Friday Offcuts – 3 July 2026
Click to Subscribe - It's FREE! Welcome to this week's issue of Friday Offcuts.A quick reminder before we begin: with the Matariki public holiday in New Zealand next week, Friday Offcuts will be published on Thursday, 9 July. The deadline for new classifieds is 1.00 pm (NZ time) on Wednesday. We lead this week with positive news on safety, with new ACC data showing forestry injury claims have fallen by more than a third since 2018. The figures highlight the progress made through sustained industry-wide efforts, while reinforcing that there is still more work to do. Carbon policy is also making headlines. Australia's approval of a new native forest carbon credit method has drawn strong criticism from industry groups, raising questions about the integrity of the scheme, its impact on carbon markets, and the future of native forestry and regional communities. Innovation is another key theme this week. Our WoodTECH 2026 event wrap-up showcases the latest advances in AI, automation and advanced manufacturing, alongside emerging opportunities in the bioeconomy, smart wood products and engineered timber. We also cover stable log export markets, biodiversity funding, leadership changes, prescribed burning, and recognition of technical excellence across the timber sector. Read these stories and more in this week's Friday Offcuts.
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This week we have for you:
Safety gains drive drop in forestry’s injury claims [NZ]Forestry’s injury claims have fallen by around 34 percent since 2018, reflecting sustained improvements in safety performance and injury prevention across the sector.ACC has highlighted the Forest Industry Safety Council (FISC) as a strong example of what can be achieved when an industry takes collective responsibility for injury prevention, with coordinated, long-term efforts contributing to improved safety outcomes. FISC chief executive Joe Akari says the progress is encouraging, but there is more to do. “It’s great to know the work the sector is doing is making a real difference. But there are still challenges to face – we can’t slow down now.”  FISC chart based on ACC data – across all firm sizes The latest ACC Injuries in New Zealand report shows that injuries cost the economy an estimated $8.7 billion in lost productivity in 2025, with more than two million claims lodged annually. Treatment and rehabilitation cost $4.4 billion, while weekly compensation accounted for a further $3.1 billion. Within the workplace data, forestry recorded 141 injuries per 1000 workers in firms employing 100-499 people. Agriculture followed closely with 129 injuries per 1000 workers in firms employing one to five people. FISC’s analysis of the ACC data shows 107 claims per 1000 workers across all business sizes. Together, ACC estimates that forestry, agriculture and fishing sectors lost $245 million in productivity to injury last year, equivalent to the potential production of 2.1 million cubic metres of logs or 41,000 tonnes of milk solids. The construction sector experienced the largest productivity loss, at $422 million. The data makes a strong commercial case for investment in risk reduction. ACC Minister Scott Simpson says the Turnaround Plan released in January has made promising steps to reduce the strain on ACC. “Most notably, ACC has successfully re focused on rehabilitation and the long-term claims pool clients with minor injuries, who were waiting far too long for rehabilitation.” Source: New Zealand Forest Owners Association (NZFOA) Chart credit: The Forest Industry Safety Council (FISC) Industry raises alarm over carbon credit approval [AU]
The Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA) has expressed
disappointment following the Federal Government’s alarming
decision to register a new carbon credit method, warning it undermines
the integrity and credibility of Australia’s carbon
market.AFPA Acting CEO Richard Hyett said the decision prioritised politics over science and would damage the public confidence and transparency of the Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) scheme. “For more than 18 months, the sustainable forest products industry has consistently raised serious concerns that this new method does not meet the ACCU scheme’s own requirements for integrity, transparency or additionality,” Mr Hyett said. “It’s fair to say, I am gutted by this controversial decision.” Mr Hyett said the method would generate carbon credits without delivering genuine additional emissions reductions or abatement and was based on science that has been challenged by independent experts and government scientists. “There is a complete lack of transparency surrounding this proposal, as key modelling, technical analysis and supporting documentation had not been released for proper public scrutiny,” Mr Hyett said. “The method – developed by the Australian National University (ANU) – also fails to adequately account for issues such as bushfire risk, carbon leakage to overseas markets and the long-term financial liabilities it could create for taxpayers.” Mr Hyett warned the method could also flood the carbon market with low-integrity ACCUs, reducing confidence in legitimate carbon projects and weakening investment in genuine climate action. “This short-sighted decision risks undermining Australia’s sustainable multiple-use public production forests, which already deliver environmental, economic and climate benefits through active forest management,” Mr Hyett said. “The only apparent beneficiary