Friday Offcuts – 5 December 2025
Click to Subscribe - It's FREE! Welcome to this week’s issue of Friday Offcuts.Despite snow falling in parts of Victoria, it is officially summer in this part of the world. Christmas is also just around the corner - and a welcome break for the Friday Offcuts team. Our final issue for the year will be released on Friday 19 December, and we’ll return on Friday 16 January 2026. If you have any jobs you need to promote, this is a reminder that you need to get in quickly. This week, we open with several significant industry developments. Invest New Zealand has formally identified wood processing as a strategic growth priority, and new ABARES analysis confirms that Australia will have sufficient structural timber supply to meet housing needs through to 2050. The dates for Environmental Forestry 2026 have also been reconfirmed for 23-24 March 2026 in Rotorua, with a programme centred on policy shifts, environmental management case studies, and the integration of cultural perspectives. Innovation and digital updates feature strongly as well. WoodSolutions has launched its new website, Interpine has released new tools for remote thinning assessment accuracy, FWPA has unveiled a major industry research archive, HAMR Energy has secured funding to advance methanol-from-residue fuels. Additional updates include a feasibility study into heli-harvesting dead Huon pine, and the release of the Austroads 2024–25 Annual Report. Read these stories and more in this packed edition of Friday Offcuts.
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This week we have for you:
InvestNZ support a positive signal for wood processing growth
Endorsing wood processing as a sector where New Zealand has a
competitive edge on a global stage is welcomed by the Wood Processors
and Manufacturers Association of NZ (WPMA). The announcement
was made by Minister for Trade and Investment, Todd McClay, earlier this
week at the Invest New Zealand scope setting launch where strategic
growth areas and three investment prospectuses were outlined.“The prospectus for wood processing being selected as one of the three focus areas for InvestNZ is demonstrating to the world’s investors, we are open for business, ready to scale up and take advantage of new opportunities”, said WPMA Chief Executive, Mark Ross. ‘Employing over 30,000 people and generating close to $5 billion in sales on the domestic and global markets makes wood processing a significant industry within regional New Zealand.” At the same time the wood processing sector would not exist without the forest industry, making it essential that the entire wood supply chain is linked into this InvestNZ initiative. ‘Without trees for our mills then we will have no wood products to sell, so working together and supporting each other for the benefit of the industry and New Zealand is the way forward’, said Ross. New Zealand is well-positioned to meet growing global demand for sustainable, low-carbon construction materials, having a strong story to tell about renewable forestry resources. Plantation forests are sustainably managed (with large areas under global certification programmes). Processed outputs from our forest estates range from lumber, pulp and paperboard, panels, to engineered wood, bioenergy and remanufactured products, with our export focus shifting toward high-value, value-added wood products. InvestNZ will target investments in the range of $100 million to $1 billion, as well as projects from $20 million that have the ability to scale. It will act as a bridge for local investors, connecting domestic business with high-value investment opportunities, and ensuring the Active Investor Plus scheme delivers for the New Zealand economy. The agency will also advise the government on policy and regulatory settings to support New Zealand as a globally competitive place to invest. The wood processing prospectus is available on the InvestNZ website. Source: WPMA Image credit: InvestNZ Global supply supports Australian domestic structural timber
Enough structural timber is expected to be available to build
Australian homes until at least 2050, according to an ABARES Insights
paper released last week. Domestic softwood plantations
meet most construction needs for structural sawnwood, and imports help
manage demand swings, according to the paper.Evidence suggests international markets can continue to be relied upon to provide a supplementary source of structural sawnwood when the domestic market needs it. ABARES Executive Director Dr Jared Greenville said the paper provides confidence in the structural timber market. “The data supports consumers and producers, ensuring that both sides of the market see structural timber as a reliable and accessible building material,” Dr Greenville said. “It takes between 25 to 35 years to grow structurally graded sawnwood so this outlook of a reliable international market is welcome.” Structural sawnwood imports rise when housing demand peaks and fall once demand returns to normal. This was demonstrated between 2020-21 and 2021-22 during the spike generated by COVID stimulus programs. Australia’s softwood plantation estate accounts for about 60% of the value of Australia’s total log harvest or $1.4 billion a year. Dr Greenville said Australia’s consumption of softwood sawnwood closely reflects building activity. “Having diversified supply options reduces the risk of extreme domestic price swings for sawnwood,” he said. View the Insights paper here: How global markets help meet demand for structural sawnwood in Australia. Source & image credit: ABARES Environmental Forestry 2026 running in March 2026
