Friday Offcuts – 19 December 2025
Click to Subscribe - It's FREE! Welcome to this week’s issue of Friday Offcuts.This is the 49th and final issue for 2025. It’s been another big year for the industry, and we appreciate your continued support as we work to keep you informed. Friday Offcuts will return on Friday, 16 January 2026. We are pleased to announce the programme for next year’s WoodTECH 2026 technology series, taking place in Rotorua and Brisbane in June. Once again, leading tech innovators will travel south for the Southern Hemisphere’s premier event for sawmilling and wood processing innovation. Registrations are now open, and all FIEA and Innovatek events can be viewed in our 2026 events calendar. In news this week, New Zealand’s latest Primary Export Forecasts project food and fibre exports reaching NZ$62 billion by June 2026, with forestry revenue rising to NZ$6.3 billion, despite ongoing global construction and trade uncertainty. Market conditions are examined further in our December NZ log market update. Australia’s EPBC Act reform highlights the role of science-based forestry standards, while a FWPA survey shows continued improvement in gender balance across the forestry workforce and leadership. A new Indigenous forestry scholarship marks another positive step. Finally, PF Olsen and Forest360 announce a major merger, we have new releases from CSIRO, insights from zero-emission trucking studies, and a seasonal reminder of the value of real Christmas trees. Read these stories and more in this week’s packed issue of Friday Offcuts.
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This week we have for you:
NZ Forestry export revenue NZ$6.3 billion by June
Kiwi farmers, growers, and primary producers are driving New
Zealand’s economy with food and fibre exports set to reach a
record NZ$62 billion next year, Agriculture and Forestry
Minister Todd McClay has announced.The forecast is for the year to 30 June 2026, and is in the latest Situation and Outlook for Primary Industries (SOPI) report, released this week. “The projection builds on this year’s record-setting $60.4 billion - from meat and wool to kiwifruit and cherries, our producers are remarkable. The world wants New Zealand’s high-quality, sustainable, safe food and fibre,” Mr McClay says. Exports are forecast to rise 3 per cent from the previous year, and an impressive 16 per cent higher than two years before. Exports are expected to climb to more than $63 billion in the year to 30 June 2027. The sector is well positioned to capitalise on robust demand and strong prices, supported by good growing conditions and higher production in most areas. "It's an outstanding result, especially considering a tough year with challenging global conditions and extreme weather impacting producers,” Mr McClay says. “The Government is backing the sector’s success, and the growth reflects a lot of on-the-ground hard work. “The food and fibre sectors now account for 83 per cent of all New Zealand goods exports.” Key forecasts for the year ending 30 June 2026 include:
Forestry summary New Zealand forestry export revenue is forecast to rise 2 percent to $6.3 billion in the year to 30 June 2026. This follows a 7 percent rise in the year to 30 June 2025 when revenue rebounded from supply disruptions and weak global demand over the previous two years. Growth is expected to slow in 2026 due to subdued construction activity overseas and ongoing trade uncertainty. Demand over the medium and long term will depend on economic growth in key trading partners and initiatives such as the industry-led Export Growth Accelerator, which aims to expand value-added wood products. Mill closures driven by high operating costs remain a concern, while some industry consolidation continues The December 2025 SOPI is available at: www.mpi.govt.nz/sopi Source & image credit: NZ Government Progress in workforce gender balance in forestryFor the sixth consecutive year, companies in the forest grower and timber processing sector have participated in this voluntary survey, highlighting the industry’s ongoing commitment to increasing women’s participation across the workforce.In FY2024–25, 25 companies completed the survey, with results showing a positive upward trend in the number of female employees, particularly over the past three financial years (FY2022–23 to FY2024–25). On average, women represented 23% of the workforce during this period, an improvement on the previous three-year average of 21% recorded between FY2019–20 and FY2021–22 (Figure 1). 
