Friday Offcuts – 24 April 2026
Click to Subscribe - It's FREE! Welcome to this week’s issue of Friday OffcutsThis edition highlights positive news with trade opportunities expcted, major investment announced, industry outlook, and shifting leadership. For Radio NZ's Rural Report, WPMA’s Mark Ross explains why the Free Trade Agreement with India has great potential for New Zealand log and lumbers exporters. In New Zealand, Niagara Sawmilling signals confidence with a NZ$115 million expansion, as the Government advances bioenergy adoption in schools. We also cover FICA’s latest on the H&S Amendment Bill and pay tribute to respected industry figure Mathew Vandy. Across Australia, new research suggests the sector could reach net zero by 2029, alongside updates on Queensland’s Future Timber Plan and access to $6.15 billion through the National Reconstruction Fund. Elsewhere, leadership and global developments feature prominently, with Andrew Leighton appointed CEO of OneFortyOne and the US Forest Service proposing research station closures, while new Tasmanian bushfire research draws scrutiny. Early bird rates for WoodTECH 2026 have been extended to 1 May, with limited free places available fo NZ young professionals under 35 courtesy of the WIDE Trust—contact Gordon Thomson for details. Read these stories and more in this week’s issue.
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This week we have for you:
Free Trade Agreement with India
WPMA’s Mark Ross explains why the Free Trade Agreement with India has great potential for New Zealand log and lumbers exporters.> Listen Source: RNZ Niagara Sawmilling Company's NZ$115 million expansion
Niagara Sawmilling Company Ltd has recently commenced a $115
millionexpansion of its timber processing operations, marking the most
significant growth phase in the company’s 91-year history.
The expansion includes a new state-of-the-art sawmill at Niagara’s Kennington site on the outskirts of Invercargill, which is currently under construction in Canada and scheduled to be operational in late 2027. Coinciding with this, Niagara has also expanded its remanufacturing operations into the North Island through the recent acquisition of Ōtorohanga Timber Company (OTC), a 94-year-old timber processor based in the Waikato. Managing Director of Niagara, Ross Richardson, says the expansion presents an exciting opportunity for the business. “These investments support Niagara’s long-term strategy of growing and strengthening our remanufacturing business. Once the new sawmill is operational, Niagara will be able to more than double its current output, increasing log intake to over 500,000 tonnes per annum. This will enable us to remanufacture more premium timber products in Southland and add value to logs locally, rather than seeing them exported and processed overseas.” Over the past decade, Niagara has invested heavily in its operations to establish world-class remanufacturing facilities in Kennington, earning a reputation as New Zealand’s leading timber remanufacturer. Jamie Barton, Group Sales Manager for Niagara, says the growth of the remanufacturing business will further strengthen Niagara’s market position in both New Zealand and Australia. “Niagara and OTC are two of New Zealand’s most experienced and respected timber remanufacturers, and with OTC’s product mix complementing that of Niagara’s, we are now able to offer an even wider range of quality timber products to both our domestic and export customers.” Niagara’s investment is not only good news for the company but also a positive news story for the Southland region. “This investment is allowing us to further process more logs here in Southland rather than seeing them exported to other countries. We employ nearly 400 people, and we expect the increased production capacity to support further growth, resulting in secure employment opportunities for our people. Niagara has long-standing roots in Southland and has an ongoing commitment to the region and its workforce,” says Ross Richardson. Source & image credit: Niagara Sawmilling Company What Queensland's Future Timber Plan means for the sector
Queensland’s forest and timber industry is entering a
decisive period as new government policy settings, housing supply
targets and resource security intersect, with Grounded 2026, the latest industry magazine from Timber Queensland, outlining what the State’s Future Timber Plan means in practice for forestry, manufacturing and construction businesses.This year’s edition is published against the backdrop of the Queensland Government’s Future Timber Plan (QFTP), released in October 2025, which sets a 25‑year direction for the industry and frames timber as a critical input to meeting the State’s target of delivering one million new homes by 2044. Timber Queensland CEO Mick Stephens addresses the plan directly in Grounded 2026, including the role of timber in housing delivery and carbon outcomes. The magazine reports that in 2025, around 80 per cent of Queensland’s 33,000‑plus new home completions used renewable pine framing, removing an estimated 265,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Queensland Minister for Primary Industries, the Hon Tony Perrett MP, also