The Forest Industry Engineering Association (FIEA) has confirmed new
dates and released the full programme for its highly anticipated Environmental Forestry 2026 conference. The event,
initially slated for September 2025, will now take place on
23-24 March 2026, at the Distinction Hotel
in Rotorua, New Zealand.A programme built for forestry management and policymakers Designed in collaboration with industry leaders and government agencies, the Environmental Forestry 2026 conference is positioned as a vital forum for navigating the complex challenges facing the sector. It is meticulously structured for both technical and environmental management specialists, operations planners (the people ‘with boots on the ground’), and policy creators who are crafting the regulations. The two-day programme will focus on improving environmental performance, ensuring compliance, and sharing successful management strategies across forest estates of all sizes. Key highlights of the 2026 programme The conference agenda tackles the most pressing environmental, regulatory, and operational issues, offering actionable insights for all attendees:
The conference provides unparalleled networking opportunities, bringing together environmental, operations, and technical representatives from the forest industry, local government, and central government. Leading organisations such as the Bioeconomy Science Institute, MPI, Summit Forests, Aratu Forests, and Ngati Hine Forestry Trust are confirmed participants. Forestry professionals are encouraged to secure their registration immediately to benefit from the discounted rate. The Super Early Bird discount ends 31 December 2025. More >> Source: FIEA  WoodSolutions launches new website to support timber use
WoodSolutions has launched its redesigned website, providing a
more user-friendly digital experience for built-environment
professionals and consumers seeking reliable timber guidance.
The refreshed site features improved navigation, a cleaner interface, and faster load times, making it easier for visitors to access the organisation’s comprehensive technical resources. Architects, engineers, and builders can now quickly find design guides, technical specifications, case studies, and best-practice resources to help them apply timber effectively. “As the built environment evolves, so too must the way we deliver technical knowledge and support,” said Kevin Peachey, Head of Built Environment Programs at Forest & Wood Products Australia (FWPA). “This new website is an investment in the future of timber, ensuring the research and resources we provide remain accessible, reliable, and easy to navigate, supporting the industry for years to come.” Built for an industry that values strong foundations The website redevelopment focused on modernising site architecture and improving the user experience, informed by industry insights and user behaviour data. By understanding what visitors search for, where they click, and the resources they use most, the team has streamlined access to priority content and highlighted related resources contextually, helping users explore complementary information seamlessly. Key updates include:
Championing timber through education Since its establishment in 2010, WoodSolutions has provided independent, non-proprietary technical information, education, and resources about timber and wood products to support professionals and companies in building design and construction. The launch of the new website reinforces the organisation’s commitment to championing timber through accessible, high-quality education and guidance. Visitors can explore the new website at www.woodsolutions.com.au. Source & image credit: WoodSolutions SnapSTAT: 2025 summary in a sentence
The forestry index rose 1.3% m/m in November but is down 5.7% y/y. The index has bounced back from the low seen in June 2025, but prices remain at the lower end of the range seen since 2010. Demand from China remains muted.  Source: ANZ NZ Commodity Price Index Tasmania's foresty industry is uncertain due to environmental reforms
Tasmania's native forest logging sector is fretting over its future despite the federal government's claims changes to environmental laws will ensure the industry's sustainability. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced last week that long-awaited reform of the country's Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act would pass the Senate with the support of the Greens.The existing EPBC Act has long been considered outdated by politicians, business figures and conservationists alike, and has been blamed for years-long delays to decisions on large infrastructure projects. Tasmanian Greens Senator Nick McKim says his party achieved key concessions from the government on native forest logging, which will put approvals processes currently held by the states into the hands of the federal government. More >> Source: ABC Evaluate thinning from above? Promising results
The status quo for thinning operation QC is to get boots on the
ground to check that the target SPH has been achieved.
