating how commercial drone imagery can now support tree-level assessments, including species identification. DeepForest also reported major operational efficiencies, reducing analysis time for tens of hectares from 19 person-days to about four. Albrecht von Ruffer of SKYLAB highlighted the importance of specialised, customisable AI models for forest health assessment, timber inventory, and carbon monitoring. SKYLAB’s #forestAi toolbox now supports counting complex seedlings and harvest residues, performing change detection, and generating 3D models for carbon and volume estimation. Real-time monitoring and connectivity also featured prominently. Esthevan Gasparoto of Treevia introduced The Digital Forest, demonstrating internationally deployed IoT, AI, and Big Data technologies that track forest growth and carbon sequestration online. David Bruce and Andrew Holdaway presented Dwell, a cloud-based forest health surveillance system that combines satellite imagery (including Sentinel-2) and AI to monitor landscape change and detect disturbances in softwood plantations. Operational Efficiencies and Precision Silviculture Several presentations focused on improving operational performance. Ian Wilton and Chris Auchlin of FORCO reported on trials of a Nordic Forestry Automation (NFA) retrofit system that equips harvesting machines with LiDAR-based, real-time forest information. The system provides centimetre-accurate tree positions and DBH measurements, supporting mechanised thinning and helping ensure stem/ha targets are met. In tree-stock management, Chris Campbell and Anthony Ham of Integral showcased PlantIT, a mobile platform using QR-based traceability and real-time GPS to track seedlings from nursery to planting site, providing a full digital audit trail and strengthening biosecurity. Interpine’s David Herries presented TreeTools.ai, combining cloud-based LiDAR processing (SilvaCloud) with field inventory tools such as VirtualPlot. Human factors in technology adoption were also a central theme. Brionny Hooper of the Bioeconomy Science Institute outlined practical lessons from workforce innovation programmes and the transition to mechanised systems such as the M-Planter. Closing Reflections Across both venues, ForestTECH 2025 underscored that digital transformation is now essential for competitiveness. Improved connectivity is emerging as the key enabler, while collaboration between forest owners, researchers, and technology providers remains critical for scaling innovation across the sector. View the event website for further details Source & image credit: FIEA  NZ Forest Growers launch new campaignA new campaign, featuring a 60-second TV commercial, has launched to promote the wider New Zealand forestry sector. The video, embedded below, highlights the industry's role in the country.For over a century, generations of New Zealanders have grown more than trees - they've grown communities. Combining experience with modern technology, these forests create the products used to build and grow New Zealand. For every tree harvested, we plant another. This keeps the future growing. Source: Forest Growers New Zealand Green Triangle creates high-strength structural bluegum timber
A groundbreaking national research project, backed by
the Federal Government, has delivered a major manufacturing
breakthrough, unlocking opportunities to create domestic value
for hardwood plantation bluegum timber, laying the foundations
for a new regional engineered wood products (EWP) market.The Splinters to Structures project, a three-year-long research and commercialisation initiative supported by the Agricultural Trade and Market Access Cooperation (ATMAC) program, delivered in partnership with the Green Triangle Forest Industries Hub (GTFIH) and Forest & Wood Products Australia (FWPA) has resulted in the delivery of a major feasibility toward building new manufacturing capability in the Green Triangle region. The project successfully delivered a high-strength Glue Laminated Timber (GLT) from plantation-grown blue gum (Eucalyptus globulus) – achieving Australian-standard certification at GL18 and GL21 levels and above – strength ratings comparable to steel. The study also showcased the viability of utilising bluegum exclusively, or a bluegum and softwood (Pinus Radiata) resource, in a hybrid Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) product, also for structural use. “This is a breakthrough moment for the Green Triangle’s forest industries, demonstrating the power of collaboration and innovation. These new plantation-based prototypes are not only strong and sustainable, but they also provide a new domestic supply chain pathway, delivering new regional industry opportunities,” GTFIH chair Cam MacDonald said. “With the closure of native hardwood harvesting in several states, the ability to produce certified, high-strength engineered timber from local plantation resources is essential for Australia’s construction needs.” The multi-phase project involved converting over 180 plantation logs, grown in the Green Triangle, into engineered product prototypes. Extensive testing confirmed blue gum sawn boards and peeled veneers exhibited exceptional structural performance, with high stiffness and load-bearing capacity ideal for use in internal framing, floor systems, and prefabricated applications. Key research outcomes included:
FWPA CEO Andrew Leighton, said the project was a powerful example of what’s possible when government and industry come together to invest in applied research, “delivering real-world impact”. “By aligning national priorities with industry need, the project delivered not just a technical breakthrough, but a scalable pathway to strengthen Australia’s engineered wood manufacturing capability and support the transition to more sustainable construction materials produced locally in the Green Triangle, Mr Leighton said.” The Splinters to Structures research was delivered by IndustryEdge, supported by project partners WTIBeams, Whiteheads Timber Sales, Australian Bluegum Plantations, OneFortyOne, Timber Training Creswick and the Queensland Government Department of Primary Industries Salisbury Research Facility. More >> Source & image credit: Green Triangle Forest Industries Hub  WPMA navigates economic headwinds
The Wood Processing and Manufacturing Association's (WPMA) 2024-25 financial year report documents a period of significant
economic challenge for the New Zealand sector, balanced by strong
advocacy and export growth.The Domestic Challenge The domestic market for timber sales was profoundly flat, with some commentators branding it the worst market seen in years. The sector faced major headwinds: building consents dropped by 25%, and government cancellations of construction and infrastructure projects further constrained demand in an effort to curb Crown debt. Export markets provide momentum In stark contrast, export markets offered momentum and opportunity. The sector's global focus yielded strong results, as evidenced by Stats NZ reporting a significant 42% increase in exports of logs, wood, and wood articles for April 2025 compared to April 2024. Policy and advocacy In parallel with market activities, WPMA maintained intensive engagement with new policy initiatives on behalf of the sector. The association actively submitted to more than twenty legislative and regulatory proposals released by the government. This extensive advocacy covered critical industry issues, including new trade agreements, settings for migrant workers, energy policy, and resource consent reform. WPMA's core activities and further financial year highlights are detailed within the 2024-25 Annual Report. Source & image credit: WPMA Europe's new bioeconomy strategy to drive green growth
Today, the Commission adopted a new Strategic Framework for a
Competitive and Sustainable EU Bioeconomy, charting a
way forward to build a clean, competitive and resilient European
economy. By using renewable biological resources from land and sea and
providing alternatives to critical raw materials, the EU will move
forward towards a more circular and decarbonised economy
and can decrease dependence on fossil imports.The bioeconomy offers Europe a chance to strengthen its resilience, replace fossil-based materials and products, create jobs and lead the global shift to clean industries. With this new Strategy, the EU will support activities that provide sustainable practical solutions using our biological resources in sectors such as agriculture, forestry, fisheries, aquaculture, biomass processing, biomanufacturing and biotechnologies. It will harness the vast potential of these resources, scientific excellence and industrial base, and encourages innovations that benefit the climate, nature and society. With a value of up to €2.7 trillion in 2023 and employing 17.1 million people (around 8% of EU jobs), the EU bioeconomy already contributes significantly to job creation and economic growth in Europe. Every job in the bioeconomy creates three indirect jobs in the EU. Examples of products are bio-based chemicals made from algae that are used to produce pharmaceuticals, personal care products and industrial applications. Bio-based plastics are increasingly used in packaging and automotive parts. Also bio-based construction productions, textile fibres and fertilisers are increasingly in demand. However, it still has a huge untapped potential. The EU Bioeconomy Strategy aims to unlock this potential by scaling up innovation and investments, developing lead markets for bio-based materials and technologies, ensuring a sustainable supply of biomass, and harnessing global opportunities. Making bio-based innovations a reality on the ground To lead the bio-tech revolution, innovation and investment need to be scaled up, so that research does not remain in the labs. Scaling up bio-based innovations requires a combination of public and private investments, as well as a streamlined regulatory environment. The Commission will work to create a coherent and simplified regulatory framework that rewards circular and sustainable business models, while safeguarding EU safety standards. Faster, clearer and simpler approvals for innovative solutions will support companies to develop and grow in Europe, especially for SMEs. The Commission will also ensure that existing and future EU funding goes into bio-based technologies. And to stimulate private investment, the Commission proposes to convene a Bioeconomy Investment Deployment Group to create a pipeline of bankable projects, share risk more effectively, and crowd in private capital. Developing lead markets for bio-based materials and technologies To unlock investment and enable scale-up, the Commission identified innovative markets for bio-based materials and technologies. These include bio-based sectors, such as plastics, fibres, textiles, chemicals, fertilisers, plant protection products, construction materials, biorefineries, advanced fermentation and permanent storage of biogenic carbon, which have high potential for both economic growth and environmental benefits. The Commission will boost demand for bio-based content in products, for example by setting targets in relevant legislation. The Strategy proposes to set up a Bio-based Europe Alliance, which will be gathering EU companies to collectively purchase bio-based solutions worth €10 billion by 2030. More >> Source: European Commission Largest free spanning timber arch in the Southern Hemisphere
