Friday Offcuts – 16 January 2026

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Welcome to the first issue of Friday Offcuts for 2026.

While the summer break often feels over too quickly, events of the past few weeks already make 2025 seem distant. The Victorian and NSW fires have been devastating, though they could have been far worse. With many fires still burning and a long summer ahead, the efforts of firefighters and local communities have been outstanding.

As we move into the new year, our focus remains on bringing you the key developments shaping forestry, timber, and the wider sector across New Zealand and Australia. We also have several upcoming technology events, including Environmental Forestry 2026 in March and WoodTECH 2026 in June (also in Brisbane). The full 2026 schedule is also available.

In this week’s news, we cover the landmark New Zealand–India Free Trade Agreement, which concluded shortly after our last December issue, opening new opportunities in a rapidly growing market. We also highlight early signs of recovery in global forest products trade and review the current “icy” outlook in New Zealand’s ETS market.

There are updates on the Victorian bushfires affecting HVP Plantations, global research on accelerating forest loss to wildfires, and a world review on the exclusion of mild fire. Innovation rounds out the issue, including advances in outdoor CLT engineering, automated timber panel production, and native tree establishment.

Read these stories and more, including all the new jobs, in this week’s packed issue of Friday Offcuts.

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Free Trade Agreement with India - NZ's industry reaction

2025 ended with New Zealand and India concluding a landmark Free Trade Agreement, offering New Zealanders unprecedented access to 1.4 billion Indian consumers

This historic Agreement eliminates and reduces tariffs on 95 per cent of New Zealand’s exports - among the highest of any Indian FTA - with almost 57 per cent being duty-free from day one, increasing to 82 per cent when fully implemented, with the remaining 13 per cent subject to sharp tariff cuts. 

This includes an immediate tariff elimination on sheep meat, wool, coal and over 95 per cent of forestry and wood exports. It puts New Zealand exporters on an equal or better footing to our competitors across a range of sectors and opens the door to India’s rapidly expanding middle class. 

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Source: National

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Forest Owners Association welcomes New Zealand-India free trade agreement

The New Zealand Forest Owners Association welcomes the announcement of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between New Zealand and India, which eliminates tariffs on over 95% of forestry and wood exports to over 1.4 billion Indian consumers, saying it offers new opportunities for Kiwi forest owners and wood processors in a significant growth market.

The New Zealand-India FTA is a big win for all New Zealand exporters, but especially those in the forestry space, says Dr Elizabeth Heeg, Chief Executive of the New Zealand Forest Owners Association. “Forestry is already New Zealand’s largest export to India, worth NZ$126 million, including NZ$71 million in log exports.”

Dr Heeg says New Zealand enjoys a reputation as a reliable, long-term supplier of premium wood products in India, and the new FTA provides the platform to lift volumes over time and grow higher-value trade in processed wood and building products.

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Source: NZ Forest Owners Association

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The NZ Timber Industry Federation Welcomes The News Of The Signing Of The NZ – India FTA

The agreement will see the immediate lifting of the existing 11% Tariff which has been applied to processed Wood Products exported from NZ to India.

We welcome the huge opportunities that this presents to Sawmillers and Wood Processors in New Zealand. The potential market in India is huge and while there are difficulties such as transport and logistics the Industry is excited by the opportunities the FTA will provide to New Zealand.

India has a population of 1.4b, with a growing middle class. The potential for exporting high quality processed timber products is huge. In 2023 India imported $2.3b USD of Softwood and the FTA will give NZ exporters a chance to capture an increased share of the market.

After what has been a challenging year for the Industry, it is a timely and much needed boost to the industry.

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Source: New Zealand Timber Industry Federation

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NZ-India comprehensive Free Trade Agreement tariff elimination welcomed by Wood Processors and Manufacturers of NZ

The immediate tariff elimination on over 95 percent of all New Zealand wood product exports to India at entry into force of the newly signed New Zealand-India Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (CFTA) is welcomed by the Wood Processors and Manufacturers Association of New Zealand (WPMA).

“With the Indian wood products market projected to grow from USD $1 billion in 2025 to USD $1.47 billion by 2029, and India’s economy expanding at an estimated rate of 8 percent, the country is set to become one of the largest consumers of wood globally. This tariff elimination on over 95 percent of timber, lumber and their derivatives (e.g. pulp, paperboard) exported to India presents significant opportunities for New Zealand wood processors and manufacturers,” said WPMA Chief Executive, Mark Ross.