The survey also highlights a positive three-year trend in the proportion of women in executive roles across both the forest-grower and timber-processing sectors, with an average of 29% in executive positions, up from 21% in the previous three-year period (Figure 2).”  “The continued commitment of FWPA members to the Diversity and Inclusion Survey provides essential insights for the industry and highlights the positive efforts being made to strengthen diversity and inclusion in the workplace,” said Erick Hansnata, Industry Economist and Program Manager at FWPA. “These findings not only inform our understanding of current workforce trends but also support ongoing policy development and industry-wide initiatives aimed at creating more inclusive and representative work environments.” For more information about this article or to find out how your company can participate in the survey, please contact: Erick Hansnata, erick.hansnata@fwpa.com.au. Source: FWPA Chart sources: FWPA Diversity and Inclusion Survey 2024-25 WoodTECH 2026 programmes released & registrations open
The Forest Industry Engineering Association (FIEA) have officially
unveiled the full programmes for WoodTECH 2026,
the Southern Hemisphere’s premier event for sawmilling and wood
processing innovation. With the release of two distinct agendas tailored
for the New Zealand and Australian markets, registrations are now live
for the biennial conference series.Themed “Sawmilling & Wood Processing Innovations: Improving Productivity & Advancing Operations,” WoodTECH 2026 will return to the region in June 2026:
Today’s announcement marks a significant milestone in the event’s planning, with the release of two comprehensive programmes featuring international technology providers and local industry pioneers. In New Zealand (18-19 June 2026), the programme leads with a keynote from Tony Johnston, Executive Director of Wood Engineering Technology (WET), focusing on optimized engineered lumber. The agenda highlights operational excellence, closed-loop size control, and the “zero light” manufacturing concept from global leaders like LINCK and Springer. In Australia (23-24 June 2026), the focus shifts to industry-wide progress with a keynote from Ian Blanden, Head of R&D at Forest & Wood Products Australia (FWPA). A major highlight for the Australian event is the session “Splinters to Structures,” featuring Tim Woods (Industry Edge) and Prof. Benoit Gilbert (Griffith University), discussing the breakthrough transition of Bluegum from pulpwood to high-value Glulam. Technology at the Forefront Both programmes showcase a heavy emphasis on the “next wave” of wood processing, including:
Registrations Now Live Early bird registrations and group booking discounts are now available via the event website. Given the record attendance at previous in-person WoodTECH events, industry members—including mill managers, saw-doctors, and technology suppliers—are encouraged to secure their spots early. For more information, to view the full programmes, or to register, visit www.woodtech.events.  Opinion piece: EPBC Act reform
The passage of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) reform bills is an important step forward in Australia’s national environmental governance. Done well, these reforms can sharpen how we assess, approve and monitor projects, and help ensure that development decisions actually line up with our stated ambitions for nature, climate and communities.For forestry, however, the stakes are high. The application of new national environmental standards to production forestry is not a technical tweak, it is a fundamental reset. If those standards are badly framed or poorly implemented, we risk repeating the last decade: rolling legal challenges, mounting costs for state agencies, uncertainty for workers and businesses, and little evidence of real gains in forest condition. On the other hand, if the standards are grounded in science, practice and partnership, they offer an opportunity to demonstrate, with evidence, that forestry is both a sustainable and nature-positive sector. Forestry is one of the tools we already have in our hands to meet some of our most pressing challenges. Actively managed forests can be more resilient to bushfire, drought and pests; they can store more carbon over time; and, when they supply wood to local, low-emissions manufacturing, they help shift us towards a more circular economy that uses renewable, recyclable materials instead of fossil-intensive alternatives. When people can see that harvesting is tightly regulated, ecologically informed and genuinely improving forest condition, trust in forestry as a legitimate, beneficial activity can grow. Any future framework must also put First Nations at the centre. The reforms will only succeed if Traditional Owners are genuinely engaged and empowered to lead on managing Country, with governance arrangements that restore their agency rather than treating them as one more stakeholder to consult at the end. The debate over Regional Forest Agreements (RFAs) sits squarely in this context. It has been disappointing to see Australia’s native forest harvesting industry used as a bargaining chip in negotiations over environmental law. RFAs are often not recognised for the practical whole-of-landscape framework they have provided. Yet the move to repeal the RFA provisions in the EPBC Act also opens up a moment of choice. Whatever replaces RFAs must keep and improve on their strengths, including integrated State–Commonwealth roles, long-term planning across tenures, and a structure that supports adaptive management, transparency and accountability. In practice, that means modernised, landscape-scale agreements that cover all forests, State forests, national parks, Indigenous-managed lands, private native forests, plantations and farm trees, and that provide the basis for enduring funding and stewardship capacity across cultural, conservation and production objectives. Initiatives such as the proposed $300 million “forest growth” fund could play an important role in backing better managed forests, higher-value manufacturing, strong regional communities and improved environmental outcomes. Real success will depend on adequate resourcing for implementation and monitoring with clear and honest communication. Strong, positive working relationships between the Commonwealth, states, industry, First Nations, private forest owners, local governments and communities will be critical. If we get those relationships, standards and institutions right, the EPBC reforms can help Australians be proud of a forestry sector that underpins healthy, resilient forests and makes a real contribution to meeting our emissions reduction targets. Dr Michelle Freeman, President, Forestry Australia Source: Forestry Australia Further reading:
 PF Olsen and Forest360 to merge
Two of New Zealand’s leading forestry businesses –
PF Olsen and Forest360 – are excited to announce their merger to
create the largest independent forest management company in
Australasia. As part of the transaction, PF Olsen and Forest360
will bring on private investor Adamantem Capital as an investment
partner, alongside existing PF Olsen cornerstone shareholder Quayside
Holdings to support the group’s next stage of growth.Combining decades of experience, complementary services and deep regional roots, the merger will make for a stronger, more resilient business for forestry clients across New Zealand and Australia. Together, the group will manage approximately 480,000 hectares of forest and support more than 1000 clients, from major institutional investors to family-run businesses and private landowners. The merged group will be guided by shared values: a commitment to trusted relationships, technical excellence, environmental stewardship and supporting the long-term productivity of New Zealand and Australian forests. These principles will underpin a platform focused on sustainable forestry solutions designed to help landowners realise the full potential and value of their land. Existing executives will lead the merged entity, with Forest360’s Managing Director Dan Gaddum being appointed Group CEO, PF Olsen’s CEO Ross Larcombe appointed Group Chief Commercial Officer and Forest360’s Marcus Musson appointed Group Chief Operating Officer. Forest360 Managing Director Dan Gaddum says: “We are looking forward to partnering with the experienced teams at PF Olsen. These businesses are about people and by combining our skills and services, we can better service clients across the entire forest management value chain - from seed orchards and nurseries through to harvest management, forest management, and consulting services. "Marcus and I are both excited to be part of the leadership team for the combined group and continue to pursue our joint ambition of being the management provider of choice for forest owners across NZ and Australia, whether they be large institutional owners or farm foresters.” PF Olsen CEO Ross Larcombe says the merger will combine experienced and respected teams into one single purpose: “We are a trusted provider to our clients, having provided forestry services in Australia and New Zealand for over 50 years. We are excited to combine forces with the team at Forest360 and establish a more resilient business with diversified services, a larger scale footprint and shared customer-led values.” Staff will transition into the merged organisation. The combined group will continue to operate from all current locations across New Zealand and Australia, ensuring continuity for clients and stability for teams. The integration will be backed by an ongoing focus on safety, professional development and maintaining strong local relationships in every community. The merger is expected to be completed by February next year. Source: PF Olsen  SnapSTAT - The Dunning Kruger effect
 New scholarship for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islanders
HVP Plantations, in partnership with Forestry
Australia through the Forestry Scholarship Fund, is proud to
announce a dedicated scholarship for an Aboriginal and/or Torres
Strait Islander student to undertake the Graduate Certificate
of Forestry in 2026 and 2027.Valued at A$38,000, the scholarship includes $26,000 to cover tuition fees for the four units of the program, plus $3,000 per unit to assist with travel and participation costs. This initiative recognises the deep and continuing connections of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to Country and the vital importance of their perspectives in shaping the future of forest management. The scholarship reflects HVP Plantations and Forestry Australia’s shared commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion within the forest management profession. It aims to create meaningful pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to develop skills, strengthen partnerships, and contribute to the sustainable management of Australia’s forests. The Graduate Certificate of Forestry combines academic learning with practical experience, including participation in residential schools and approximately ten hours of study per week per unit. Eligible applicants must identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and demonstrate a passion for forest science and forest management. Melanie Cook, CEO of HVP Plantations, said we’re proud to partner with Forestry Australia to support the next generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander forest professionals. “This scholarship is an important step in building a more inclusive and representative forestry sector.” Dr Michelle Freeman, President of Forestry Australia, said Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples bring invaluable knowledge and leadership to forest management. “Through this scholarship, we hope to help create pathways for greater participation, collaboration and shared learning in forestry,” Dr Freeman said. For more information on how to apply, visit the Forestry Australia website at www.forestry.org.au or contact admin@forestry.org.au. Source & image credit: Forestry Australia Wood Matters: NZ log market December 2025
Falling log prices in China, amid weak market sentiment,
resulted in AWG (At Wharf Gate) prices declining by NZD 4 in December.
