Friday Offcuts – 1 May 2026
Click to Subscribe - It's FREE! Welcome to this week’s issue of Friday Offcuts.After four turbulent months of 2026, I’m still double- checking that I don’t write 2025. This week’s roundup includes the signing of the landmark New Zealand–India Free Trade Agreement, the impact of rising fuel costs on harvesting, and market updates from the Australian Timber Market Survey and the New Zealand log market. We also cover conservation initiatives from Koala Conservation Australia and the Forestry Corporation of NSW, alongside developments in AI-driven forestry, Minecraft-based education, and hybrid pine trials. Fire protection investments in Victoria and NSW are highlighted, along with leadership updates within the Bioeconomy Science Institute and FSC ANZ. Our WoodWorks team is also pleased to share that we’ve secured a site visit to one of the largest mass timber buildings set for completion later this year. Fisher & Paykel’s new three-storey, $220M+ Global Headquarters in Auckland, designed by RTA Studio, will feature New Zealand’s largest mass timber structure to date. Many WoodWorks sponsors, led by Red Stag Timberlab, have been key suppliers to the project. Join us for the seminar and site visit on 22 May - register now, as places are limited. Finally, WoodTECH 2026's early bird discounts ends today. If you plan to attend, now is a good time to take advantage of the discounts. 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 sector welcomes signing of India FTA
The New Zealand Forest Owners Association welcomes the signing
of the New Zealand-India Free Trade Agreement, saying it marks an
important step forward for forest growers, wood processors, exporters
and regional communities.New Zealand Forest Owners Association Chief Executive Elizabeth Heeg, who is in India for the signing, says it is an honour to witness the progress of an agreement with such significant potential for New Zealand forestry. “Forest growers welcome the signing of this agreement. India is a large, fast-growing economy and an increasingly important partner for New Zealand. Wood and wood products are already New Zealand’s largest goods export to India, worth NZ$134 million in the year to June 2025, giving our sector a strong base to build from. Improved access to the Indian market gives forest growers, wood processors and exporters greater confidence to invest, grow trade and support jobs across the forestry supply chain.” Heeg says New Zealand growers have a strong relationship with India and are looking forward to building on that with sustainable timber and wood products. “This agreement is also an opportunity to deepen collaboration on research, education and forestry practice, which can deliver benefits for both countries. Heeg says the forestry sector is well placed to contribute to the wider economic gains expected from the agreement and agrees with New Zealand Minister of Trade Todd McClay who says, “Governments can provide frameworks, but it is businesses that define the character of an economic relationship. The tone set - on trust, transparency and ambition - will shape how this agreement is experienced on the ground." Heeg says better access to India supports growth from forests to ports, processing and manufacturing. "That matters for regional New Zealand, where forestry is a major employer and contributor to local economies. Trade agreements of this scale do not come along often. The signing of the India FTA is a welcome milestone and gives New Zealand exporters a stronger footing in one of the world’s most important growth markets.” Heeg says New Zealand benefits from a practical, broadly supported approach to trade. “We welcome the work that has gone into reaching this point and encourage Parliament to support the agreement through the next stages, so New Zealand businesses and communities can make the most of this opportunity.” Click here for a detailed summary of the NZ-India Free Trade Agreement Source: New Zealand Forest Owners Association 20,000 trees to boost koala conservation initiatives
Koala habitat is being restored across flood-impacted parts of
the Northern Rivers, with community groups and Indigenous Ranger teams
leading the planting of thousands of vital eucalypt trees.A total of 20,000 seedlings will be delivered through Koala Conservation Australia’s (KCA) annual Koala Food Tree Giveaway—helping to rebuild and reconnect critical habitat corridors for local koala populations. The tallowwood, grey gum and forest red gum seedlings have been grown from seed by Forestry Corporation NSW and donated to KCA through a partnership spanning over ten years. Since its inception, the program has delivered more than 185,000 seedlings to landholders, community groups and large-scale restoration projects across the NSW North Coast. We’re proud to reach 200,000 trees in 2026. This year, seedlings will be distributed through WWF Australia’s Koala Friendly Carbon Initiative, with Indigenous Ranger teams supporting on-ground planting. Koala Conservation Australia’s Conservation Manager, Scott Castle, said the program is a critical step in restoring habitat following extreme weather events. “The annual koala food tree giveaway goes some way to regenerating and connecting existing habitats. We’ve helped restore critical habitat in the wider community after devasting bushfires and floods. This year we're changing the structure of the giveaway, and working on a few large projects, to