contributes to the edition, acknowledging the impact of fuel costs on industry operations and outlining implementation measures under the QFTP, including work to deliver new timber sales permits from available state forests in 2027. Timber Queensland Strategic Relations and Communications Manager Clarissa Brandt said the 2026 edition reflects a sector at a genuine turning point. “There is a lot happening right now in policy, markets and workforce and Grounded gives people across the supply chain an opportunity to step back and see the bigger picture,” Mrs Brandt said. “From government direction and housing demand through to the people and projects delivering outcomes on the ground, this edition speaks to issues that directly affect how the industry plans, invests and operates,” she said. Mrs Brandt said that Grounded 2026, also profiles Timber Queensland’s valued annual partners — Australian Retirement Trust, Responsible Wood, Komatsu Forest, Rivers Insurance Brokers, Choice Energy and IVS Labs — highlighting their role in supporting industry capability and resilience. Designed as a resource for the entire forest and timber sector, Grounded 2026, combines policy commentary, housing and sustainability insights, workforce development stories and recognition of industry excellence, including the establishment of the Colin MacKenzie Award for Technical Excellence in Timber Application and Use. “Whether you work in plantations, native forestry, processing, construction, transport or training, the themes explored in Grounded 2026 connect directly to real-world challenges and opportunities facing the industry,” Mrs Brandt said. Available as an interactive digital flipbook, the magazine is intended to be shared widely across workplaces, boardrooms, site sheds and classrooms, while also supporting printed copies for offices and lunchrooms. The 2026 edition of Grounded is now available. Source & image credit: Timber Queensland Forest & wood products industry could reach net zero by 2029Forest & Wood Products Australia (FWPA) has released a comprehensive industry-wide carbon study showing Australia’s forest and wood products industry is well positioned to support the nation’s transition to a low-carbon economy.The study outlines credible pathways for the forest and wood products industry to reach net zero as early as 2029, as well as a pathway to go beyond net zero well before 2050, supporting Australia’s climate goals. Undertaken by Wood Beca, the study was supported by Forest & Wood Products Australia (FWPA), Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA), and Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia (EWPAA) with funding from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF). The research finds the industry is already close to net zero and, under its most ambitious pathway, could begin removing more carbon from the atmosphere than it emits by 2029, reaching approximately –3 MtCO₂e per year by 2050. What distinguishes the industry is its whole-of-life carbon profile. Managed forests actively sequester carbon, while harvested wood products lock that carbon into long-lived buildings, packaging and timber products - creating a continuous cycle of capture, storage and regrowth. The study evaluates three future pathways:
 Key findings include:
Mr Leighton said the study highlights a rare opportunity for Australia to harness the power of renewable, locally produced materials while meeting pressing national priorities. The report recommends targeted support to accelerate progress, including incentives for biomass adoption, investment in innovation and advanced processing technologies, and measures to scale mass timber construction. “This is a pivotal opportunity for the forest and wood products sector. With collaboration across industry and supportive frameworks, we can unlock the full climate and economic potential of forestry and wood products. The time to build a low-carbon future is now,” Mr Leighton said. As demand grows for lower carbon buildings and materials, the study confirms that expanding the use of responsibly sourced timber offers a practical, scalable pathway to net zero and beyond for Australia. More >> Source & image credit: FWPA  OneFortyOne announces Andrew Leighton as CEO
OneFortyOne has announced the appointment of Andrew Leighton as
its incoming Chief Executive Officer. Andrew will join
OneFortyOne following a comprehensive selection process and will succeed