The Hyne Group congratulates Air New Zealand and the project
team upon official completion and opening of the much-anticipated Air
New Zealand Hangar 4 at Auckland Airport.Being the Southern Hemisphere’s largest spanning timber arch, the Hangar is a monumental feat and the result of meticulous planning, coordination and execution for which the project team can celebrate. Chair of the Hyne Group and James Jones & Sons Group, Tom Bruce-Jones said, “I am immensely proud of all stakeholders involved with this project. The structure stands as a testament to innovative, creative thinking and exemplifies the versatility of wood as a construction material. “By embracing timber as a core material, we are not only delivering architectural excellence but championing sustainable construction practices.” When Air New Zealand decided to build its new Hangar 4 at Auckland Airport, the brief was clear: it had to combine scale, performance, and sustainability. The result? The largest free-spanning timber arch in the Southern Hemisphere and the first mass timber aircraft maintenance hangar anywhere in the world. Spanning 100 metres in length, with 97 metres of clearance and soaring 35.6 metres high, this landmark project demonstrates just what precision-engineered timber, smart design, and close collaboration can achieve. XLAM’s General Manager, Keith Knox said XLAM was a proud supplier as part of the full Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) approach, “The DfMA approach enabled us to adopt a highly structured, early-manufacture and pre-assembly process to ensure the project met the numerous programme constraints—both onsite and across the wider supply chain and logistics. “With the XLAM proposed arch design, close collaboration with project partners was essential to successfully deliver this impressive, world-first including our engagement of structural engineers, Dunning Thornton. “To prove the concept, we built a full-scale prototype purlin section, allowing the team to see the precision and scale firsthand, providing confidence that the design could be realised safely and efficiently.” Keith said. Read the full project summary including a collection of images. Source & image credit: Hyne Group NZ log monthly report - November 2025
Wood fibre prices nationally and internationally have remained
largely unchanged over the last month. Despite the most recent
reports of poor economic performance in China, daily usage of our
wonderful Radiata pine logs has been consistent.All of this tells me we are in a nice balance where wood usage in China is now in a more stable furniture and mouldings space. This compares to high price volatility over the previous 5 years, when the construction sector dominated, with the China Government providing plenty of incentives to keep building apartments. In that previous world, fortunes were made at about the same rate shirts were being stripped off backs. The consequences of that were harvesting contractors and transport companies in NZ were in a constant status of either over or under resourced Whilst export log prices netted back to NZ remain slightly below preferred levels at present, they are both stable and predictable. This combined with a good demand profile across our domestic sawmills, means everyone goes to work each day not having to worry if they will still be doing that in a weeks-time. The major wind storm events in Nelson and Southland/South Otago are now seeing a production ramp up to recover fibre before deterioration. As at mid-November the biggest challenge facing us all appears to be finding Logging trucks or rather Logging truck drivers. At time of writing I know of 9 trucks in 3 companies sitting in yards for the want of a driver. One of the issues stated is finding competent and sober class 5 drivers. There have been many stories good numbers of applicants for driving positions but some struggling to speak through a drug infused haze or walk a straight line to the interview, let alone drive a 50+ tonne Logging truck. The NZ public can be comforted by the fact the forest industry takes safety and sobriety in the work place extremely seriously. We have a Log Transport Safety Council and a NZ Forest Industry Safety Council full of great people doing great work to the extent we now see an industry wide safety culture par excellence. Across the China Eastern seaboard, daily Radiata pine log sales have been in a 55 – 60,000 m3 band, slightly down on October levels. Radiata pine inventory levels are sitting at 2.7 million m3 up 150,000 since mid-October. Cautionary economic tones remain the order of the day in China. The handbags at dawn spat over US/China tariffs seems to be abating with the illustrious (not) President Trump seeming coming to the realisation he is driving rampant inflation in to the US own economy. This is the direct consequence of US consumers ultimately paying the tariffs, something most predicted many months ago. Clearly, Donald is not a good listener. More >> Source: Laurie Forestry  Prime Minister visits Taranaki Pine