recover and enhance flood affected habitat to our north.” KCA remains committed to growing koala food trees at its two koala food plantations - at Maria River and Moripo - as a cornerstone of its conservation work. Forestry Corporation’s Grafton Nursery produces more than one million seedlings annually to support plantation forestry and regional timber supply. Forestry Corporation’s Senior Manager Community & Partnerships, Kathy Lyons, said the initiative highlights the impact of strong partnerships. “These seedlings play an important role in strengthening koala habitat and supporting the resilience of koala populations in the Northern Rivers and will be delivered to multiple program partners, including Indigenous ranger groups, who are central to on-ground restoration and long-term land stewardship,” Ms Lyons said. Source & image credit: Koala Conservation Australia’s (KCA) NZ forestry cuts back amid fuel hikes from Middle East conflict
The price of diesel has led to some forestry harvests being
halted around the country. In the worst cases, managers
say forest owners would make no return – or a loss – because
heavy machinery has become so expensive to run.Farm Forestry Association president Dougal Morrison told 1News the latest figures from ports today showed a 30% reduction in log volumes compared to previous months. "That's huge," he said, attributing the drop to diesel prices. "Fuel is used in the harvesting equipment and you've got the transport – the logging trucks on the roads – and the ships exporting the logs as well." Northland company Tree People has no more felling booked after this month, as all clients halted harvesting work. Director Peter Davies-Colley said: "It doesn't make sense for them to harvest on the day that high fuel prices means that their forest isn't worth anything." More >> Source: 1News  Australian Timber Market Survey (TMS) report released
The latest edition of the TMS report has been released for the
December quarter 2025. The TMS (Timber Market Survey)
collects price data through quarterly surveys of a representative sample
of timber market participants in eastern Australia.All quarterly TMS reports contain price movement information for softwood timber, panels and engineered wood products. The June and December quarter editions also include price movement information for hardwood timber products surveyed over a six-month period. Price movement data are presented in nominal terms unless otherwise stated Softwood timber products – Quarterly price movements
Further information and the latest TMS report is available here: Download the December quarter 2025 TMS report Source: Indufor Minecraft game launched to grow future forestry workforce
Discover Forestry has launched a new Minecraft-based learning
game that lets students grow and manage their own virtual forest,
reflecting real New Zealand plantation forestry systems.The game takes players through the full forestry cycle, from establishing a crop, through tending and harvesting, to transport, processing and replanting, helping students understand how modern, sustainable production forestry operates as an integrated system. A key feature is the connection to downstream manufacturing through Buzz Zone World, where students process and transform logs, and Nailed It World, where players create finished wood products including using wood byproducts. Together, these elements help learners understand the full value chain from forest to product, and the range of real careers across forestry and wood processing. Alongside the game, Discover Forestry has released classroom resources that link gameplay to real-world knowledge and evidence informed teaching practices, making it easier for teachers and industry to engage rangatahi in a meaningful, hands-on way. For the sector, the initiative provides a scalable tool to build early awareness of forestry careers, strengthen understanding of the full industry value chain, and improve long-term talent pathways. Discover Forestry acknowledges the support of the WIDE Trust in funding this initiative. The game and resources are available via the Discover Forestry website. Source & image credit: Discover Forestry  NZ log market report - April 2026
Market SummaryApril At Wharf Gate (AWG) prices for export logs at New Zealand ports remained unchanged from March. Higher shipping costs for log exports were partially offset by increased CFR log prices in China, along with exporters absorbing a portion of the higher freight costs to maintain supply to enable vessel utilisation and meet existing shipping commitments. Softwood log inventories in China have risen slightly, as expected, following increased harvesting activity in New Zealand during March. Inventory levels are anticipated to decline due to a meaningful reduction in log supply from New Zealand. Harvesting activity is reducing in New Zealand due to weather and forest owners, managers, and contractors responding to rising fuel costs. The PF Olsen Log Price Index remains at $122, which is $2 above both the two-year and five-year averages. Domestic Log Market Usually log prices are locked in with domestic mills for at least each quarter. In many cases mills have agreed to around a $3 per tonne increase for the higher grade structural and pruned logs. In most cases this price is agreed on month-by-month basis and will be reviewed according to the cost of fuel. The wood processing sector remains concerned about the impact of elevated