Michael Barbara, who has been serving as Interim CEO.OneFortyOne Chair John Gilleland said the Board was delighted to appoint a leader of Andrew’s calibre. “Andrew is an accomplished senior executive with deep experience across forest products and complex industrial businesses in Australia and New Zealand,” Mr Gilleland said. “His leadership of Forest and Wood Products Australia (FWPA) has demonstrated his capability to bring people together, set clear strategic direction and deliver strong organisational outcomes. Andrew’s experience and steady leadership give the Board confidence in his ability to lead OneFortyOne strongly for the future.” Andrew brings more than 20 years of senior executive experience, including CEO, Managing Director, Regional President and General Manager roles across the forest products, manufacturing and agribusiness sectors. He is currently Chief Executive Officer of FWPA, where he has led significant organisational and cultural change, strengthened member engagement, and delivered a new strategic plan focused on industry growth, transparency and accountability. Prior to FWPA, Andrew held senior leadership roles with Norske Skog Australasia, including Regional President, where he was responsible for large-scale manufacturing, forestry, energy and bio-product operations across multiple sites. He has also served as General Manager Strategy and Business Development at Ingham’s Group and has extensive experience in strategy execution, P&L management, governance and stakeholder engagement. Mr Gilleland thanked Michael Barbara for his leadership as Interim CEO. “On behalf of the Board, I would like to sincerely thank Michael for his leadership and stewardship of OneFortyOne during this transition. Michael has worked closely with the Lead Team to lift culture, bring focus, and create valuable momentum. The business is well positioned as we welcome Andrew.” Michael Barbara said it had been a privilege to serve as Interim CEO. “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in the role and working alongside the Lead Team and colleagues across OneFortyOne,” Mr Barbara said. “I am proud of what we have achieved together and grateful for the commitment and professionalism shown across the business. I wish Andrew every success as he steps into the role and continues to lead OneFortyOne forward.” Michael will continue in his role with Campbell Global and will work closely with OneFortyOne and its shareholders to support a smooth leadership handover. Andrew Leighton said he was pleased to be joining OneFortyOne and looked forward to working with the team. “OneFortyOne is a highly respected forestry and manufacturing business with strong assets, capable people and deep community connections. I am excited about the opportunity to work with the team to build on these strengths and lead the business into its next chapter.” Andrew will commence with OneFortyOne during July 2026. Source & image credit: OneFortyOne  SnapSTAT - Australia's plywood imports In January 2026, Australia's imports of plywood hit a record 56,002.8 m3, valued at AUD44.0 million on a free-on-board basis. Annualised imports hit 503,562 m3, crossing the half million m3 barrier for the first time and amounting to a 21.8% lift compared to the prior corresponding period.  Source: IndustryEdge H&S Amendment Bill: What contractors need to know
The Government’s Health and Safety at Work Amendment Bill
proposes changes aimed at reducing compliance burden, improving clarity
for businesses, and sharpening the focus on preventing death and serious
harm through better critical risk management.FICA supports the overall intent of the Bill. Forestry contracting businesses already operate in one of New Zealand’s highest risk sectors and have long prioritised critical risks through mechanisation, system redesign, competency frameworks, strong supervision, and widespread adoption of the Forestry Approved Code of Practice (ACoP). In many respects, the Bill reflects existing contractor practice rather than a new direction. However, FICA’s submission highlights several areas where the Bill, as currently drafted, could create unintended consequences for forestry contractors. Defining “Critical Risk” The Bill defines critical risk largely by likelihood of serious harm. FICA argues this does not work well in high risk industries where many hazards occur infrequently but have catastrophic consequences. Tree felling, machine rollovers, cable systems, and log loading remain critical regardless of how often incidents occur. FICA has recommended a definition that better reflects both likelihood and severity, supported by industry led clarity endorsed by WorkSafe. The Proposed “Small PCBU” Category The Bill proposes reduced obligations for businesses with fewer than 20 workers, requiring them to manage only critical risks. This is a major concern for forestry, where most contractors operate small, specialist crews but face significant risk exposure. FICA cautioned that lowering expectations for small PCBUs could weaken safety outcomes, create inequity between workers, and undermine existing good practice. Many common injuries arise from hazards linked directly to critical risk sources. Approved Codes of Practice (ACoPs) FICA strongly supports giving the forestry ACoP safe harbour status. The ACoP provides clear, practical, nationally consistent guidance developed with contractors. FICA emphasised that this consistency will only be effective if additional site-specific rules do not override or complicate the ACoP. What Happens Next? The Bill is progressing through the select committee process, where submissions are reviewed and possible amendments considered before returning to Parliament. FICA will continue advocating to ensure contractor realities are reflected in the final legislation. Likely Outcome for Contractors Critical risk management will remain central. Contractors with robust systems aligned to the ACoP and current best practice are well positioned. The final treatment of small PCBUs and critical risk definitions will be key to whether the Bill delivers clarity without weakening safety. FICA will keep members informed as the Bill progresses. Source: FICA  Now available: A$6.15 billion to back Australian industry