The removal of tariffs on wood products covered under Harmonised Systems Codes 44 (Wood and Articles of Wood), 47 (Pulp of Wood), and 48 (Paperboard) aligns New Zealand exporters with key competitors such as Australia. Currently, tariffs on the majority of New Zealand wood products range between 5.5 and 11 percent, adding costs to trade and reducing profitability. The 5 percent remainder of tariffs on wood products being eliminated over a period of 7 years.

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Source: Wood Processors and Manufacturers of NZ


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Victorian bushfire update from HVP Plantations

Over the past week HVP has been actively engaged in bushfire response efforts across Victoria, working closely with authorities to support fire control and the protection of communities and plantations.

Our fire teams continue to work alongside the CFA and Forest Fire Management Victoria to manage several fires across the state. As always, the health, safety and wellbeing of our team members and contractors remains our highest priority.

At this stage, HVP estimates plantation damage to be in excess of 10,000 hectares, with the full extent of the impact still being assessed. It is early days in what will be a long and complex recovery process.

We recognise the profound grief and loss many are experiencing, and we stand with all affected communities during this difficult time.

HVP acknowledges and thanks everyone supporting the response effort, including our staff and contractors, emergency agencies, our customers, other forest growers, volunteers, neighbours and surrounding communities.

We will work closely with our partners to support recovery and address the challenges that lie ahead.

Source & image credit: HVP Plantations


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Engineering wood: circular by design, durable to nature

Researchers at the University’s Structural Timber Innovation Laboratory are breaking ground with durability programmes to open new applications for low carbon cross-laminated timber in demanding outdoor environments.

The novel product, which is made by stacking layers of thick solid wood boards crosswise and gluing them together, is increasingly used as a low-carbon option for walls, floors and roofs in buildings. However, its use is largely limited to indoor environments, and has only rarely been used in applications such as bridges, facades, outdoor pavilions, and other infrastructure

"Our research aims to change that," says Dr Gary Raftery, a research director in the University’s Circular Innovations Research Centre. The team is conducting a series of long-term exposure trials using both outdoor and lab experiments that simulate extreme conditions.

They will then analyse the product using advanced tools, including a high-powered microscope that can reveal information in relation to the deterioration and a tool that can read ‘chemical fingerprints’. This allows the engineers to identify the composition of the material and track how its chemical structure could change over time.

Raftery says cross-laminated timber is known for its strength and architectural versatility, but unprotected exposure to the elements can lead to biological degradation like rot and mold, dimensional instability, and structural compromise.

Working with industry partners, the team is meticulously assessing adhesive and preservative systems to augment the performance of cross-laminated timber, while keeping sustainability front-of-mind.

"We want to ensure that solutions align with circular economy principles, so cross-laminated timber elements can be reused, repurposed, or recycled at the end of their service life," he says. "This data will give designers the confidence to adopt more sustainable construction practices and further support a transition to low-carbon construction."

Life-cycle analysis on end-of-life applications is also being conducted to assess environmental impacts. Early findings are already informing design engineers and may contribute to future updates to building standards.

Source & image credit: University of Auckland



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ETS market outlook for New Zealand

While New Zealand is on track for another summer of record temperatures, secondary market sentiment is looking decidedly icy with NZUs currently trading well below NZ$40. This disconnect reflects a perfect storm of shaken confidence in the government’s commitment to climate action coupled with buyer expectations of a bumper supply of forestry NZUs hitting the market in the first half of this year.

The anticipated surge is driven by 2026 marking the first year of a new Mandatory Emissions Return Period (MERP). In the first year of each MERP, all forestry ETS participants are legally required to file emissions returns covering the entire previous period. In our experience, many participants only file returns in these mandatory years, and those returns tend to be net positive. The result is a significant issuance of forestry NZUs over and above the volumes we see in optional reporting years.

From a supply perspective, however, what matters is how many NZUs actually reach the market. At current depressed price levels, it is reasonable to expect forestry ETS participants to be reluctant sellers unless compelled to transact. It is also worth noting that forestry NZU supply from this year’s mandatory returns will dry up midway through the year, with the next mandatory emissions return year not occurring until 2031.

If recent times have taught us anything, it is that in periods of uncertainty the NZU spot price is shaped more by sentiment and short-term expectations than by long-term structural fundamentals. However, economic logic suggests that those fundamentals ultimately reassert themselves. This may explain why the vast majority of our NZU brokerage clients have been content to remain on the sidelines since last November’s sharp price decline.

