Friday Offcuts – 15 May 2026
Click to Subscribe - It's FREE! Welcome to this week's issue of Friday Offcuts.We open with major policy and regulatory developments on both sides of the Tasman. In New Zealand, the industry welcomes updates to the National Environmental Standards for Commercial Forestry and the release of the 2026 Climate Change Commission National Climate Change Risk Assessment. In Australia, the Federal Government’s Budget is designed to stimulate new housing supply and timber demand, while the Australian Forest Contractors Association has entered voluntary liquidation. We also highlight Private Forests Tasmania’s new carbon forestry resources, alongside advances in transport, electrification, and workforce innovation - including Gippsland’s infrastructure planning and Fortescue’s decarbonisation economics. Finally, expressions of interest are now open for speakers at HarvestTECH & Wood Transport Logistics 2026. Read these stories and more in this week’s packed issue of Friday Offcuts.
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This week we have for you:
Forest owners endorse adaptive, evidence-based change
The New Zealand Forest Owners Association (NZFOA) says the
latest set of changes to the National Environmental Standards for
Commercial Forestry (NES-CF) are an important step toward a more
nationally consistent and risk-based framework for managing forestry
activities across New Zealand.NZFOA chief executive Dr Elizabeth Heeg says the changes, due to come into effect on 4 June as part of the wider Resource Management Act (RMA) reforms, better align regulatory oversight with the site-specific risks associated with New Zealand’s diverse forestry landscapes. “Forestry operates across highly variable terrain and environmental conditions,” Elizabeth says. “Regulation needs to reflect those differences rather than assume every site carries the same level of risk. "Ensuring there is a nationally consistent framework remains of critical importance to forest owners, but not at the expense of applying identical rules regardless of landscape, erosion profile or catchment sensitivity. Durable environmental outcomes require regulation that is consistently applied and reflects actual environmental risk across different forestry environments. “A forest in rolling hill country, for example, presents different risks to steep land above a sensitive catchment. The updated NES-CF is better equipped to recognise those differences and risks.” Elizabeth says the NES-CF changes are emblematic of an evidence-based approach to environmental management, particularly on steep and erosion-prone land. “Forest owners have seen how differing interpretations of environmental rules between regions can create uncertainty, duplication of rules and cost burdens without improving environmental outcomes,” she says. “The latest changes strengthen the ability to focus regulatory requirements where environmental risk is higher, while allowing decisions to better reflect site-specific conditions. This is a more practical and targeted approach to managing environmental risk.” The reform will also provide more certainty for forest owners, contractors, councils and communities. “Forestry is planned over years - often decades. Decisions about planting, roading, harvesting and replanting rely on regulation that is clear, grounded in evidence and workable in practice,” Elizabeth says. “Greater national consistency will provide more certainty around how forestry activities and environmental risks are managed across the motu.” The Association says the introduction of a Slash Mobilisation Risk Assessment framework is a practical example of a more risk-based approach being applied in practice. It recognises assessments developed and relied on, by the sector and by councils. “Post-Cyclone Gabrielle, the sector has been adapting management practices for higher-risk environments, particularly around slash management, erosion risk, harvest planning and decision-making on more complex sites,” Elizabeth says. “The proposed framework reflects ongoing work to continually improve how harvest residue risk is identified and managed across different environments and terrain types. “It enables higher-risk sites to be identified more consistently, so management efforts can be focused where they are most needed, while still allowing for different approaches depending on the nature of the land and the level of environmental risk involved.” Elizabeth says it’s important that forestry regulation has scope to evolve as science, operational experience and changing climate conditions shape what best practice looks like in the field. “Forestry needs a system that supports long-term investment, protects the environment and keeps people safe, while allowing practices to continue improving over time,” she says. “That is particularly important in higher-risk environments, where operational decisions can involve steep terrain and complex conditions and where managing the safety of people working on the ground is integral to how work is planned and carried out. “Forest owners support regulation that can adapt as science, data and operational experience evolve. But as always, the detail of how these changes are implemented will be critical to whether they achieve their intent in practice.” Source: NZFOA Budget 2026: Negative gearing reform to boost housing supply
AFPA has welcomed the Federal Government’s proposed change
to negative gearing legislation for new housing developments in
