Friday Offcuts – 8 May 2026

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Welcome to this week's issue of Friday Offcuts.

We open with a world-first electrification project at the Kaingaroa Processing Plant, marking a major step toward lower emissions with new infrastructure supporting fully electric loader and log transport. Across the Tasman, new research into the decline of the swift parrot is also challenging long- held assumptions, arguing that introduced predators, not native forest harvesting, remain the primary threat to the bird’s survival.

Attention also turns to forestry investment and market conditions, with Carbon Forestry 2026 signalling the sector’s shift toward natural capital, while rising fuel, freight, and supply chain costs continue to pressure operations across Australasia. Innovation remains strong, from expanded AI- driven bushfire detection in the Green Triangle to new research, digital forestry tools, and a timely reminder of safety accountability.

Finally, WoodTECH 2026 is fast approaching, with the Brisbane event already drawing strong interest as companies take advantage of June’s warmer conditions and group registration offers.

Read these stories and more in this week’s packed issue of Friday Offcuts.

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Leading the charge on fuel-efficient operations

A major step forward in reducing emissions and future-proofing operations has been switched on at Kaingaroa Processing Plant (KPP), with the commissioning of a new high-capacity electric charger to support RFH’s growing electric fleet.

The 400kW charger has been installed to service a fully electric loader and newly introduced electric logging truck bought by Rotorua Forest Haulage (RFH). Together, these machines are replacing traditional diesel-powered equivalents and marking an important shift in how work is done across the supply chain.

The set-up is believed to be the first of its kind in the world, combining a high-capacity charger with both an electric loader and electric logging truck operating in a live forestry-related environment.

What’s more, there are times when logs processed at KPP will be loaded, transported and unloaded all by electric powered heavy vehicles, with our customer PermaPine investing in their own fully electric loader at their site near Reporoa.

General Manager for Sustainability, Colin Maunder, says the project is a practical step towards Kaingaroa Tipu’s long-term goal of eliminating fossil fuels from our operations.

“This reflects how, as a business, we are being more climate positive in our approach to the work we do, but more simply it’s also about learning, testing what works, building capability, and setting ourselves up for the future.”

Growing infrastructure

While the charger itself is a key feature, the project has involved much more behind the scenes. Kaingaroa Tipu has invested more than $1 million into the installation, including civil works, concreting, and upgrading electrical infrastructure to support the system.

The charger can service two machines at once, splitting its output as needed. To ensure reliability in KPP’s demanding environment, much of the equipment has been housed within a protective container to shield it from dust and temperature extremes.

“This isn’t just plugging in a charger,” Colin says. “It’s building the infrastructure to support a different way of operating.”

Supporting a growing electric fleet

RFH’s electric loader has already been operating at KPP for close to a year, while the electric logging truck is a more recent addition to its fleet. RFH received support from the Energy Efficiency & Conservation Authority to adopt both vehicles.

Early indications are promising. The loader can be topped up during scheduled breaks and continue running through the day, while the truck uses short charging intervals to maintain its operating range. It also benefits from regenerative braking, capturing energy when travelling downhill.

Together, the machines are helping to reduce reliance on diesel, which has traditionally powered forestry operations.

Building on an already electrified system

KPP is already a highly electrified site, and this latest development strengthens that position. KPP site manager Phil Loest says the charger fits with KPP’s site philosophy of using locally generated electricity for processing wherever we can.

Colin adds how it’s easy to overlook just how significant this is. “If we were processing our stem logs in the forest, we’d typically rely on multiple diesel machines to process them. At KPP, that work is already electrified,” he says. “That’s a big efficiency gain, and now we’re extending that electrification further into the supply chain.”

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Source & image credit: Kaingaroa Tipu


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Predation, not habitat loss, threatens swift parrot

A critically endangered parrot facing functional extinction by the end of this decade is being killed off primarily by an introduced predator, not by native forest harvesting, and a new peer-reviewed study argues that conservation strategies need to catch up with that reality.