Bookmark our new Market Data page, which features the latest carbon and log price information and trends.

Source & image credit: PF Olsen


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Rising tree death rates in all types of Australian forest

Australia's trees must contend with many lethal factors, from intense megafires to introduced diseases and invasive species.  But beyond these specific pressures, new research indicates the underlying natural death rate of trees in major forests across the country is rising.

This increase in tree deaths is due to higher average temperatures from climate change, according to a study published in the journal Nature Plants, and it has scientists concerned that forests will sequester less carbon dioxide in years to come.

The world's average temperature has warmed about 1.3 degrees Celsius compared to an 1850–1900 pre-industrial baseline.

Senior study author and plant physiological ecologist Belinda Medlyn, from Western Sydney University, said the research team was "startled" to see tree death rates, from cool temperate forests in southern Tasmania up to the savannas of the tropical north, steadily increase over the past six decades.

"We [in Australia] have a much more variable climate than many other parts of the world," she said.

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Source: ABC


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SnapSTAT - Volumes and values of wood harvested

The total volume of logs harvested in Australia in 2022–23 (25.0 million cubic metres) fell by 3.9% compared to 2021–22 and fell by 17% compared to 2015–16 (30.1 million cubic metres). Logs harvested include sawlogs, pulplogs and other logs, from softwood plantations, hardwood plantations and native forests. Despite the decrease in the total volume harvested, the total value of logs harvested in 2022–23 was stable at $2.4 billion (adjusted for inflation) compared to 2021–22 due to significant increases in log prices.



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A world review of mild fire and forest decline

This report is a world review of forest decline in relation to inadequate regular mild fire and consequent changes in soils, nutrients, mycorrhizae and other soil factors. Released by John O’Donnell on 5 January 2025.

The role of mild fire and forest decline

Published research work by a number of experienced researchers clearly shows that a large amount of research has been completed in relation to forest decline across the world, including eucalypt decline, and decline in forest health associated with changed fire and grazing regimes.
The author considers that exclusion of frequent low intensity mild fire as a primary cause of forest decline in native forests across the world. Based on considerable evidence, the author believes that changed soil processes are the hidden drivers of forest decline. Exclusion of regular mild fire destabilises nutrient cycles, alters soil physics and chemistry, and undermines the root–mycorrhizal foundation of forest health. Above ground symptoms (crown thinning, pest outbreaks) are consequences of these below ground changes.

The full review is included here.

The full review has pulled together 82 key references in relation to inadequate regular mild fire and consequent changes in soils, nutrients, mycorrhizae and other soil factors.

Lack of regular mild fire, ecosystem change and forest health

Research across Australia and globally shows that exclusion or lack of regular mild fire has profoundly altered forest ecosystems, driving forest decline in forests and fire-adapted species. Authors such as Jurskis, Burrows, and Forestry Corporation of NSW highlight that reduced low-intensity burning leads to soil nutrient imbalances (particularly nitrogen accumulation), dense understories, weakened tree physiology, and heightened susceptibility to pests, parasites, and arbivory. These changes increase fuel loads, making forests more vulnerable to severe, less controllable wildfires.

Evidence from long-term experiments and case studies demonstrates that human management decisions, including fire suppression, grazing exclusion, fertiliser use, and conservation policies, are the primary drivers of forest decline. Research highlighted above underscores that frequent, low-intensity fire is essential for sustaining nutrient cycles, structural diversity, and long-term forest health, and that its absence has led to widespread decline and heightened ecological imbalance.

Research across multiple regions demonstrates that the absence of regular low-intensity fire is a major driver of forest decline, balanced ecosystems and forest health. Overall, the evidence converges on the importance of mild fire and soil processes in maintaining forest resilience, biodiversity, and long-term health.

Lack of regular mild fire and changes in soils, nutrients, mycorrhizae and other factors

Research demonstrates that exclusion of regular mild fire alters soil moisture, nutrient status, and microbial communities, driving chronic forest decline. Collectively, research studies highlighted above reveal that soil changes from fire exclusion destabilise root physiology, water relations, and stress signalling, making forests increasingly vulnerable to compounding climate and biotic pressures.

Research consistently shows that exclusion of regular mild fire disrupts soil chemistry and physical properties, driving chronic forest decline. Research findings support the conclusion that mild fire is essential for maintaining soil equilibrium, root function, and long-term forest health, with Australian research leading in demonstrating these links.