It’s accurate, but it’s slow and costly. Interpine is
putting a different approach in front of forest managers: use LiDAR and
drone imagery to check stocking from the office and only send people in
where it really matters.TreeTools, recently launched at ForestTECH 2025, is Interpine’s new online platform bringing these tools together. SilvaCloud automates LiDAR processing to deliver detailed stocking maps. VirtualPlot uses drone imagery to produce precise tree counts and flexible stocking assessments. Everything is accessed through a straightforward web interface at treetools.ai. Interpine led a recent project comparing post-thinning outcomes from three sources: field measurements, RGB imagery and LiDAR data. High-grade GPS was used to align plot centres so that field plots, VirtualPlots and SilvaCloud plots were identically sized and located. TreeTools then produced total tree counts for each plot, which were compared against the traditional field data. A detailed comparison was made between tree counts and stocking values derived from VirtualPlot and those from the SilvaCloud assessment. Most plots fell within about ±5% error, indicating good agreement for most areas, with only a few plots showing larger differences where VirtualPlot appears more sensitive to local plot conditions. On average, the stocking difference between the two approaches was just 1 tree per hectare (512 from SilvaCloud versus 511 from VirtualPlot), demonstrating a high level of consistency between independent remote-sensing methods. A second comparison looked at average stocking across the entire study area using three sources: field measurements, SilvaCloud and VirtualPlot. While individual field plots were located near, but not exactly at, the same positions as the virtual plots – and plot sizes also differed – the overall averages still tell a clear story. Field plots measured an average stocking of 514 stems per hectare, SilvaCloud reported 512, and VirtualPlot 511. In other words, both LiDAR- and drone-based assessments tracked the field measurements to within roughly 1% on average, providing strong evidence that TreeTools can support reliable thinning assessments at operational scale. TreeTools is now being extended to additional sites and the platform is already available for operational use. Friday Offcuts & ForestTECH News readers can trial TreeTools at treetools.ai using the coupon code FORESTTECH for an introductory discount on SilvaCloud and VirtualPlot plans. Source & image credit: Interpine  FWPA launches new industry research archive
FWPA are proud to announce the launch of a new digital research
archive, bringing together decades of valuable research to make
it easier for the forest and wood products sector to access and apply
knowledge that drives innovation.The FWPA Industry Research Archive represents the largest collection of industry research spanning the last two decades. It consolidates hundreds of reports, technical papers and findings into one central, searchable platform, streamlining access to information, and ensuring research investments continue to deliver value long after publication. Phase one The first phase of the project brings together more than 40 research reports from the National Institute for Forest Products Innovation (NIFPI) and combines them with FWPA’s existing research. The result is a collection of more than 350 reports, making it by far the most comprehensive industry knowledge base in Australia. FWPA CEO Andrew Leighton said the initiative reflects FWPA’s ongoing role in supporting evidence-based decision-making and driving collaboration across the sector. “FWPA’s role as the enduring organisation supporting the forestry and wood products sector places us in the best position to serve as custodian of these outputs,” Leighton said. “This initiative will help industry partners make better-informed decisions, accelerate innovation, and make past research outputs easier to find and adopt.” The new platform has been designed with usability and longevity in mind. Its advanced search and filtering tools make it easy to locate relevant information, while reports are categorised by topic, date, and research theme. Long-term archival functions ensure valuable data is preserved and accessible well into the future. FWPA’s Head of Research, Development and Extension, Ian Blanden, said the resource will help researchers and industry stakeholders work more strategically. “By consolidating decades of research in one place, we’re helping people find what’s already been done, identify knowledge gaps and focus new investment where it’s most needed,” Blanden said. “It’s about making the most of the work that’s come before to deliver real outcomes for the industry.” Phase two The next phase of the project will see the addition of more than 120 completed reports from Australia’s Regional Forestry Hubs and the integration of AI technology to support data mining and deeper analysis. These enhancements will allow users to uncover insights into both research gaps and areas where existing knowledge can be rapidly applied. By centralising access to research outputs, FWPA is helping the sector harness its collective knowledge, strengthen collaboration, and continue building a sustainable future for Australia’s forest and wood products sector. The FWPA Industry Research Archive is now live and can be accessed via National Institute For Forest Products Innovation – Forest & Wood Products Australia. More >> Source & image credit: FWPA NZ log market November 2025 update
November AWG (At Wharf Gate) prices for export logs were
relatively unchanged from October. Sawlog prices increased by an average
of 1 NZD per JAS m3 while prices for pruned logs