The finding, published in Australian Forestry, challenges the widely held view that habitat loss from native forest harvesting is the central cause of the swift parrot’s collapse. Independent researcher Simon Grove reviewed the body of published research to test two competing explanations for the decline, concluding that the evidence base firmly favours predation over habitat loss as the primary driver.

Swift parrots breed only in Tasmania. The species has no other known breeding range, making its population uniquely vulnerable — and uniquely dependent on getting the conservation response right.

Grove’s paper sets out two hypotheses. The first, which he terms the forest habitat narrative, holds that the decline is primarily or exclusively driven by habitat loss, with native forest harvesting as the critical mechanism. The second, the predation narrative, holds that the population is being suppressed by the killing of nesting females and their eggs or broods by sugar gliders, an introduced species.

Neither the straightforward forest habitat hypothesis, nor a more nuanced version linking sugar glider predation to the effects of forest disturbance, is well supported by the evidence. The predation hypothesis, by contrast, is grounded in empirical observation and supported by what the paper describes as apparently robust statistical modelling.

The implications for conservation are direct. A strategy focused solely on protecting existing breeding habitat would, the study concludes, “make negligible material difference to the swift parrot’s fate in the short term” — doing little more than ensuring the remaining birds continue to be predated when nesting. “An all-out focus on predation mitigation remains the only strategy with at least the potential to avoid species extinction.”

Author Simon Grove is unequivocal about what the evidence demands. “Unless we focus all-out on finding practical ways to reduce predation on nesting swift parrots at scale, the species seems doomed to extinction,” he said. “In contrast, directing outrage towards the highly regulated forestry sector does nothing to further the species’ chances of surviving into the next decade — in fact, it detracts from where the real work is needed and is therefore contributing to the problem rather than the solution.”

The paper was accepted in February 2026 and published online on 22 March 2026.

More >>

Source: Forestry Australia



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Carbon Forestry 2026: A sector in transition

Following a sold-out event in 2025 that saw over 300 industry leaders gather to discuss a sector “at the crossroads,” Innovatek has officially launched the programme for Carbon Forestry 2026. Scheduled for 4-5 August 2026 in Rotorua, the conference arrives at a critical juncture as the industry shifts its focus toward the emerging era of Natural Capital.

As climate policy and global investment converge, Carbon Forestry 2026 will provide forest managers, investors, and landowners with the clarity needed to navigate a volatile market and a complex regulatory landscape.

“We are no longer just talking about carbon sequestration,” says John Stulen, Director at Innovatek, and Carbon Forestry 2026 programme manager. “We are entering a period where forestry and climate policy are being viewed through the lens of a global Natural Capital asset class. This event is designed to provide practical insights for those making long-term land-use and investment decisions.”

Headline Speakers and Key Topics The 2026 programme features a heavy-hitting lineup of local and international experts, including:
  • Hon Simon Watts, Minister of Climate Change: Providing direct updates on New Zealand Government policy directions.
  • David Brand (Chair, International Sustainable Forestry Coalition): Delivering a global keynote on the “Natural Capital Asset Class.”
  • Eva Murray (Climate Change Commission) & John Saunders (Te Uru Rākau): Offering a deep dive into the latest ETS regulations and independent expert advice.
  • Nigel Brunel (MAREX): Leading a specialised breakfast session on carbon trading market dynamics.
  • Felix Brandt & David Crawley (PF Olsen/Forest360): Sharing practical strategies for balancing forestry operations with carbon value forecasting.
Supporting the Next Generation

In a move to ensure the industry’s future, Carbon Forestry 2026—with support from the WIDE Trust—is offering a limited number of complimentary registrations for forestry professionals under the age of 35. This initiative aims to bring emerging talent into the room alongside Iwi groups, financial professionals, and major carbon emitters.