Australian businesses are now able to access $6.15
billion through the National Reconstruction Fund, as the Albanese
Government fast tracks three streams of funding to
get finance moving to strengthen critical supply chains. This will provide Australian businesses with low cost, long term concessional finance to help them ride out global shocks and secure production, bolstering the industries that underpin the national economy. Tim Ayres,the Minister for Industry and Innovation said, “From today, we’re getting $6.15 billion in capital moving quickly into Australian businesses, so industry has the certainty it needs in this time of global disruption". The $1 billion Economic Resilience Program’s zero interest loans are available to businesses in critical supply chains, including those producing and transporting the fuels, plastics, fertilisers and agricultural protection chemicals that Australian farmers and manufacturers rely on every day. The $5 billion Net Zero Fund is open to back new manufacturing investment and energy efficiency upgrades in hard to abate sectors, building domestic clean energy supply chains and supporting the manufacture of low-emissions technologies such as wind, solar and energy storage solutions – and the production of low carbon liquid fuels. The $150 million Forestry Growth Fund is open to support timber processing for housing construction and backing investment in mills and processing facilities to move up the value chain. “The $150 million Forestry Growth Fund, along with our Government’s wider investments in the forestry industry, will deliver more secure jobs in regional Australia, better pay and higher value output," said Julie Collins, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. This investment sits alongside other support and actions the Government is taking to support Australia’s domestic industries. Together, these measures are about keeping Australian production moving, protecting local jobs and building a more resilient economy in a volatile world. Applications are now open. For more information go to www.nrf.gov.au/erp. Source: Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry NZ Government to transition schools to use bioenergy
Brian Cox, Executive Officer of the Bioenergy Association, says
that “The Government’s decision to phase out diesel boilers
in schools is a major step forward for New Zealand’s energy
resilience and regional economies. New Zealanders are being hit
hard by soaring petrol and diesel prices, driven by global instability
and the country’s overwhelming reliance on imported fuels.”
“For the bioenergy sector, it confirms what industry and communities have known for years: locally sourced wood energy is one of the most cost-effective, reliable, and future-proof fuel sources available.” A Win for Energy Security and Regional Jobs “The current crisis starkly illustrates that diesel dependence exposes schools, hospitals and businesses to volatile global fuel prices and availability. By contrast, wood fuel is produced domestically, creating stable demand for forestry residues, and supporting jobs in rural regions. This shift keeps more spending circulating within New Zealand rather than flowing offshore.” Lowest Cost, Lowest Volatility Independent analyses frequently show that wood energy delivers some of the lowest delivered heat costs in the country, especially for medium- and large-scale heat users. Several factors contribute to this:
“Bioenergy gives New Zealand a real chance to take control of its fuel future,” Mr Cox notes. “Every diesel boiler we transition locally is less fuel we need to import — and one more step toward stabilising energy prices for New Zealanders.” A Call to Action “New Zealand has the feedstocks, the technology, and the industry capability. This investment in replacing fossil fuel boilers is a positive step towards future security. The next steps are coordinated investment decisions and a National Energy Strategy to unlock the full potential of bioenergy as a strategic national asset for all New Zealanders.” More >> Source: Bioenergy Association  Critique: Bowman study on Tasmania logging links
A story published last week by ABC News reported that scientists
have analysed satellite images of bushfire damage in Tasmania
and found that regrowth eucalypt forest is much more flammable than