CFR log prices in China have continued to soften, falling by a
total USD 5, and this points to additional downward pressure on AWG
prices in January. The strengthening of the NZD against the USD, up 2.1%
over the past month, will add to this pressure, although lower shipping
costs are expected to partially offset the decline.Log demand in China remains relatively consistent, and many New Zealand forest owners are taking extended production breaks over the summer period. This reduction in supply to China is timely, as market activity is expected to slow ahead of the Chinese New Year Spring Festival holiday period beginning on 17 February. Domestic log prices in New Zealand remain stable, with most pricing already set for Q4. The outlook for 2026 is slightly more positive than 2025. The PF Olsen Log Price Index fell by $2 to $120. This places the Index $1 above the two-year average and level with the five-year average. Domestic Log Market Log prices are anticipated to remain stable during Quarter 1 2026. Demand for industrial-grade timber is starting to increase as it is used to construct pallets and packaging used for exporting seasonal fruit harvests. Some mills have increased production through Quarter 4 due to low stocks levels through the supply chain. Looking ahead to 2026, there is a growing body of evidence suggesting that domestic demand for sawn timber in New Zealand is likely to improve. While construction activity has remained subdued through 2024–25, forward-looking indicators point to a gradual recovery from 2026 as residential building stabilises and infrastructure activity lifts. Government construction pipeline forecasts show total construction activity bottoming out in 2025 and increasing from 2026, which would support higher consumption of structural and appearance-grade sawn timber. Building consent trends are consistent with this view. Although consent volumes remain well below peak levels, recent data indicates that the decline has largely run its course, with signs of stabilisation emerging in late 2025. Historically, movements in building consents translate into changes in sawn timber demand with a lag of several months, suggesting that any sustained improvement in consents would flow through to stronger domestic timber demand during 2026. Broader economic conditions are also becoming more supportive. Easing inflation and expectations of lower or stable interest rates into 2026 are expected to improve housing affordability and confidence, supporting both new builds and renovation activity. Industry commentary from domestic processors indicates improving enquiry levels and a more constructive outlook for early 2026, although most mills remain cautious and expect any recovery to be gradual rather than sharp. Overall, while risks remain around export market weakness and the pace of construction recovery, the balance of indicators suggests that domestic sawn timber demand is more likely to increase than decline in 2026. Any improvement is expected to be moderate, but it would represent an important shift from the weak conditions experienced over the past two years and could help underpin more stable domestic markets for logs and sawn products. More >> Source: PF Olsen  WorkSafe NZ launches national manufacturing sector focus
In the New Year, WorkSafe New Zealand is kicking off a
nationwide initiative to strengthen health and safety practices in the
manufacturing sector. From January to March 2026, our
Inspectorate will conduct proactive assessments across the country with
a focus on the wood product manufacturing subsector.These visits aim to help businesses understand their health and safety responsibilities and manage critical risks such as machinery safety, worker exposure to toxic dusts, fumes and chemicals, and hazardous substances. The focus of the assessment visits is on engagement and education, providing advice and guidance to businesses to support healthier and safer work practices. Businesses will be contacted in advance to arrange a suitable time for an in-person visit, which typically takes about an hour. “Making work safer starts with getting the basics right,” says Savio Valladares, WorkSafe Area Manager. “This includes proper guarding and maintenance of machinery, controlling dusts and fumes, and good worker training and supervision.” Last year, 73% of businesses visited by WorkSafe identified health and safety improvements due to their interactions with us. This initiative is part of WorkSafe’s ongoing strategic priority to reduce harm in the high-risk sectors of manufacturing, agriculture, construction, and forestry. Injury rates in manufacturing have remained stubbornly high over the past decade, and machinery-related accidents continue to be a leading cause of harm. Key details: What to expect from a WorkSafe assessment and Manufacturing priority sector plan. More >> Source: WorkSafe NZ New Australian tool turns complex soil data into visual insights
Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, together with
its Australian National Soil Information System (ANSIS) partners, has
launched a new online tool that makes soil data and information easier
to access and interpret – helping farmers, land managers