Registration Details 

Super Early Bird registration is now open, offering a $200 discount for those who book before Friday, 29 May. The special rate of $795 + GST is available at the official event website.

For more information on the programme, speakers, and registration, visit carbonforestry.events.

Source: Innovatek



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Global Forest Sector Outlook - 2026 Q1 edition

The Global Consulting Alliance has released the 2026 Q1 issue of The Forest Sector Outlook report. This report features global economic and forests industry market updates from all over the world.

The global forestry sector showed early signs of stabilisation in 2026, although overall activity remained subdued due to weak construction demand in key markets such as the United States and the Eurozone. Timber markets remained soft, with only partial price recovery. Export conditions were mixed, reflecting fluctuating demand from China and a gradual shift in trade flows toward alternative markets.

One of the most significant impacts of the Iran War on forest products trade has been the increase in freight rates and war-risk insurance premiums, which has raised the cost of exporting timber products globally and increased uncertainty.

Australian market updates

The March 2026 edition of Consensus Economics predicts Australian GDP growth of 2.2% for CY2026, with growth expected to level off to 2.1% in CY2027. However, the Iran War may have upended these predictions.

Housing approvals are expected to reach 201 000 units in CY2026, up from 192 000 units in CY2025. It is likely
that the recent increase in interest rates may result in a downward revision during the year.

The full impact of the recent spike in diesel prices on the Australian forestry sector remains unclear but is expected to be significant, with terminal gate prices up by ~25-40% by the end of March, reaching around 230-250+ c/L. Higher oil prices will affect the entire forest product supply chain.

New Zealand market updates

Despite rising inflation linked to the 2026 Iran War, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) held the Official Cash Rate (OCR) at 2.25% in its 8 April decision. Inflation is expected to peak at 4.2% in the June quarter, well above the Bank’s 1%–3% target band. The RBNZ has adopted a cautious, wait-and-see approach, aiming to avoid undermining the early stages of economic recovery until the persistence of the disruption becomes clearer.

Diesel is a critical input across many New Zealand industries, particularly forestry. Prices have effectively doubled following disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, rising from NZD 1.86/litre pre-conflict to NZD 3.89/litre (https://www.gaspy.nz/stats.html). Supply constraints are also emerging, with less than 22 days of diesel available domestically and approximately 27 days in transit. 

The increase in costs due to the fuel price increase is making some harvest operations uneconomic. Export dependent regions with long transport distances and steep terrain, such as the east coast, are most affected. Traders are prioritising higher-margin operations, and some harvesting activity has already paused. 

Click here for the full report.



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High-tech network supports early bushfire response

A ground-breaking artificial intelligence (AI) system has detected almost 90 unplanned fires since it was rolled out across more than a million hectares in South Australia, helping firefighters coordinate earlier bushfire responses.

This technology provides early intelligence to firefighters to support their bushfire responses across the state’s Green Triangle forestry region, helping them respond to fires when they’re smaller and more containable.

In 2023, the Malinauskas Government invested $2.35 million to install eight AI-powered cameras, developed by bushfire detection and intelligence provider Pano AI, in strategic locations throughout the South East’s forest estates and Limestone Coast communities.

Since then, the smart camera network has detected 87 unplanned fires across vast areas of the Limestone Coast, including 12 during the 2025-26 Fire Danger Season, which ends tomorrow in the South East, Kangaroo Island, Mid North, Mount Lofty Ranges, Murraylands, Riverland, Yorke Peninsula and Adelaide Metropolitan area.

Most of the fires detected by the system were during the 2024-25 Fire Danger Season, when 50 were identified. Lightning was responsible for the majority of the fires, including the March 2025 Fox fire near Lucindale, while others were linked to vehicle fires, electrical faults and escaped burn-offs.

The remaining 25 unplanned fires detected by the system were during the 2023-24 season.

The AI camera network is managed by the Green Triangle Fire Alliance (GTFA), which also manages another seven smart cameras installed on fire towers and infrastructure over the border in the Victorian part of the Green Triangle forestry area.