Australia, outlined in the 2026-27 Budget.Under the plan, negative gearing will only be available for newly-built homes and grandfathered for current investors holding negatively geared assets, which was previously recommended by AFPA. AFPA acting Chief Executive Officer Richard Hyett said: “In 2024, we called for this important change to tax concessions on negative gearing to expand the supply of housing as part of a Senate inquiry into Australia’s financial regulatory framework and home ownership. “As we recommended in a submission, this change will help to increase much-needed investment in new housing development in Australia, which will address the shortage of new dwellings and our national housing crisis. “This reform will boost confidence in the construction sector, drive new investment, and improve housing affordability. It will help to increase the use of sustainable timber in new homes and buildings. There are many benefits of using Australian-grown timber for housing, especially as it’s a natural, trusted, durable and renewable resource that stores carbon and can be easily repaired." The Government could also leverage and achieve its climate goals if this were accompanied by policies that preference Australian timber in new housing. AFPA also supports the Budget measure to introduce free public access to Australian Standards, which will remove housing and planning red tape, and increase support for modern methods of construction. “Having free access to these standards will reduce costs to builders, while helping to improve compliance and safety for the building industry,” Mr Hyett said. The allocation of $500 million to implement Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act reforms is also welcomed, as it will streamline approvals and increase investment in major projects. This includes $28 million over two years specifically for transitioning forestry to the new arrangements. “Given the tight timeframes around the new national environmental laws, this funding is critical to provide resourcing to help progress bilateral agreements with states and territories, and reduce red-tape duplication,” Mr Hyett said. “As part of this investment, state and territory governments will be encouraged to prioritise progressing and signing new assessment and bilateral agreements with the Commonwealth, which is critical for Australia’s sustainable forestry industry. “We look forward to working constructively with the Government to ensure certainty for Australia’s sixth largest manufacturing sector.” Source: AFPA  AFCA has entered into voluntary liquidation
The Australian Forest Contractors Association (AFCA) Board has
resolved to place the Association into voluntary liquidation.
This decision follows an extended period of financial
remediation, stakeholder consultation, and unsuccessful efforts to
resolve a historical project-related liability and establish a viable
long-term operating pathway for the Association.Since September 2025, the current Board has undertaken extensive efforts to:
The Board concluded that voluntary liquidation represents the most responsible course of action to transparently address the organisation’s liabilities and provide clarity for members, sponsors, and industry stakeholders. An accompanying Operational Snapshot, which summarises the tenure and activities of the current Board, is available on the website. AFCA acknowledges and thanks its members, sponsors, stakeholders, and industry partners for their support and contribution over many years. Further information regarding the liquidation process will be communicated as appropriate. Kind regards, The AFCA Board Call for speakers: HarvestTECH & Wood Transport Logistics 2026
Do you have a new technology, operational case study, or innovation that could help shape the future of harvesting and wood transport across Australasia?Join industry leaders at HarvestTECH & Wood Transport Logistics 2026 and present to senior forestry, harvesting, logistics, and transport professionals. We’re now curating presentations across topics including fleet innovation, machine automation, safety, data analytics, logistics optimisation, and decarbonisation. Scheduled for 10–11 November 2026 in Rotorua, New Zealand, this landmark event officially combines two of the region’s premier forestry technology series, HarvestTECH and Woodflow logistics. Present your ideas to senior decision-makers from across harvesting, log transport, mechanised forestry, fleet management, and wood supply logistics. This combined event will provide a comprehensive look at the entire wood supply chain from stump to mill, port, or market. A major focus for the 2026 programme will be navigating the accelerating transition toward low-carbon operations. Specifically, the event will highlight technologies, field trials, and infrastructure required for shifting the forest harvest and wood transport sectors to electric vehicles, localised charging grids, and heavy electric equipment. We are interested in speakers covering the key themes:
If you have a practical story, breakthrough technology, or proven results worth sharing, contact John Stulen to discuss speaking opportunities via john.stulen@innovatek.co.nz or (+64) 27 275 8011. For general event information and to stay updated on registrations, visit the official event website at harvesttech.events.  NZ industry welcomes stronger focus on climate adaptation
The New Zealand Institute of Forestry (NZIF) has welcomed the
release of the Climate Change Commission’s 2026 National Climate
Change Risk Assessment, particularly the recognition of forestry as one
of New Zealand’s most significant climate related risks.