increased 4 NZD per JAS m3.CFR log prices in China have recently dropped 2 USD and prices remain under pressure, with a recent drop in wholesale log prices. Demand remains stable but the market is anticipating increased supply from New Zealand over its summer period. Lower shipping costs and a weaker NZD are offsetting the lower sale prices in China. Movements in freight and currency over the coming days will influence December AWG prices. There are a variety of reasons to expect that Quarter 1 2026 may prove a little more favourable for New Zealand sawmillers, after what has been an especially challenging 2025. An increase in domestic demand will mean less sawntimber needs to be exported. The PF Olsen Log Price Index increased $1 to $122. This is $2 above the two-year average and $1 above the five-year average. Domestic Log Market Log Prices are anticipated to remain stable during Quarter 1 2026. Demand for industrial-grade timber typically increases at this time of year, driven largely by demand for pallets and packaging used for exporting seasonal fruit harvests. This increase in domestic sales will reduce the amount of volume that needs to be exported to Asia. The supply chain disruption around the US tariffs for pruned sawn timber to the US will settle down as well. For new sales contracts, the tariff cost will be built into pricing from the outset. There was uncertainly and negotiation around who was paying the tariff for existing supply agreements. This clarity around cost allocation should remove a major source of uncertainty that has recently weighed on domestic producers and marketers. There are also very early signs of a modest domestic recovery in sawn-timber demand. Given that structural sawn-timber supply has been trimmed substantially, small regional shortages may emerge in Quarter 1, which could tighten the market, particularly for structural grades. Export Log Markets - China CFR prices for A-grade logs for December vessel arrivals are currently in the range of USD 112–119 per JASm³. This is one of the widest price ranges in recent times. Prices are based on customer relationships with longevity and consistency of supply, grade and length mix, port, and vessel timing. Daily pine log port offtake remains steady at around 55,000 m³, with no expectation of increased demand in the near term. The market anticipates higher log supply from New Zealand over the summer months, although this will be tempered somewhat by extended Christmas–New Year shutdowns among larger forest owners. From January to September, China imported 23.96 million m³ of logs—22% lower than the same period last year. Softwood log imports were 18.02 million m³, down 8%, while hardwood log imports fell more sharply to 5.94 million m³, a 25% decline. New Zealand supply remained stable, recording a 1% increase year-on-year and now accounting for 75% of China’s total softwood supply and 57% of total log imports. More >> Source: PF Olsen  Turning Australian wood residue into low-carbon fuel
Leading low-carbon liquid fuels company HAMR Energy, has been
awarded a $1.1 million grant from the Australian Forest and Wood
Innovations (AFWI) Centre for Sustainable Futures, as part of a
national initiative to convert Australian forestry residues into low-carbon fuels for aviation, shipping, and chemicals. The funding is a
major step forward in linking Australia’s renewable energy and
sustainable forestry sectors.The Fibre to Fuels (F2F) project – recently approved for funding by the AFWI Centre for Sustainable Futures, hosted at the University of the Sunshine Coast, will validate the technical, commercial and emissions-reduction potential of producing methanol from key forestry residue streams via entrained-flow gasification. The project directly aligns with a key AFWI goal of making the most of our available wood fibre. The announcement comes as the Australian Government confirms a major new commitment to cleaner fuel production pathways, including the expansion of domestic sustainable fuel manufacturing, outlined in the Minister for Infrastructure’s recent release, ‘Fuelling the future: $1.1 billion to power cleaner Aussie fuel production.’ HAMR Energy Director, Alex Smith, said the Fibre-to-Fuels project will demonstrate that forestry residues from plantations across Australia – including in the Green Triangle, Tasmania and WA – can be converted into low-carbon liquid fuels using proven technology. “The findings will help forestry businesses unlock new value from their plantations, support Australia’s renewable fuels industry, and help reduce emissions from aviation and shipping,” Mr Smith said. HAMR Energy has brought together a consortium of multiregional forestry stakeholders and leading Australian researchers from CSIRO, the University of Sunshine Coast and the University of South Australia. Professor Mark Brown, Director of the AFWI Centre for Sustainable Futures, said this kind of translational research and industry partnership is at the core of AFWI’s national mission. “Forestry residues are a high-quality resource that can become a valuable domestic feedstock for renewable fuel production,” Professor Brown said. “Fibre to Fuels exemplifies the type of commercially-minded innovation that can move Australia to the forefront of low-carbon manufacturing, delivering regional benefits, building sovereign capability, and contributing to the decarbonisation of hard-to-abate sectors.” The Fibre-to-Fuels project is part of a new round of approved AFWI-CSF research projects designed to strengthen Australia’s forest, wood and fibre sectors. This work will accelerate innovation across bio-based materials, renewable energy and climate-resilient forestry and help position Australia as a global leader in sustainable, low-carbon manufacturing. Source & image credit: HAMR Energy  Get to the wood-chopper: Heli-harvesting study now underway
The feasibility of salvaging dead Huon pine from remote areas
across Tasmania using helicopter harvesting methods is being examined.