"The South Australian Government’s co-funding of the GTFA’s AI-powered fire detection camera network has significantly strengthened fire detection and management across the Limestone Coast region," said Green Triangle Fire Alliance General Manager Anthony Walsh. 

"The camera network provides coverage of more than one million hectares across the region. While the plantation industry initiated the project, around 90 per cent of the coverage extends beyond plantations to include towns, farmland, roads and conservation reserves."

Each camera feeds into a system that delivers real-time fire detection alerts which are then reviewed by a human analyst using ultra-HD 360-degree cameras, AI and satellite technology, helping to identify the earliest signs of smoke and fire.

The system also helps identify a fire’s location, severity and proximity to people, infrastructure and firefighting assets, supporting more informed responses from industry and emergency services.

Notable fires detected by the system since it was rolled out include the Biscuit Flat hay shed fire in January 2024, which enabled emergency services to quickly scale up resources thanks to early alerts, as well as multiple deliberately lit car fires in timber plantations during early 2024 and a string of lightning fires in early 2025.

While the Fire Danger Season had ended in South Australia, fires can continue to break out at any time of year and the public is asked to remain vigilant and continue adhering to fire safety requirements.

More >>

Source: South Australian Government
Image credit: Pano AI



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SnapSTAT - BC & NZ different directions



Since 1990, the annual tree harvest trends in British Columbia (BC) and New Zealand (NZ) have moved in opposite directions. BC's harvest volume has seen a significant long-term decline, while NZ's harvest has more than doubled due to the maturation of 1990s-era plantations.



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Eucalyptus bark could help clean water and air

Eucalyptus bark, usually stripped from logs and treated as waste, could be repurposed to help clean polluted water, filter dirty air and capture carbon dioxide, according to new research from RMIT University.

Researchers have shown the bark can be converted into a highly porous form of carbon that traps pollutants as water or air flows through it. The findings point to a practical way of turning a common forestry by‑product into a useful environmental material using a relatively simple processing method.

Turning waste into a filter

Porous carbon materials are already widely used in water filters, air purifiers and industrial gas treatment systems. Their effectiveness comes from their structure rather than the source material itself. These materials contain a network of microscopic pores. As air or water passes through, unwanted molecules are captured and held within the tiny spaces.

PhD researcher Pallavi Saini, who led much of the experimental work, said the performance of eucalyptus bark was unexpected.

“It is usually treated as low‑value waste, but with a simple process we were able to convert it into a highly porous material with strong adsorption performance,” Saini said. “It highlights how overlooked biomass can be transformed into something useful.”

In the study, the researchers used a relatively simple, one‑step activation process to produce porous carbon from eucalyptus bark. While similar approaches have been explored using other biomass sources, many porous carbons are still produced through more complex, multi‑stage routes that require additional energy and infrastructure.

Why eucalyptus bark?

Plant-waste based carbons are being studied worldwide using feedstocks ranging from agricultural residues to forestry and industrial waste. These materials are typically assessed based on availability, sustainability, processing complexity and performance.

Dr Deshetti Jampaiah said eucalyptus bark compared favourably on several of these measures, particularly in Australia. “The strength of this approach lies in its simplicity,” Jampaiah said. “We are converting a widely available waste material into a functional carbon with promising performance, without relying on complex processing steps. That makes it highly relevant for real‑world environmental applications.”

Australia is home to more than 900 species of eucalypt and related trees. As a next step, the researchers plan to work with Indigenous people and organisations with deep knowledge of eucalyptus species to help identify which species may be best suited for this type of application.

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Source & image credit: RMIT



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2026 Endeavour Fund extensions supporting research

Six Bioeconomy Science Institute Endeavour Fund Research Programmes and six Smart Idea Endeavour contracts have secured 12‑month funding extensions, with a total value of $17.63 million, enabling high‑impact research to continue through 2026.