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has gone in to bat for one of
the country’s largest gas users during a low-key visit to New
Plymouth last week. During the visit, which included
appearances at some of Taranaki’s well-established businesses,
including Nexans and Taranaki Pine, Luxon said the Government was doing
all it could to support domestic exploration and “turn the supply
back on“.Last week, Methanex president Rich Sumner indicated during a presentation to investors the company had not given up on a future for its New Zealand operations. But he also said they were no longer contributing meaningfully to the firm’s overall business performance. While Luxon did not draw down on specifics about a closure, he said it would have “a lot of implications”. More >> Source: The Post Photo credit: Christopher Luxon via Facebook Building Australia's future timber industry capability
Last week, WoodSolutions hosted its annual Industry Academia
Workshop, a two-day forum designed to strengthen the connection between
research, education and the practical needs of the wood products
sector. The workshop was hosted by the Forestry Centre of
Excellence (FCoE) and the University of South Australia, providing an
ideal setting to explore the future of timber in the Australian built
environment and its potential to drive innovation, sustainability, and
growth across the sector.Run by Forest and Wood Products Australia (FWPA)’s WoodSolutions program, the event provides an opportunity for researchers, lecturers, industry professionals and technical experts to come together to share knowledge, test ideas and explore solutions that support the future capability of the sector. Aligning research with real industry needs A core focus of the workshop was guiding and supporting research to ensure it addresses the practical challenges and emerging opportunities facing the timber and construction sectors. PhD candidates and early-career academics engaged directly with industry professionals working across forestry, manufacturing, design, construction and education. Discussions explored fibre availability, market demand and how timber can be used responsibly across the supply chain. Sessions focused on designing durable and sustainable homes considered how the sector responds to performance requirements while meeting growing interest in low-carbon construction. Participants also examined how industry and education providers can work together to build capacity, improve career pathways and support future skills. This includes keeping timber and related disciplines visible in STEM curricula and ensuring students understand the role of timber in modern construction. Sharing innovation and sector expertise The day commenced with an excellent field tour led by ForestrySA, taking participants from UniSA City West to Mount Crawford Forest. The tour included a visit to the Forest Information Centre and inspections of key plantation and harvesting sites at Watts Gully and Charcoal Pits. ForestrySA specialists provided practical insights into plantation establishment, harvesting operations and fibre supply - offering participants a valuable opportunity to deepen their understanding of the processes behind sustainable fibre production. Over the two days, the program showcased collaborative projects and highlighted innovation taking place across the built environment, research programs and manufacturing. Industry presenters shared case studies that demonstrate new approaches, emerging technologies and opportunities to apply research to real-world challenges. A key theme of this year’s workshop was exploring how timber can help tackle Australia’s housing shortage. The sessions sparked important conversations about how the construction sector can harness timber to deliver faster, more sustainable, and cost-effective housing solutions, highlighting opportunities for real impact across the industry. Supporting sector growth and capability The workshop reinforces the importance of collaboration in driving sector growth. By strengthening connections between academia and industry, WoodSolutions is supporting research translation, innovation and the practical application of knowledge across Australia’s forest and wood products value chain. Source: WoodSolutions --(2022)2.jpg) FSC Chain of custody - public consultationFSC is revising and streamlining its Chain of Custody (CoC) requirements, along with the corresponding accreditation standard for certification bodies. The first drafts of the revised Standards, FSC-STD-40-004 V4-0 D1-0 and FSC-STD-20-011 V4-4 D1-0, are now available for public consultation.The public consultation is open from 15 November 2025 to 25 January 2026, and the feedback gathered from stakeholders will help improve the revised Standards. More >> Source: FSC Australia & New Zealand Three new Directors join Forestry Australia board
Three new Directors have joined the Board of Forestry Australia
following last month’s Annual General Meeting.