construction costs on the viability of planned projects in New Zealand. While cost pressures have shown signs of stabilisation in some areas, uncertainty around future pricing, financing conditions, and overall demand continues to weigh on developer and builder confidence. This ongoing unpredictability is making it challenging for stakeholders to commit to new projects, contributing to a subdued pipeline of construction activity. The graph below shows a recovery in new dwelling consents through 2025, with annual consents increasing by approximately 9%. However, ready-mix concrete usage (an indicator of actual construction activity) declined by 4.6% in 2025 compared with 2024. This suggests a longer lag than usual between consent issuance and the commencement of physical construction. In addition, non-residential construction, which typically has a higher intensity of concrete use, continues to decline in both floor area and value. This helps explain the ongoing weakness in concrete volumes despite improving residential consent activity. Overall, this points to a two-speed recovery in New Zealand’s construction sector. Residential building, particularly townhouses and multi-unit developments, is expected to lead the upturn, while non-residential construction is likely to remain subdued in the near term due to persistent cost pressures and uncertainty around demand. China The CFR price for A-grade logs is currently in the USD 126–129 range. While exporters are offering around USD 131, the market has so far resisted breaking through the USD 130 threshold. Wholesale prices in China have remained relatively stable; however, emerging inflationary pressures, partly driven by higher oil prices, are beginning to surface. More >> Source: PF Olsen  America’s largest landowner is using AI to digitise the forest
Weyerhaeuser is pursuing autonomous logging equipment and hopes
to double its profits by 2030 independent of any increase in lumber
prices.Autonomous skidders that drag felled trees around logging sites. A database detailing each tree in the forest. A screen that shows loggers which trees to cut and which to leave standing to maximize financial returns decades down the line. Weyerhaeuser, the country’s top logger and one of its oldest companies, is betting artificial intelligence can deliver these and other big changes to American forestry, which has come a long way from oxen and axes. Many applications envisioned by Weyerhaeuser executives are unique to a company that manages timberlands in the U.S. and Canada that together cover an area roughly the size of Indiana. “We’ve been growing forests for 125 years. We probably have as much information and data about how forests grow as any organization on the planet,” Chief Executive Devin Stockfish said in an interview. “The opportunity set here is really leveraging this new transformational technology to take all of that information and data and make everything we do better.” More >> Source: MSN WSJ subscribers can read the full story here Bioeconomy Science Institute Maiangi Taiao appoints chief executive
The Bioeconomy Science Institute Maiangi Taiao is pleased to
announce the appointment of experienced New Zealand agribusiness leader
Angus Haslett as its new Chief Executive Officer. Mr
Haslett has over 30 years’ experience in agribusiness, most
recently as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Executive Board
of global dairy genetics company CRV, based in the Netherlands.Bioeconomy Science Institute Board Chair Barry Harris said Mr Haslett’s deep understanding of research-led innovation and proven record in seizing new market opportunities, combined with his personal emphasis on growing people, made him an ideal match for the new Institute. "The Bioeconomy Science Institute has brought together over 2000 researchers and professional staff to grow our bioeconomy and protect the environment that underpins it. Industry and government are looking to us to generate greater impact and create new value. Angus recognises that opportunity for industry, science and the environment to all benefit from new approaches", says Mr Harris. Mr Haslett will return to New Zealand to formally join the Institute in August. Until then, current Transition CEO Mark Piper will continue to lead the business. Mr Harris paid tribute to Mr Piper’s energy and commitment to building the new Institute, saying the Bioeconomy Science Institute had made rapid progress in both integration and transformation during its first nine months. “Mark has laid a strong foundation for the Bioeconomy Science Institute’s future success. He has assembled an experienced leadership team, established the fundamentals of our strategic operating model and been tireless in connecting the Institute with industry leaders and stakeholders across New Zealand and internationally.” Mr Harris said maintaining momentum in transforming the Institute was a priority in the months ahead. “The Bioeconomy Science Institute presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape how we do science to have greater impact and create more value in our bioeconomy. We need to grab that opportunity. “The government has clearly signalled new priorities for its investment in science, plus a desire to see more impact and stronger commercialisation of IP. Our industry partners are seeking science which puts new and compelling opportunities on the table for them to grow value for New Zealand. And our science itself is also changing – it’s more digital, more multi-disciplinary and more connected with other researchers here and overseas. “We’re building something new to meet these opportunities. We have momentum, so it’s vital we keep up the pace in the months ahead. We’re looking forward greatly to having Angus join us to lead the Institute into the future”. Source & image credit: Bioeconomy Science Institute Multi-agency fire taskforce ignited for NSW