The extensions were announced on 23 April, as part of a broader decision to redirect the 2026 Endeavour Fund allocation to existing eligible contracts. In total, 64 high‑performing Endeavour Fund projects nationwide will receive extensions, following the pause of the 2026 contestable funding round during reforms to the science, innovation, and technology system.

MBIE Manager of Contestable Investments Dr Alan Coulson said the decision reflects the strong progress and proven impact of these projects. “Redirecting the 2026 funding allocation to existing contracts will allow a group of strong, high‑impact projects to continue their work and maximise the benefits they deliver.”

The Bioeconomy Science Institute‑led contracts span emerging bioeconomy technologies, environmental sustainability, and low‑emissions systems, and demonstrate the value of sustained investment in established research teams.

2026 Endeavour Research Programme extensions

The original contract start and end dates were: 1 October 2021 to 30 September 2026. The new dates are: 1 October 2026 to 30 September 2027
  • Extreme wildfire: Our new reality – are we ready?
  • Moving the middle: empowering land managers to act in complex rural landscapes
  • Seeing the forest for the trees: transforming tree phenotyping for future forests
  • Te Weu o te Kaitiaki – Indigenous regeneration pathways
  • The Flowering Crisis: Confronting a changing climate’s threat to NZ’s tree crops
  • Vive la résistance – achieving long-term success in managing wilding conifer invasions
Click here for full details

Source & image credit: Bioeconomy Science Institute Maiangi Taiao


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New report: Environmental plantings vs timber plantations

At a time when land use decisions have never been more critical, how do we ensure we’re getting the best value—economically, environmentally, and socially? The Murray Region Forestry Hub has just released a new report comparing Environmental Plantings vs Timber Plantations, and the findings raise important questions for landowners, policymakers, and industry alike.

This is essential reading for anyone involved in shaping land use policy or investment decisions.

The report explores:
  • Return on investment for landholders
  • Carbon sequestration outcomes
  • Risk profiles of each land use
  • Contributions to local communities
A huge acknowledgment to the @indufor team for delivering this work with such rigor and integrity and further acknowledgment to the Central West Forestry Hub for their collaboration on this project.

We invite informed discussion—how should Australia balance environmental goals with economic productivity in land use?

Reports: Source: Murray Region Forestry Hub


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NZ monthly sector report - April 2026

April has been a month of some amazing highs and lows. Uncertainty prevails with the forestry sector sitting firmly with food and fibre growers throughout the mighty NZ as we all attempt to grapple with how we manage elevated fuel prices.

As at mid-April, diesel prices are coming off some ridiculous highs as the sentiment driven brent crude consistently remains below US$100 per barrel. Nice to see fuel companies only badly gouging us rather than royally gouging as they were March to mid-April.

Another good news story is some reports suggesting some of those closest to the Red one in the White House are concerned he might be mentally challenged. They appear to be slow to learn in that neck of the woods….

The forestry supply chain has had to dig deep in April to ensure as little as possible impact on forest growers. Loggers and truckers look to be the ones digging the hardest, accepting rate increases to do work that do not cover diesel cost increases.

Ultimately the forest owners have the ability to call a stop harvest if their net returns fall below acceptability so everyone has had to recognise that he/she who owns the wood calls the shots and they need to be kept happy.

In April, domestic log prices have had to lift and for the most part sawmill owners have recognised the need to keep the saw blades turning. We have also seen lifts in log prices in China and India, with customer concerns NZ supply will slow if they do not accept increases.

In NZ, despite the drive to keep going, many harvest operations, particularly those at some distance from ports, have been suspended. This is the direct consequence of the heighted cost of a litre of diesel.

Despite market forces remaining in reasonable alignment, a decrease in total forest harvest is the current order of the day, with a 7 to 10% volume drop compared to March depending on who you talk to. Ultimately that will positively impact the wider market where oversupply would otherwise quickly see selling prices drop.