mature forest, which acts as "natural fire breaks".Except when you look at the actual science, there is no such proof. What these stories rely on is a familiar pattern. They take a handful of studies, mostly based on satellite mapping of fire severity, assumptions about forest age and modelling of fire behaviour, and then present the results as if they demonstrate a clear causal link between logging and fire. They don’t. In most cases, what is actually being measured is stand age, not logging. Young forests don’t just come from logging, they also come from wildfire. In fact, many of the dense regrowth forests blamed for increased fire risk are the direct result of previous fires. So what is being presented as “logging makes forests more flammable” is often just “disturbed forests behave differently after disturbance”. That is not the same thing. Even the Tasmanian research these claims rely on admits there is limited empirical data, conflicting results and heavy reliance on modelling. Yet the media headline jumps straight to “proof”. The authors acknowledge weather plays a major role, yet the narrative shifts the blame onto logging because it suits the broader campaign against native forestry. And perhaps most telling of all, there is little or no acknowledgement that large areas of unlogged national parks burn at high severity under the same conditions. Because that inconvenient fact undermines the storyline. This is not how science should inform policy. It is how advocacy repackages selective evidence into a simple, compelling message. The reality is far more complex. Fire behaviour depends on fuel, weather, topography and suppression. Reducing it to a single cause might make for a good headline. But it won’t lead to better forest management. Contributed by Robert Onfray  US Forest Service plan to close 57 research stations
The U.S. Forest Service’s plan to close scores of research
stations could threaten the nation’s wildfire readiness, many
foresters fear, and erode decades of work to understand timber
production, soil health, pests and diseases, watersheds and wildlife.
Late last month, the Forest Service announced plans to close 57 of its 77 research stations, located across 31 states, merging them into a single organization in Fort Collins, Colorado. The agency described the move as a way to consolidate, not cut, the agency’s scientific work, and “unify research priorities.” It’s unclear how many scientists will be affected by the transition, but it comes as part of a larger agency reorganization that is expected to move roughly 5,000 employees to new outposts. Forest Service leaders have framed the closures as a way to reduce the agency’s real estate footprint, citing a facilities budget Congress has shrunk, as opposed to curtailing its scientific work. But many longtime foresters fear the closures will threaten vital research that has been the backbone of forest management for state agencies, timber companies and tribes. Many of the research stations slated for closure study fire behavior, forecast smoke dispersal and help inform evacuation decisions. More >> Source: Stateline The Forestry Workforce Training Program is delivering results
The Forestry Workforce Training Program (FWTP) is starting to
deliver some strong workforce development outcomes, with high
industry engagement, measurable skills recognition activity and expanded
access to flexible training pathways.ForestEdu and digital capability The ForestEdu digital platform is on track to be completed by June 2026. The ForestEdu Network has been established as an industry social platform with nine industry discussion groups already supporting peer learning and collaboration. The ForestEdu Library has been configured as a searchable virtual catalogue. By June 2026, digital learning and assessment content will be available for more than 100 competency units, supported by over 700 learning and assessment assets. Unit packages include assessment kits, interactive e-learning, learner guides, mapping documentation and Moodle integration, improving the consistency, quality and flexibility of delivery across the sector. In addition, 29 targeted video resources are being produced to support workplace-based training and assessment. The ForestEdu Demand Aggregator is under development and is being set up to support an industry training demand and discovery platform, that will allow employers to search available industry training programs and to connect directly with training providers. Skills recognition and trainer capability A total of 1,149 workers across 20 employers were nominated through the submitted applications, with up to 130 RPL assessments scheduled to be completed by June 2026. Workplace-based trainer capability is also a priority. Ten industry workers completed the Work Skill Instructor Skill Set in 2025, with further cohorts scheduled throughout 2026. Delivery was designed to be flexible and inclusive. The demand was strong, with more than 60 expressions of interest, including for a dedicated women’s cohort. Micro-credentials and workforce pathways The program made substantial progress in establishing stackable micro-credential pathways for new entrants, operators and emerging leaders. Over the coming months, 80 workers are expected to progress toward enrolment in leadership micro-credentials and a further 65 toward essential skills micro-credential training. These pathways are being supported by expanded digital resources and targeted trainer upskilling, helping to build a more scalable and flexible training system. A new Graduate Certificate in Forestry was established as a flexible, industry-supported tertiary pathway for foresters. The pilot achieved strong enrolments, positive feedback from participants and employers, and effective collaboration between industry and