NZIF President James Treadwell said the report correctly recognises forests are already facing increasing pressure from climate change, including more severe storms, wildfire risk, drought, changing rainfall patterns, and increasing pest and disease threats. “Forests are long term assets. Decisions made today will influence how resilient our landscapes and communities are for decades to come.” said Mr Treadwell. “For commercial forestry this includes species choice, establishment, management and harvest planning but the long term decision framework applies even more to the management of the conservation estate under changing conditions and the preservation of our native taonga.” “The report rightly highlights the need for stronger adaptation planning across the forestry sector.” NZIF represents professional foresters working across all forest types in New Zealand, including indigenous forests, production forests, farm forestry, permanent forests, protection forests and urban forestry. Mr Treadwell said forests play a critical role in New Zealand’s future, not only through carbon storage, but also through erosion control, biodiversity protection, water management, renewable materials, regional employment and landscape resilience. “It is important the national discussion does not frame forestry solely as a risk. Well planned and professionally managed forests are also a major part of New Zealand’s response to climate change.” NZIF supports the Commission’s call for improved long-term planning, better research and stronger coordination between central government, local government, iwi, researchers and the forestry sector. The Institute believes the next National Adaptation Plan should include development of a national forestry adaptation programme focused on:
The forestry sector is ready to work constructively with government and communities to help build more resilient landscapes and a more climate prepared New Zealand. Source: New Zealand Institute of Forestry (NZIF)  Private Forests Tasmanian launches Carbon Forestry 101
Tasmanian farmers and landowners will have access to free
resources and events to learn about how carbon forestry works as part of
Private Forests Tasmania’s new Carbon Forestry 101 project.
Supported by the Tasmanian Government’s Renewables, Climate and Future Industries (ReCFIT), Carbon Forestry 101 will be rolled out from 2026-2028 to Tasmanian farmers and landowners. The project will see all information about carbon forestry brought together into the one place and unpacked in plain, easy to understand language without the jargon. This will include information on carbon science, carbon forestry methodologies, carbon markets (what are they) and governance. It will also cover off on the sustainability integration of carbon forestry projects and their benefits across entire properties. Private Forests Tasmania’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Elizabeth Pietrzykowski said Carbon Forestry 101 was a learning experience. “We hope this project will give Tasmanian farmers and landowners the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions about carbon opportunities for their properties. Information about carbon and carbon forestry can be complex and full of jargon. It is also available through different channels but can rarely be found in the one space or solely with a Tasmanian context.” Carbon Forestry 101 will address this exactly and will be a great way for farmers and landowners to enhance their knowledge before committing to undertake a carbon forestry project. Dr Pietrzykowski said carbon forestry projects are not a ‘one-size-fits-all’ situation and often are most successful when they are integrated in addition to existing farming enterprises and can be navigated with clear awareness of the opportunities and risks. “We know that farmers and landowners know their land best. They understand where its most productive, least productive and are managing complex risks and changing conditions and costs every day. Carbon forestry projects have been around for a while now, but are becoming increasingly appealing for their environmental, economic and sustainability benefits.” The Carbon Forestry 101 project was formally launched at Agfest last week. Farmers and landowners’ interested in being part of Carbon Forestry 101 are encouraged to register their interest in the project by providing their details to Private Forests Tasmania. TasFarmers Chief Executive Officer Nathan Calman welcomed the project, highlighting the role farm forestry can play in strengthening on-farm outcomes. “The TasFarmers’ Forestry Committee have worked closely on the benefits farm forestry can generate, and we’re pleased to see this project launched,” Mr Calman said. Tasmanian farmers and landowners wishing to register for Carbon Forestry 101 can do so by visiting the website. Source & image credit: Private Forests Tasmania Empowering the next generation of forestry innovatorsThe 2026 Youth Micro Innovation Challenge is calling on young people across New Zealand’s forestry sector to help shape the future of the industry – one practical idea at a time.Open to students, recent graduates, and early‑career forestry workers with five years or less in