and policy makers better manage soil health and sustainability.ANSIS was launched in 2023 and brings together soil data from across Australia, connecting multiple data sources to provide access to nationally consistent soil data and information. The new ANSIS Visualiser tool uses colour to show differences in soil properties such as pH or soil organic carbon across Australia. CSIRO soil scientist and ANSIS project leader Peter Wilson said the Visualiser tool turn complex soil data into clear, visual insights leading to improved understanding and management of soils and soil health. “This new tool will provide policy makers, researchers and land managers with a clear view of the soil data and information they need to better manage, restore, and protect Australia’s soils,” Mr Wilson said. “Soil data are often complex and hard to interpret, so this new tool can help people better understand their soil and make better management decisions. With this new tool you can instantly see how a soil measurement at one site compares with other sites around it. “It also provides graphs so users can easily interpret changes in soil property with depth.” ANSIS supports the Australian Government National Soil Action Plan 2023-2028, which has four priority actions that relate to soil measurement, strategy integration, adoption of best practices, and capacity building. “Soil is the backbone of Australia’s agriculture, biodiversity and many priority ecosystem services,” said Mr Wilson. “By measuring soils and proving access to data via ANSIS, we can better understand what impacts we are having on soil, their health and their ability to function to provide the services we need. “Caring for soil today ensures food and environmental security for future generations.” Visit ANSIS and use the Visualiser tool. ANSIS is supported by funding through the Australian Government Natural Heritage Trust (Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) in collaboration with CSIRO. Source & image credit: CSIRO  Transport Canada’s zero-emission trucking testbed
FPInnovations is thrilled to share the final report from our
Zero-Emission Trucking Testbed, developed in collaboration with
Transport Canada. This extensive study presents real-world data
on the performance, costs, and usage of heavy-duty battery electric
trucks in commercial service.The findings highlight the potential of electric trucks to transform Canada’s transportation industry by reducing emissions and energy consumption while providing valuable insights into operational realities. Following more than 200 000 km of battery electric truck operation and data acquisition, Class 8 zero-emission trucks were found to consume over 60% less energy and emit at least 80% fewer greenhouse gases compared to diesel counterparts. More >> Source & image credit: FPInnovations NZ is leading exporter of MDF into China_-_250x330.jpg)
While forestry exports are well known to be dominated by logs to
China, New Zealand’s wood producers also lead the market in medium
density fibreboard imports into China from a number of
countries. This was highlighted in the December 2025 edition of the
Tropical Timber Market Report. From January to September 2025 China’s fibreboard imports were 45,000 tonnes valued at US$33 million, up 16% in volume but down 4% in value over the same period of 2024. New Zealand was the largest supplier of fibreboard imports from January to September 2025. China’s fibreboard imports from New Zealand rose 95% to 22,000 tonnes over the same period of 2024. It is worth noting that China’s fibreboard imports from Malaysia surged over 680%, from Spain and Poland they grew 34% and 4% respectively from January to September 2025. In contrast, China’s fiberboard imports from Thailand, Germany, Romania, Belgium and Switzerland fell 26%, 20%, 14%, 33% and 2% respectively over the same period of 2024. More >> Source: ITTO Tropical Timber Market Report Pine christmas trees are the true spirit of Christmas
As homes across South Australia come alive with festive
decorations, the classic question returns: real or artificial Christmas
tree? According to the South Australian Forest Products
Association (SAFPA), the answer is unmistakable – nothing beats a
real pine tree. “With more than 20,000 South Australians employed directly and indirectly in our forest industries, a real Christmas tree is far more than a beautiful centre piece, it’s a reminder of the essential role forestry plays in our daily lives,” said Nathan Paine, Chief Executive Officer of SAFPA. “Artificial trees simply can’t compete. Real trees bring the gentle scent of pine into our homes – a sensory reminder of the many ways forest products enrich our quality of life.” Mr Paine said that whether people realise it or not, Christmas is built on forest products. “From the timber frames in our homes, to the wooden pallets that transport food and gifts, to the packaging, paper, tissues and even the wrapping paper torn open on Christmas morning – forestry underpins the festive season and life as we know it,” he said. He encouraged South Australians to take a moment this Christmas to appreciate the abundance of wood-based products around them. “It highlights just how essential our forest and timber industries are, and why we must grow our plantation estate. More trees mean more carbon sequestration, more resilience for South Australian manufacturing, and a sustainable supply of the wood products future generations will depend on.” Demand for wood and fibre continues to rise, he warned, while Australia’s reliance on imports increases. “To meet our future needs, we need to support domestic manufacturers and invest in planting more trees. It’s that simple.” Mr Paine said SAFPA remains committed to working with federal and state governments to future-proof South Australia’s forest and timber industries. “Our homes, our economy and even our Christmas traditions rely on a strong, sustainable and growing forestry sector,” he said. Source: South Australian Forest products Association Jobs
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And one to end the week on... Merry Xmas
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