The NSW Government has launched a new multi-agency taskforce in
a bid to accelerate hazard reduction and better protect communities
across NSW. Taskforce Fire Guard will bring together fire
agencies and land managers to strengthen coordination and prioritise
high risk areas over the coming months.Operating from the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) State Operations Centre, the taskforce will use predictive services and weather intelligence to support agencies to target efforts where they are needed most, said Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib. Participating agencies include the RFS, Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Forestry Corporation of NSW, Crown Lands and Transport for NSW. “Taskforce Fire Guard brings agencies together to ensure we are making the most of every opportunity to reduce bushfire risk and protect communities,” said Minister Dib. “It will strengthen how we plan and deliver hazard reduction across the state, particularly as weather conditions allow work to increase. “This is a commonsense approach to hazard reduction that brings all agencies together with a sole focus of coordinated and planned hazard reduction activities." More >> Source: Inside Government  Victorian forest firefighters to benefit from $365m investment
The Victorian government has announced a $365m investment into
CFA and forest firefighter upgrades as part of its upcoming 2026/27
budget. The funding includes $100m to be allocated to
expand CFA’s fleet of new tankers and pumpers, and $26.2m will to
go towards station builds, planning, land acquisition at 10 CFA brigades
across Victoria.A further $22.4m will go towards CFA volunteer wellbeing support, training and new protective gear. A $217m investment will go to Forest Fire Management Victoria to purchase 17 new assets including heavy tankers, dozers and graders, deliver upgrades to the vehicle fleet, secure the critical aviation fire fleet and conduct more planned burns and fuel management. A state government spokesperson said the funding is designed to support volunteer CFA firefighters and forest firefighting services as Victoria faces more frequent and severe fire seasons, particularly in regional and rural areas. More >> Source: The Alpine Bbserver First Nations Committee evolves FSC ANZ leadershipFSC Australia and New Zealand’s (FSC ANZ) Indigenous Working Group has formally transitioned to the First Nations Committee (FNC), reflecting the growing preference for ‘First Nations’ terminology and reinforcing the Committee’s ongoing role in advancing First Nations perspectives and championing FSC ANZ’s commitment to responsible forest management.Since its establishment in 2014, the Indigenous Working Group has played an important role in shaping the direction of FSC ANZ, ensuring First Nations voices and perspectives are meaningfully represented. As broader conversations around identity and representation have evolved, so too has the IWG’s role and place within the organisation. With full endorsement of the FSC ANZ Board of Directors, the IWG steps forward as the First Nations Committee, a transition that reflects the growing preference for ‘First Nations’ terminology across both Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. This change also aligns with proposed updates to the revised Forest Stewardship Standard of Australia, which also includes a shift from ‘Indigenous’ to ‘First Nations’ terminology, and is set to enter its second round of public consultation later this month.  At its inception, the title ‘working group’ signalled a defined, time-bound mandate. Over the years, however, the FNC’s scope, influence, and responsibilities have expanded well beyond those initial parameters. Reframing the group as a ‘committee’ acknowledges its ongoing and integral role within FSC ANZ, as well as its enduring partnership in guiding the future of responsible forestry across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. Today, the First Nations Committee (FNC) stands as a diverse and dynamic collective of First Nations representatives, united by a shared vision to strengthen leadership, knowledge, and influence within the forestry sector, for the benefit of current and future generations. All ten members bring a range of cultural perspectives, lived experience, and regional insight, grounded in deep connections to Country, community, and culture. Tolita Davis-Angeles, Chair of the FNC, says, “Over the past year, our Committee has grown significantly, uniting even more voices and perspectives from across our communities. We look forward to continuing to deepen our influence within the forestry sector, ensuring First Nations values and knowledge are central to the future of responsible forest management in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.” Find out more about the FNC here. Source & image credit: FSC Australia and New Zealand Hybrid holds up within forestry trial
For the first time globally, a stand of hybrid P. radiata and P.