International shipping continues to be the biggest talking point. Ships use a fuel product called Bunker. In early April we saw Singapore Bunker rates drop from US1,200 per tonne to currently about US$700 per tonne. High charter rates were being resisted, but the key driver appeared to be market sentiment.

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Source: Laurie Forestry



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Komatsu expands smart forestry tools with AI and drones

Komatsu North America is expanding its Smart Forestry platform, combining machine learning, satellite positioning, and connected equipment to digitize forestry operations and improve productivity in remote environments.

The system integrates onboard machine data, fleet-level monitoring, and mapping tools to give operators and managers real-time visibility into harvesting activity. Komatsu says these tools allow planning, execution, and monitoring to happen simultaneously across sites that are often difficult to access.

The approach reflects a broader shift toward embedding AI directly into operational systems. Similar deployments are emerging in supply chains, where AI agents are being used to automate workflows and coordinate decisions across distributed networks.

Komatsu’s forestry systems build on its MaxiFleet platform, which collects machine performance and production data and makes it accessible remotely. This allows operators to track output, monitor machine health, and adjust operations without being physically present in the forest.

Precision Mapping And Machine Intelligence

Komatsu is also integrating AI-driven mapping and sensing technologies into forestry workflows. Systems combining LiDAR, imaging, and machine learning can identify trees, terrain, and obstacles, helping operators plan routes and reduce unnecessary movement.

The company has introduced precision positioning tools that locate machines within a margin of a few centimeters, enabling geofencing and more controlled harvesting. These features support selective cutting and reduce damage to surrounding forest areas.

Field deployments show how these tools are being used in practice. In Norway, forestry operator Valdres Skog uses connected Komatsu machines, drones, and remote monitoring systems to manage production across more than 250 forest sites. The company reports that access to real-time data has improved efficiency and reduced errors in operations.

Industrial AI adoption is increasingly tied to measurable operational outcomes. Companies deploying AI systems in production environments are reporting gains in productivity and reductions in downtime, particularly where systems are integrated with physical equipment.

Operational Pressure And Environmental Constraints

Forestry operators are facing rising demand for timber alongside constraints tied to labor availability and environmental requirements. Global wood production has reached about 4 billion cubic meters annually, with continued growth expected in the coming years.

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Source & image credit: Komatsu



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Measuring nature: New Forests’ new global standard

New Forests, a global investment manager with AU$12 billion in AUM, has partnered with NatureHelm to standardise nature measurement and provide transparency across its nature-based investment portfolio. This collaboration aims to scale nature intelligence to support the delivery of nature positive outcomes and emerging natural capital financial opportunities.

New Forests leveraged NatureHelm’s biodiversity intelligence platform, underpinned by deep biodiversity expertise, big data and machine learning to successfully deliver the world’s most expansive Nature Positive Initiative (NPI*) pilot project.

This project involved calculating seven state of nature metrics in accordance with NPI guidelines across more than 400,000 hectares in Australia, the United States, and Africa. It also analysed nature metrics across more than 34.8 million hectares surrounding these assets. This included a diverse range of forest assets managed by New Forests, as well as agricultural landscapes within Western Australia’s South Coast Natural Resource Management’s Frankland region.

As global investors increasingly demand sophisticated, comparable data to meet their ESG and impact reporting requirements, and companies are increasingly reporting against the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosure (TNFD) recommendations, NatureHelm offers a solution to a long-standing industry challenge: quantifying the state of nature and associated impacts at scale without prohibitive costs, while also providing a strong foundation for natural capital accounting.

“Until now, measuring nature-positive outcomes across our global portfolio has relied on project or species-specific outcomes and has not facilitated a portfolio wide and balanced view. The NPI State of Nature Metrics are changing that, bringing a consistent methodology to compare the state of nature on our assets across time, location and asset type and how our management decisions impact that state.