Research shows that exclusion of regular mild fire profoundly alters fungal communities through changes in soils, driving forest decline. The evidence supports that fire regimes and mycorrhizal dynamics jointly underpin forest health, with disruption of either leading to decline.

Collectively, these findings support the conclusion that regular mild fire and adaptive management are essential to maintain soil equilibrium, root physiology, and long-term forest health and resilience.

View full report

Source & image credit: John O’Donnell



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Mapped: how the world is losing its forests to wildfires

The world is losing forests to fire at an unsustainable rate, experts have warned. Wildfires have always been part of nature’s cycle, but in recent decades their scale, frequency and intensity in carbon-rich forests have surged.

Research from the World Resources Institute (WRI) shows that fires now destroy more than twice as much tree cover as they did two decades ago. In 2024 alone, 135,000km² of forest burned – the most extreme wildfire year on record.

Yet fires in other landscapes have not risen in the same way, according to research from the University of Tasmania. While the total area burned globally has fallen&nb sp;for decades as farms have expanded across Africa and slowed the spread of blazes – forests have become a new hotspot.

The rise in forest fires is unmistakable. Four of the five worst years on record have occurred since 2020.

Research from the WRI shows that 2024 was the first time that major fires raged across tropical, hot and humid forests such as the Amazon, and boreal forests, such as those spanning Canada’s vast coniferous regions.

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Source: The Guardian



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Native tree study a NZ first

A New Zealand-first native tree study has highlighted the Bioeconomy Science Institute’s position as a forestry research leader.

Our work to improve propagation and increase the production of indigenous species in nurseries was the focus of a journal article published in 2025. We investigated the impact of container grade size on the survival and field performance of 12 key native species – to better understand the link between containers and post-planting seedling survival and growth performance.

The study saw the Bioeconomy Science Institute team raise seedlings from the selected species in different container sizes and test how they performed in good-, average- or poor-quality sites. It was a collaborative effort with Te Uru Rākau – New Zealand Forest Service, Minginui Nursery, CNI Iwi land Management, the Tumunui Land Trust, Timberlands, Rotorua Lakes Council and the Tipu Waiariki Charitable Trust (Tipu Wai), which provided the sites and helped with preparation and planting.

Industry-standard pots used for natives were compared with bigger containers such as 7cm and 8cm paper Ellepots and smaller forestry-grade pots.

The effect of differences in the type of container were monitored to determine the impact on survival rates and tree growth across sites. Programme lead David Siqueira says results showed variable patterns depending on tree species, container size and the quality of the respective planting sites.

“Some species, such as manuka (Leptospermum scoparium), survived and grew well (>75%), even when raised in small containers, while others such as kowhai (Sophora microphylla) had low survival rates (< 25%), even when raised in revegetation container grade sizes.”

Other species such as cabbage tree (Cordyline australis) and totara (Podocarpus totara) appeared to depend more on site quality. “The results show the importance of aligning the choice of container grade size to the needs of individual species and planting purpose,” David says.

“Nursery container systems for raising New Zealand native plants should be chosen based on the biology of the species, nursery management practices, quality of the planting site and a balance between cost and benefit for each situation.”

Nurseries have traditionally used large containers to successfully establish native species, but this means the trees take longer to grow – making this approach costly and labour-intensive at the planting stage. It also limits the rate of establishment. 

“The conventional approach of sowing native seed, setting out and then growing in containers takes 12-36 months, adding significantly to native tree establishment costs over typical New Zealand-grown exotic forest trees,” David says.

“By enhancing our understanding of how container size affects native tree growth when planted in sites of varying qualities, we hope this research will result in more fit-for-purpose natives being raised in nurseries to generate our thriving future forests – conserving New Zealand’s biodiversity and contributing to the mitigation of climate change.”

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Source & image credit: Bioeconomy Science Institute


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New fully automated panel production facility for Adelaide

The Australian company 5North, a specialist in innovative construction solutions, and KUKA, one of the world’s leading providers of intelligent automation solutions, announce their collaboration. Together, they are building a state-of-the-art, fully automated production facility for 2D panels at the new manufacturing site in Adelaide.

The fully automated production facility for 2D panels use cutting-edge robotics and conveyor technology to efficiently feed raw materials such as timber. The materials are then precisely cut, milled, and drilled. Robots also handle the accurate placement of components as well as bonding and screwing operations. This creates a fully automated manufacturing process, from material feeding to the finished panel.