university partners. Two cohorts completed the qualification: a pre-trial cohort of 17 students in 2024 and a second cohort of 23 students in 2025. Participants included plantation managers, forest planners, policy advisers and operational staff. Inclusion and Employment Outcomes FWTP also delivered strong inclusion and employment outcomes. On the Tiwi Islands, 19 of 21 First Nations participants completed training and moved directly into employment with the Tiwi Plantation Corporation nursery. Forestry Australia’s mentoring program also supported 26 women across forestry and timber processing, with positive feedback highlighting increased confidence, stronger industry connection and career development. The new Guide for Gender and Culturally Inclusive Training is now available here. This practical resource supports training package developers, resource creators, trainers, and assessors in making training more inclusive, accessible, and relevant for underrepresented workers. It offers clear recommendations, checklists, practical exercises, sample assessment questions, and ready-to-use tools to help review learning materials, improve online accessibility, enhance inclusive communication, support participation, and promote fair assessment practices. More >> Source & image credit: ForestWorks  Torrefied biomass for Huntly Power Station advances
Genesis Energy and Nature’s Flame have signed an agreement
to advance feasibility investigations and negotiations on the production
and supply of torrefied biomass for electricity generation at Huntly
Power Station.Genesis is targeting a pathway to a supply of up to 300,000 tonnes a year of torrefied biomass (also known as black pellets) by FY28, for use where it is economically feasible to replace a portion of the coal used for energy security generation in Huntly’s Rankine units. The company is working with a number of potential producers in parallel to achieve this target. Nature’s Flame already produces white pellets at its plant in Taupō. This agreement marks the start of formal investigations into the economics of adding a torrefaction facility to produce black pellets and confirm the intended key terms for a supply agreement. Genesis and Nature’s Flame have agreed to a collaborative approach to these investigations. Black pellets are produced by heating wood, forestry waste, and plant materials in a low-oxygen environment at 200–340°C. This torrefaction process creates a uniform, energy dense, low-moisture product that is safer to handle and can be stored outdoors, making them the preferred pellets for Huntly Power Station. Genesis Chief Operating Officer Tracey Hickman says biomass is a key part of Genesis’ Gen35 strategy to optimise energy storage and flexible generation providing security of supply and grid stability. “Electricity security for New Zealand depends on having fuel security and fuel diversity and I’m delighted Nature’s Flame wants to explore this opportunity with us. Huntly Power Station is unique in that it can generate power from multiple fuels including gas, coal, diesel and biomass, which mitigates energy scarcity, price and supply chain risk for New Zealand.” Hickman noted that Genesis and Nature’s Flame will also work together on approaching potential suppliers of feedstock – forestry residue and waste wood. More >> Source & image credit: Genesis Energy Vale Mathew Vandy
The New Zealand wood manufacturing sector recently marked the
passing of Mathew Vandy, a well-known figure who dedicated more
than 20 years to industry training and workforce development.Throughout a career that included significant roles at FITEC, Competenz, and most recently Hanga Aro Rau (the Workforce Development Council), Matt became a familiar and respected face across the industry. He was known not only for his technical reliability but for the genuine, positive nature he brought to his professional relationships. John Kelly, who crossed paths with Matt across two decades before finally working alongside him at Hanga Aro Rau, remembers him as a man of great character. "Matt was one of those guys who never offended and always maintained a positive outlook," Kelly says. "He had a boyish charm and was well-liked and appreciated by everyone he worked with. He was completely loyal, highly knowledgeable, and a top bloke whose impact was massive for the industry." Even as his career path evolved, Matt remained a constant and welcoming presence for his peers. "We crossed paths in our long and twisted careers, and I can say we were always happy to see each other," Kelly shared. "He was a dependable professional and highly appreciated by everyone he worked with and for." Mathew’s contribution to the sector was significant, and he will be missed by his many friends and colleagues across the wood manufacturing community. Jobs
Buy and Sell
And one to end the week on... Conservation Week
Source: DOC - Conservation Week Check your local area for activities happening in your neck of the woods. Here's some local (to us) Central North Island things to celebrate for Conservation Week from the Manaaki Kaimai Mamaku Trust.  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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