Our participation with NatureHelm and partners in the pilot is just the beginning. While it provided valuable early insights, we can already see opportunities to further improve the data and methodology, and to use the information to drive better decision-making. We look forward to continued collaboration with NatureHelm and other key stakeholders to strengthen the measurement and achievement of positive outcomes at scale,” said Jo Saleeba, Global Head of Sustainability & Impact, New Forests.

“We are proud to support a visionary leader like New Forests in demonstrating that ‘nature positive’ is not just a slogan, but a measurable financial and ecological reality,” said Dr Debbie Saunders, Co-founder and CEO of NatureHelm. “By providing a standardised lens through which business operations can be linked directly to biodiversity extent, condition and species across millions of hectares, we are enabling the financial sector to move from ambition to actionable, risk-adjusted investment in the planet’s future.”

By ingesting ground-truthed data, NatureHelm’s platform allows for the connection of specific management activities, such as invasive species control and habitat restoration, to measurable state of nature improvements. This data-driven approach enables comparability and prioritisation across diverse geographies and has the potential to support the monetisation of nature.

New Forests and NatureHelm are now looking to expand this work across New Forests’ global asset portfolio covering 4.4m hectares, setting the benchmark for state of nature assessment.

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Source: New Forests


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Widow’s plea: Let our loved ones come home safely

Two more businesses have been held to account for the forestry road failures that killed Coromandel truck driver Greg Stevens, as his widow issues an emotional plea for worker safety.

59-year-old Mr Stevens died when his fully loaded logging truck and trailer rolled while negotiating a treacherous bend on a private forestry road in May 2023. The road had no warning signs, road markers or berms, and its sharp corner was well outside any recommended specifications for the heavy vehicle he was driving.

The Thames District Court found the corner’s turning diameter was 7.5 metres less than the minimum standard for the truck configuration. Wet surfaces, mud-caked tyres, darkness, and a steep downhill approach made the bend even more dangerous.

The forest owner, Specialty Timbers (1987) Limited, and the transport contractor, Trevor Masters Limited, have now been sentenced for their work health and safety failures. Judge Tompkins found each party assumed someone else was ensuring the road was safe, so nobody took responsibility.

“Greg’s death was preventable, and if those companies had done what they should have done, my Greg would still be with me today,” Caroline Stevens told the Thames District Court in a victim impact statement. “Greg’s death has left both mine, and the lives of our families, in limbo. Only someone who has experienced a loss like this in such tragic and horrible circumstances will ever understand.”

“It is my hope that Greg’s death will serve as a reminder to prioritise safety in the workplace, so no other family has to endure this trauma. My plea is simple: let our loved ones come home from work safely,” Mrs Stevens told the court.

Safe transporting of logs to the forest boundary is part of WorkSafe New Zealand’s recently released approved code of practice for forestry and harvesting operations.

“No log load is worth a life. Forestry operators must understand that managing forestry roads isn't optional. If you're moving heavy vehicles through difficult terrain, you need proper risk assessment, proper consultation, and proper controls. If you're not sure your roads are up to standard, stop and check before the next truck goes out,” says WorkSafe’s northern regional manager, Brad Duggan.

Forestry is a priority for WorkSafe as its fatality rate is about 20 times higher than the average for all sectors. Our role is to influence businesses and workers to meet their responsibilities to keep people healthy and safe. When they do not, we take action.

The forest managers, Forest360 Limited, have separately entered into an enforceable undertaking. This is a binding agreement with WorkSafe to invest over $400,000 in a range of safety actions in response to the death.

More >>

Source & image credit: WorkSafe New Zealand



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And one to end the week on... SAFPA celebrates 150 years

Forestry – it’s more than just growing trees! It’s about the people, the communities, and the opportunity to build our state. South Australia is proudly the birthplace of the nation's commercial forestry plantations - starting 150 years ago!

Check out their great video:



Source: South Australian Forest Products Association (SAFPA)




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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