In the new facility, the production process is elevated to a new level using the latest robotic technology. The plant will be able to produce a finished 2D panel every ten minutes. These 2D building elements are prefabricated, flat components that play a central role in modern timber construction. They are made from wood-based materials such as radiated pine, cross-laminated timber or solid wood and serve as walls, floors, ceilings, or roof components.

The term “2D” refers to the fact that these elements are manufactured in two dimensions, length and width. Thanks to automated production, the panels are dimensionally accurate and ready for immediate use. On-site, the elements only need to be positioned and connected, significantly reducing construction time.

At 5North, we believe everyone deserves an address and have a significant focus on Social and Attainable homes, delivered with sustainable and healthy materials. 5North is not the builder but with our new plant, we are setting new standards in the construction industry for our developer and construction clients.

Working with KUKA allows us to use technology and advances manufacturing to offer maximum precision, consistent quality, and an unprecedented production speed,” says Wayne Hughes, Founder and CEO of 5North.

The production of the 2D panels is scheduled to start in mid of 2026. With this new technology, it will be possible to respond flexibly and quickly to different customer requirements. The highly automated manufacturing process ensures not only consistent quality but also reliable scheduling of orders, offering a major advantage for construction companies and end customers.

By combining digital planning with automated production, 2D panels are created that are perfectly tailored to the requirements of each project. This makes homebuilding efficient, sustainable, and future-proof.

“This is a milestone for Adelaide as a manufacturing site and will strengthen the competitiveness of the Australian construction industry,” adds Timo Heil, CEO of KUKA Systems EMEA.

Source & image credit: KUKA


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NZ not alone in pursuing India to sell more wood

B.C. Premier, David Eby, led a trade mission to India promoting British Columbia’s businesses, critical minerals and sustainable wood products, supporting work to build a more independent economy and creating more good jobs for people in British Columbia.

“With unjustified tariffs from the U.S. impacting B.C. workers and businesses, it’s more important than ever to deepen strategic relationships with international partners to attract new investment and support good-paying jobs in British Columbia,” Premier Eby said. “India is a key market for B.C. with enormous opportunities for trade. This trade mission is about deepening our relationships, supporting good jobs in B.C. and strengthening our position as the economic engine of the new Canadian economy.”

As India moves toward becoming the world’s third-largest economy, the Premier will highlight opportunities for sustainable forestry, clean energy and responsible mining through new partnerships that are available only in B.C.

India is the world’s third-highest energy consumer and has a growing demand for clean technology and clean energy. British Columbia has both to offer. The mission is part of Look West: Jobs and Prosperity for BC and Canada, and aligns with the Look West goal of doubling exports to non-U.S. markets over 10 years.

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Source & image credit: BC Gov News


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NZ Certificate in Infrastructure Works; Level 3 (Forestry Earthworks)

A New Zealand Certificate in Infrastructure Works, comprising Forestry earthworks unit standards, has just been launched.  The qualification, approved by the NZ Qualifications Authority is specifically for Earthworks Excavator Operators, as to date, there has been no suitable Level 3 qualification available for them.

It is the product of a forest industry working group which consulted widely with contractors and forest management companies and has facilitated delivery for Tairawhiti iwi training provider, Turanga Ararau.

Learner and assessment resources have been prepared by the working group that developed the qualification, which was driven by Matariki Forests and Manulife Investment Management.

Intended outcomes for the qualification include;
  • Providing qualifications and skill recognition for Level 3 Machine (Excavator) Operators employed in forestry earthworks
  • Enabling industry ownership of the system
  • Building training and assessing capability within earthworks crews
  • Adding attraction for recruitment
  • Demonstrating forest industry commitment to improving skills and knowledge among operators, particularly in erosion, sediment and woody debris management
  • Providing options for employees to develop as trainers and assessors.
The programme content provides a solid background for candidates, in the importance of job prescriptions for earthworks, compaction and impacts of erosion and sedimentation. This supports the primary practical skills in excavator operating to form roads, tracks, landings and culverts.

These core skills in the qualification are supported by several companion micro-credentials, such as maintenance, rehabilitation of tracks and landings, pavement, deadman and geotextile installation. The ‘knowledge-based’ standards are ideally suited to be delivered either on-job in one-to-one training or in classroom workshops for small groups. The practical standards can be achieved on job where candidates can train and be assessed by in-house trainers and assessors, or contract assessors.

At this stage a tracked, hydraulic excavator is the machine of choice for the qualification award. This because of its’ versatility and ability to meet all the tasks within the standards selected. This doesn’t preclude development of a qualification later, specifically for bulldozer or other machine operators.