Forestry Australia’s President, Dr Michelle Freeman
welcomed Dr Lyndall Bull (as Vice President), Leon Holt and Anne Chuter
to the Board.“The new Board represents a fresh chapter for the association, combining deep experience with emerging leadership from a more diverse cohort and will build on the momentum achieved in recent years”, Dr Freeman said. “With strong member engagement and record participation in this year’s Director elections, the Board is well positioned to guide Forestry Australia through the opportunities and challenges ahead. “The election attracted a very strong field of candidates , reflecting the depth of expertise and commitment within our membership. More members voted in this year’s election than in recent history, demonstrating strong confidence in the association’s strategic direction and leadership.” Dr Freeman said that the organisation extends its sincere gratitude to retiring Directors Jim Wilson and Blair Freeman for their exceptional service and leadership. “Blair Freeman, completing his maximum term, and Jim Wilson, retiring, leave a profound legacy that has shaped the strength, stability and professionalism of the association. Their leadership has had a lasting impact, and Forestry Australia would not be where it is today without their dedication, experience and commitment to our members and mission”, Dr Freeman said. “Directors will continue to champion evidence-based decision-making, professional excellence, and the critical role that forest science plays in solving climate, biodiversity and sustainability challenges. “Forestry Australia is well-placed to support the next generation of scientists, professionals and growers. The Board is united in its commitment to a strong future for Australia’s forests and those who study, manage and care for them,” Dr Freeman concluded. Dr Freeman said that the Board also appointed Dr Sam Van Holsbeeck as a Board Observer to support emerging leaders with exposure to governance and strategic decision-making, build our future leadership pipeline, and bring diverse perspectives into Board discussions. The Forestry Australia Board is Dr Michelle Freeman (President), Dr Lyndall Bull (Vice President), Dr Bill Jackson (Vice President), Anne Chuter, Matt de Jongh, Leon Holt, Prof Rod Keenan and Board Observers Emily Post and Dr Sam Van Holsbeeck. More >> Source & image credit: Forestry Australia New resources for employers committed to disability inclusion
Building on the insights from the recent “Let’s Level Up” report, All is
for All have launched a new suite of practical resources for
New Zealand employers committed to disability inclusion.The manufacturing, engineering, and logistics sectors are among those hit hardest by skills shortages. Without immediate intervention, the number of vacancies is set to reach 156,000 by 2030. “Let’s Level Up” estimated that more than 268,000 disabled adults represent a ready and capable workforce that could help close that gap, generating a fiscal benefit of up to $1.45 billion if participation rates are equalised. The research also highlighted cultural and systemic barriers to inclusion, with 63% of employers never having discussed disability in their workplace, and many disabled workers saying they feared disclosing their disability due to stigma or job insecurity. Industry feedback highlighted a need for tools that demystify conversations and build confidence in attracting, hiring and retaining disabled professionals. These free resources have been developed to meet that need head-on, designed specifically for the complex manufacturing, engineering, and logistics sectors. The initial release includes:
Source & image credit: Hanga-Aro-Rau  Jobs
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And one to end the week on... Two holes in one!
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