Minister for Business, Industry and Resources, Felix Ellis,
said the study reflects Tasmania’s commitment to balancing
economic opportunity with environmental stewardship.“Huon pine is a treasured part of our cultural and natural heritage,” Minister Ellis said. “It is crucial that our timber-dependent industries, including wooden boat building and fine timber craftsmanship, continue to have access to Huon pine resources. The potential harvesting of dead standing timber represents a new source of supply for the sector, as well as having other potential benefits such as reducing fire risk in remote areas and supporting regional jobs.” This study ensures that consideration of new practices is guided by research, sustainability, and industry expertise. Part of a $50,000 initiative to support the Tasmanian special species industry’s future access to Huon pine timber, Minister Ellis said the study will conduct preliminary research into potential salvage sites, collect samples for analysis and develop tools to guide future industry decision making. “Stage 1 of the project, a preliminary scoping plan to explore the viability of heli-harvesting salvaged dead Huon pine, is now complete,” Minister Ellis said. Stage 2 of the project will result in a practical resource that industry can use to evaluate future opportunities for salvage harvesting in a sustainable and informed way. Consultation with the Special Species Working Group will continue throughout this process. “We are working together to move our state forward, and we will continue to back our strong, sustainable and value adding special species timber sector,” Minister Ellis said. More >> Source: Tasmanian Government Austroads publishes 2024–25 Annual Report
Austroads has released its Annual
Report for 2024–25, showcasing a year of strong performance,
innovation, and collaboration across Australia and New Zealand’s
transport sector. The report demonstrates how Austroads
continues to work closely with its members, governments, and industry
partners to deliver safer, more efficient, and sustainable transport
systems.Austroads’ research and guidance program delivered significant outcomes during 2024–25, with 101 publications produced and nine national guides fully adopted by members. These resources underpin harmonised practice across jurisdictions, improving safety, efficiency and productivity on both sides of the Tasman. Updates to technical specifications and guides supported consistent design and operations, while more than 85 active projects advanced evidence-based solutions to shared challenges. By aligning standards and streamlining processes, Austroads is helping foster a more connected, resilient and prosperous society. Knowledge sharing remained a cornerstone of Austroads’ work, with the 12th Austroads Bridge Conference attracting over 600 delegates and nearly 300 technical papers – the largest in the organisation’s history. Austroads also strengthened its international presence through strategic partnerships, including a new agreement with AASHTO in the United States, and continued its work with PIARC to shape global best practice. Austroads modernised the Telematics Analytics Platform, reducing data latency from eight weeks to hours, enabling road managers to access near real-time insights. Throughout the year, Austroads partnered with jurisdictions and stakeholders to advance national reforms in heavy vehicle safety and driver licensing, strengthen digital foundations for future mobility, and expand training programs to improve safety at worksites. The rollout of the National Training Framework for Temporary Traffic Management saw record enrolments, with more than 17,000 workers trained – a 587% increase on last year – while over 1,500 roadside barrier installers and designers completed new safety training. These achievements were made possible through strong collaboration with training providers and regulators across multiple states and territories. Dr Geoff Allan, Austroads Chief Executive, said: “I am proud to lead an organisation that delivers real impact for our members and the communities they serve. Our success is built on the expertise and dedication of our people and the strength of our partnerships. The Board has expressed confidence in our work and continues to trust us to deliver on their priorities – something the team and I welcome wholeheartedly.” “This year’s achievements reflect our commitment to collaboration and innovation. From