attenuata pine trees has been milled – allowing scientists to
compare its wood qualities against two purebred species.The hybrid stand (a cross of P. radiata and P. attenuata) from the Ribbonwood Station trial was milled recently by Radiata Pine Breeding Company Limited (RPBC). RPBC contracted the project’s co-authors Marco Lausberg (Wood Quality Consulting) and Jonathan Harrington to complete the study. The hybrid conversation has been in the production equation because of the trees’ potential tolerance of high-country climates – including their ability to handle snow loading – which is where P. radiata has historically faltered. The trials were originally planted in 1998 and when the trial was harvested in 2025, it afforded RPBC the opportunity to undertake direct measurements of wood properties, and to verify earlier analysis. In all, 92 butt logs, including examples of the three species – the hybrid, P. radiata, and P. attenuata trees – were processed at Niagara sawmill in Winton, Southland. The focus of the milling study was to compare the wood quality across all three species. Volume and quality Marco said the stand was well-sited – 485m (591 feet) above sea level – to definitively test the hybrid. When the farm manager wanted to clear the stand, RPBC moved quickly, taking the opportunity to validate its results in a sawmill for the first time. “I think we had double the volume of logs in terms of acceptable sawlogs in the trial,” Marco said. “The hybrid tree was much, much better in terms of growth and form. We had trouble really getting nice, pure P. radiata and pure P. attenuata sawlogs from that site just because they had been so badly hammered by snow. I had to warn the sawmill that the logs coming from those trees were ugly, and for them not to expect normal log quality.” The results revealed higher than average log velocity and board stiffness from the hybrid logs. “The results give us confidence. If they are sited well, no-one is going to go backwards on the wood properties when they use the hybrids,” Marco said. He also took the time to ask the mill staff what they thought of the logs. “They couldn't tell any difference between the hybrid and the pure P. radiata or P. attenuata in their appearance because visually it blended in with the normal radiata in-feed resource,” Marco said. “The only comment they had – and, this is more interesting than useful, they said the hybrid smelled different.” More >> Source & image credit: Radiata Pine Breeding Company (RPBC)  PlantIT opens free trial for forest nursery tracking
Integral Limited is inviting forest nurseries and forest
management companies to register for a free full season trial of
PlantIT, its digital tree tracking and management platform
designed specifically for the forestry supply chain.PlantIT was created to make tree tracking easier and more efficient for the forestry sector. This full season free trial gives nurseries and forest management companies the opportunity to see how digital tracking can improve accountability, reduce friction, and deliver better operational visibility. Built for the movement of tree stock from nursery to forest, PlantIT improves visibility across dispatch, transport, delivery, planting, and returns. It helps address common seasonal challenges including limited visibility of stock in transit, manual paperwork, avoidable errors, and the difficulty of reconciling what was dispatched, delivered, planted, and returned. For forest nurseries, PlantIT supports more accurate dispatch, stronger box and stock accountability, reduced administration, and a clearer digital record of movement and handover. For forest management companies, it provides better oversight of incoming tree stock, improved field confirmation, and more reliable traceability from uplift through to planting completion. Register your interest Organisations interested in taking part in the PlantIT free trial can register their interest with Integral Limited. PlantIT is part of Integral’s forestry product suite and supports a more connected and accountable nursery-to-forest supply chain. Developed with the help of the Precision Silviculture Programme and with support from Forest Growers Research (FGR), PlantIT reflects a shared focus on improving efficiency, traceability, and innovation across the forestry sector. More >> Source & image credit: Forest Growers Research / Integral Jobs
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And one to end the week on... A walk through the treetops
Instead of a joke this week we invite you to explore wooden wonders that take you through the treetops.  Click here for full guide  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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