There is flexibility in entry points to the programme, which recognises the demographic of our earthworks workforce.

The ideal state is to encourage people to sign up for the full qualification. Some experienced workers may already hold some of the standards, or can be easily assessed because of their experience and relative skills and knowledge. Alternatively, new entrants can start their learner programme with any of the knowledge-based units and progress at their own pace as opportunity permits. The programme builds on existing in-house training capability and is dependent on assessors being developed within crews or contract assessment of candidates.

As host provider, Turanga Ararau will receive support and direction from an industry advisory group and be responsible for the operating system which holds learner and assessment resources and manages trainers and assessors.

There is a first principle of encouraging training before attempting assessments, although there will be cases where assessment can be used early to recognise current competence in well-experienced individuals. Trainer/Assessor development will attune role holders to training and learning concepts whilst encouraging quality assessment.

This project development has been underwritten by Matariki Forests and Manulife Investment Management but moving forward, it will be user-pays and operate without TEC funding. Turanga Ararau will operate a schedule of fees and charges for sign-ups, resources and NZQA reporting.

Opportunity exists for employers, potential trainers and assessors to make contact to engage with this system designed to recognise learners and improve performance in forestry earthworks.

Contacts: Source & image credit: Greg Steele



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Global forest products trade & production shows signs of recovery

After a sharp decline in 2023, the global forest products sector saw signs of stabilisation in 2024, according to Global forest products facts and figures 2024, released on 24 Dec 2025 by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

The report highlights that global international trade in wood and paper products has regained momentum, with modest growth recorded across most major product groups. The upswing comes after a 14 percent drop overall in trade of wood and paper products in 2023.

Global exports of wood and paper products increased only slightly by $7 billion, or 1.4 percent, to reach $486 billion in 2024 – but still surpassing all levels recorded before 2021. Exports of non-wood forest products also grew to reach $25 billion, underscoring the forest sector’s broadening economic importance.

“Forests support millions of livelihoods worldwide, and the number is set to rise as forests offer more economic opportunities in a growing range of industries, including sustainable wood production,” said FAO Director-General QU Dongyu. 

Production increases across most wood-based product categories

The 2024 results reflect gradual market recovery in several regions, supported by increased production in most major product groups. Gains ranged from 2 percent for industrial roundwood, wood pellets and wood pulp, to between 4 and 5 percent for wood-based panels, paper and paperboard.

Industrial roundwood removals -  Industrial roundwood removals – the total volume of wood harvested for uses other than energy – rose by 2 percent to 1.96 billion cubic metres in 2024, although its global trade declined by 1 percent to 96 million cubic metres.

Sawnwood - While global sawnwood production remained nearly unchanged, the picture varied regionally. Output fell by 2 percent in North America but remained stable in Europe and the Asia-Pacific, while climbing 2 percent in Latin America and the Caribbean. Trade in sawnwood recorded no overall change compared to 2023.

Wood-based panels - Wood-based panels continued to build on the recovery seen in 2023, growing for a second consecutive year. Global production expanded by 5 percent to 393 million cubic metres, with increases reported in all five regions. Trade in panels rose even faster, up 6 percent to 90 million cubic metres.

Wood pulp and recovered paper - Wood pulp production climbed 3 percent to reach 189 million tonnes, while international trade expanded 2 percent to an all-time high of 73 million tonnes. Much of the additional supply originated in China and South America – particularly Brazil, Chile and Uruguay – reflecting the region’s growing competitiveness in pulp. Global consumption of recovered paper also edged up by 1 percent to 243 million tonnes worldwide.

Wood pellets - Wood pellets have seen extraordinary growth in recent decades, mainly driven by bioenergy targets in Europe, the Republic of Korea and Japan. After a slight dip in 2023, global production returned to 48 million tonnes in 2024, equal to the 2022 level, and almost two-thirds – 31 million tonnes – entered global trade.

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Source & image credit: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)


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And one to end the week on... Freight train freestyle

Not content with being the first person to ride a bike on a moving train and jump between carriages, Dawid Godziek wanted to throw down some world first mountain bike tricks as well. With his brother Szymon he built a special MTB course on top of 10 freight trucks and tested it out before hitching the carriages to a moving locomotive. Check out the video below.






And on that note, enjoy your weekend. Cheers.

Ken Wilson
Editor, Friday Offcuts
www.fridayoffcuts.com


This week's extended issue, along with back issues, can be viewed at www.fridayoffcuts.com

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