advancing digital driver licences and heavy vehicle safety to modernising access systems and harmonising training, we are helping our members navigate complex challenges and prepare for the future.” The report also highlights Austroads’ progress in implementing its Strategic Plan 2023–27, including initiatives to improve climate resilience, support freight decarbonisation, and strengthen governance. Austroads was recognised as a 5-Star Employer of Choice and listed among Australia’s Best Places to Work, underscoring its commitment to a positive and high-performing workplace culture. Explore the full report to learn more about Austroads’ achievements and future priorities. Learn more about the Austroads 2023-27 Strategic PlanOpens in new window. Source & image credit: Austroads --(2022)2.jpg) Kaingaroa Tipu launches - a sustainable future
This week marks a bold new chapter in New Zealand’s
forestry sector as Kaingaroa Timberlands becomes Kaingaroa Tipu,
underpinned by its brand promise ‘we grow better, every
day’. The change reinforces the company’s future-focused growth agenda, building on the increasing importance of partnering, innovation and sustainable forest management. The new brand was unveiled at the opening of a new 145-hectare tree nursery at Rerewhakaaitu, south-east of Rotorua, attended by staff and guests on Thursday. Kaingaroa Tipu unites Kaingaroa Timberlands, Timberlands, and Forest Genetics, under one cohesive brand, honouring the past while embracing the future. “This is more than a name change; it’s the new story of where we are headed,” says Chief Executive Ryan Cavanagh. “Kaingaroa Tipu represents our intent to grow better wood products, better jobs, and a better environment, every day. It’s a promise to our iwi partners, our contractors and our customers that we are here to grow with purpose, together.” Kaingaroa Tipu Board Chair Jon Hartley says the Kaingaroa Forest Estate is a much-treasured living resource and the rebrand honours the forest’s legacy built by generations of mahi. “It sets the stage for an exciting future based on partnering and innovation to deliver improved value and better environmental outcomes for land and forest owners, and our communities.” The Rerewhakaaitu Nursery, officially opened by Rotorua Mayor Tania Tapsell, embodies the spirit of Kaingaroa Tipu. The site will nurture the next generation of seedlings and forestry professionals, with tree stocks that support sustainable forest management across the 215,000- hectare Kaingaroa Forest Estate. Work to convert the former dairy farm began in 2021. In four years, the site has been reshaped into a state-of-the-art nursery that will produce millions of seedlings annually. With a focus on bare root operations, the facility includes nursery beds, a packing shed, office and a purpose-built staff facility to support the seasonal workforce of up to 100 people during peak production periods. The nursery’s first crop includes 6 million cuttings and 50,000 trial seedlings, with up to 3.6 million trees expected to be dispatched next year for planting across the forest estate. Further infrastructure is planned, such as cool storage and future containerised growing facilities, ensuring Rerewhakaaitu Nursery can expand as demand for trees increases. The new visual identity of Kaingaroa Tipu draws inspiration from the natural world, and incorporates elements of the lunar cycle, symbolising regeneration and the daily rhythm of forest life. The brand’s tone of voice is grounded in the company’s values of care (manaaki), collaboration (mahi tahi), and growth (tipu). The launch includes:
Source & image credit: Kaingaroa Tipu Jobs
Buy and Sell
And two to end the week on... Don’t laugh - It’s real & We can't stop wood
Don’t laugh - It’s real  Cow cuddling isn’t new: It grew in popularity when people were seeking connection during the coronavirus pandemic. But it has taken on new meaning in recent months for farmers who are looking for extra revenue sources amid decreasing dairy prices in the United States and other parts of the world. Read more We can't stop thinking about wood This video should be seen by every forester and also every prospective forestry student. Lest we forget what we're dealing with....  And on that note, enjoy your weekend. Cheers.  Brand PartnersOur Partners & Sponsors Friday Offcuts is made possible through the generous support of the following companies.
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