the industry, the challenge provides a rare opportunity to turn frontline ideas into real‑world solutions. Participants are invited to submit innovative concepts that improve safety, productivity, wellbeing, or sustainability at the operational level. Unlike traditional innovation pathways, the Youth Micro Innovation Challenge is designed to be fast, accessible, and practical. Entrants don’t need a business plan or a complex proposal – just a clear explanation of the problem, their solution, an estimated cost, and how the idea could be developed within a 15‑week prototype build. The winning innovator will receive $10,000 in funding to build and test a working prototype, along with access to mentoring, industry networks, and development support through the Micro Innovation ecosystem and Forest Growers Research. The challenge also plays a critical role in connecting generations. Contractors and senior industry personnel are encouraged to support young innovators by offering mentorship, sharing experience, and helping promising ideas reach their full potential. Entries for the 2026 Challenge are open until 13 June 2026 at 5pm. To submit an idea or learn more, visit www.microinnovation.co.nz. Source: Micro Innovation NZ  Survey: Share your forestry challenges
WorkSafe is partnering with Verian (formerly Kantar Public and
Colmar Brunton) on the latest Workforce Insights Programme survey to
better understand the challenges and realities facing employers and
workers in the forestry sector. It's keen to hear your opinions; the survey is open until Friday, 29 May 2026. The results will be used by WorkSafe to help improve health and safety in our sector. Key things to know:
It helps track health and safety performance over time, examining things like employer health and safety maturity; worker engagement, participation, and representation; and the impact of workplace safety culture. If you have any issues completing the survey, please contact Liam from Verian at liam.williams@veriangroup.com. Click here to start the survey Source: Safetree  New Zealand’s fire danger trends challenged
A newly published paper in the NZ Journal of Forestry is
challenging long-held assumptions about climate change and wildfire risk
in New Zealand's forest and rural landscapes. While earlier
climate models projected a substantial, widespread rise in fire danger,
a new analysis of long-term empirical data from 15 Remote Automatic
Weather Stations (RAWS) tells a more nuanced story.The study found that since 2010, key fire danger indicators—including fuel availability, drought conditions, and fire spread potential—have actually remained stable or even decreased across most of the tracked stations. However, the data also reveals stark regional and seasonal variations, with several areas showing a clear spike in fire danger during peak fire seasons. For forest managers, the findings reinforce a critical lesson: operational fire management and long-term planning should rely heavily on site-specific, empirical data rather than solely on broad, modelled projections. The accompanying dataset report provides a detailed baseline and post-2010 trend breakdown for all 15 weather stations, offering land managers practical insights to support day-to-day risk management and planning. The full research paper can be indexed via the NZIF Journal here, and the detailed 15-station Fire Danger Climatology report can be read directly here. Authors: Murray Dudfield and Alan Thompson Barriers and opportunities for Gippsland transport infrastructure
The Gippsland Forestry Hub
completed its Transport Infrastructure Barriers and Opportunities report
late last year, outlining the key transport challenges facing the
regional communities and the practical opportunities to improve access,
safety and productivity.Some key findings were:
Read the full GF Hub report here Source & image credit: Gippsland Forestry Hub (via VFPA) Do Fortescue’s plans to eliminate gas and diesel stack up?
Mining giant Fortescue’s ambitious plan to completely
eliminate fossil fuels from its Pilbara iron ore operations has faced
skepticism, but a new financial analysis reveals the transition makes
massive economic sense - driven almost entirely by the shift to
battery-electric haul trucks.While investing in large-scale solar and wind farms to replace gas power offers relatively low financial returns on its own, the real jackpot lies in the pits. Replacing a traditional diesel haul truck with an electric equivalent slashes annual operating and fuel costs from A$2 million down to just A$590,000 - saving a staggering A$1.4 million per truck every single year. Scaled across Fortescue’s 360-truck fleet, these efficiencies translate to roughly A$500 million in annual savings. Even when accounting for the premium cost of electric vehicles and heavy charging infrastructure, the fleet investment achieves a payback period of less than three years, proving deep industrial decarbonisation can be highly profitable. More >> Source: Renew Economy Image credit: Liebherr  Embracing VR in thinning training
One of the highlights for the Precision Silviculture Programme
team is seeing a project grow from ‘just an
idea’ to being used by real people in the field.
One such project is the Virtual Reality Thinning Training Tool,
developed in partnership with the Bioeconomy Sciences Institute.This work has been a labour of love for project lead Elizaveta Graevskaya, who notes that while the tool is “not intended as a replacement for real-world forest experience or self-directed learning, serves as a powerful complement to existing training methods, allowing trainers to guide trainees through various scenarios and decision-making processes in a risk-free setting that maximises learning efficiency and engagement”. The current version includes two scenes. The first is a defect library, where trainees learn to identify different tree defects. Once they have explained their understanding to the trainer, they move into the forest scene. This scene presents 100 trees with a set percentage of defects. Using a laser pointer, the trainee selects and removes defective trees. At present, the experience is designed to be used by a trainee alongside a trainer, with the trainee talking through their decisions as they go. In future, the team aims to further develop the experience, so it is more self-directed, with guidance built into the simulation itself. The experience is delivered on a Meta Quest 3 headset, which runs as a standalone device without needing to be connected to a computer. This allows users to move freely and makes the training more accessible in real-world settings, such as the forest environment where Matariki Forest recently delivered the first official training with the headset. Matariki Forests are the cornerstone collaboration partner for this project, particularly Quality Manager Fraser Field. From initial feedback on the look and feel of the tool, to tree design and now to delivering training in the field, Fraser has been instrumental in shaping this tool. The training was also delivered in April to NZ Diploma Forest Management students led by James Broadley, with Fraser, Elizaveta and PSP Programme Manager Claire Stewart presenting. James sees value not only in the current experience but in the expansion of using virtual reality to bring to life a range of training experience. “The tree selection training offers an ideal way to learn and practise selecting trees for silviculture operations—such as pruning, thinning, and more—in a completely risk-free environment. NZ Diploma in Forest Management students were able to use the Meta Quest headsets for hands-on experience in a virtual reality forest, and then apply those skills in Kaingaroa Forest, where they carried out height measurement, pre-assessment, and quality control for pruning and thinning in value plots.” By providing an immersive, repeatable training environment, the VR thinning tool delivers clear value by strengthening decision‑making capability while reducing training time, cost, and exposure to operational risk. The project team have also connected with Australian forestry and university partners, also building virtual training experiences, to find areas of opportunity for collaborative projects. Source & image credit: Forest Growers Research (FGR) --(2022)2.jpg) Vale Dr. John A. Kininmonth
Dr. John A. Kininmonth, a distinguished leader in New Zealand forestry and wood products research, passed away peacefully on Monday 27th April after a short illness in his 96th year.John is remembered for his lifelong contribution to the advancement of forest science, timber technology, and the development of New Zealand's internationally respected forestry sector. Through decades of service with the New Zealand Forest Research Institute in Rotorua - Scion, now known as the Bioeconomy Science Institute Maiangi Taiao - he helped shape the direction of forestry and forest products research during a transformative period for the industry. John combined scientific rigour with a deep practical understanding of forestry and wood utilisation. His work ranged from timber properties and wood processing to broader strategic issues affecting the forest products sector. Colleagues valued his thoughtful leadership, technical expertise, and commitment to ensuring that research remained closely connected to the needs of industry and the sustainable stewardship of New Zealand's forest resources. Throughout his career, John played an important role in fostering collaboration between researchers, forest managers, and wood processing industries. He contributed to major conferences and publications that helped guide the development of radiata pine processing and conversion technologies in New Zealand. He was also recognised for documenting and preserving the history of forestry research in this country through his landmark publication A History of Forestry Research in New Zealand, commemorating 50 years of research at the Forest Research Institute. Those who worked alongside John remember him as an intelligent, measured, and generous colleague whose knowledge of forestry and wood science was matched by his encouragement of younger scientists and professionals entering the sector. His contribution extended beyond research itself to strengthening the culture of innovation and scientific excellence within New Zealand forestry. John's legacy lives on in the institutions he helped build, the research programmes he influenced, and the many people across forestry and wood products industries who benefited from his guidance and leadership. He will be remembered with respect and gratitude by colleagues, friends, and the wider forestry community. Jobs
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And one to end the week on... Happy Birthday David
 And... we hope you're wearing pink as it is PINK SHIRT DAY in New Zealand today (15 May). Read more about this great cause at https://pinkshirtday.org.nz  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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