of this method is the NSW Government, which wants someone else to pay to fund their election commitment to develop the Great Koala National Park.” “Australia’s carbon credit scheme was designed to encourage real carbon abatement and high-integrity environmental outcomes, and it’s important the scheme remains focused on delivering genuine emissions reductions rather than being used to retrospectively fund policy decisions.” Source: Australian Forest Products Association --- Further Reading: New native forest carbon method falls short and creates risks (Forestry Australia) Forestry Australia has raised concerns following the Australian Government’s approval of the Improved Native Forest Management in Multiple-use Public Native Forests Method, warning that the method creates risks that could undermine confidence in Australia’s carbon market. The method was approved by Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy Josh Wilson and will help fund the New South Wales Great Koala National, by stopping native timber harvesting in multiple-use public native forests. Forestry Australia President Dr Michelle Freeman said the organisation is very supportive of high-integrity carbon crediting for native forests, but that the method as approved had significant problems. “Forestry Australia strongly supports the development of high-integrity carbon methods for native forests. Our concern is that this method, as approved, falls short in a number of areas, including additionality, leakage and low ability to generate carbon outcomes.” More >> Source: Forestry Australia  WoodTECH 2026 event summary [NZ/AU]
The Innovatek WoodTECH 2026 conference series, held in
Rotorua, New Zealand (18–19 June) and Brisbane, Australia
(23–24 June), explored the transition towards automated sawmilling
and lumber manufacturing technologies for the forest and wood
processing sectors.More than 25 international speakers from Europe and North America presented practical case studies to sellout audiences, demonstrating how AI, automation and advanced manufacturing technologies are being adopted across the Southern Hemisphere’s sawmilling industry. The pace of investment was highlighted by Niagara Sawmilling’s recent announcement of a NZ$115 million sawmill development at Invercargill, incorporating some of the latest wood processing technologies available. A powerhouse of global expertise The exhibition floor was a major drawcard at both events, featuring a record number of specialist wood technology suppliers. Close to 500 delegates attended the conference series, with the comprehensive expo giving mill managers and operations leaders the opportunity to compare firsthand the latest advancements from companies including Finnos, Comact, HewSaw, DO2 and SiCam Systems. The presence of more than 25 international speakers helped bridge the gap between global innovation and local operational reality. From human-led to data-driven The 2026 programme was themed ‘Automation, AI & Action’, reflecting the industry’s rapid transformation. Sessions focused on the transition towards increasingly autonomous manufacturing, with technologies designed to maximise production, improve recovery and reduce manual intervention through advanced scanning, robotics, AI and integrated control systems. Key technology presenters & sessions World-first autonomous wood manufacturing operation: Tony Johnston, Executive Director of Wood Engineering Technology (WET), outlined his company’s journey from concept to commercial production of optimised engineered lumber. His team has developed and patented a world-first manufacturing system, now operating at its largely autonomous production facility in Gisborne. Global wood manufacturing perspectives: Representatives from European technology leaders LINCK and Springer demonstrated how modern sawmills are achieving higher throughput with fewer operators, highlighting the evolution towards the “one operator, maximum output” model. Engineering tomorrow’s timber resource: Forest & Wood Products Australia (FWPA) outlined strategies to strengthen timber’s position within the built environment, highlighting the important role engineered wood products will play in reducing construction emissions. This was complemented by Griffith University research demonstrating how younger plantation-grown blue gum—traditionally destined for pulp production—can instead be converted into high-performance laminated veneer lumber (LVL) and glued laminated timber (GLT), expanding the future structural timber resource. Operational excellence: François Barton shared practical insights into maintaining safety, engagement and operational performance as manufacturing environments become increasingly automated. Drawing on a case study from ASX-listed drilling contractor Mitchell Services, he explained the company’s “4-Ds” framework—Dumb, Difficult, Dangerous and Different—which empowers frontline workers and leaders to identify operational risks before incidents occur. Precision timber recovery & AI: Nick Barrett, President of SiCam Systems, and Jyri Smagin, CEO of Finnos Oy, presented case studies showing how AI-powered scanning, optimisation and closed-loop size control are reducing waste, improving recovery and lowering maintenance costs. Nick’s extensive experience with quality control systems continues to make his presentations a popular feature of Innovatek’s events in both New Zealand and Australia. Robotics: Patrick Sasseville, CEO of DO2, showcased the latest developments in robotic systems that combine advanced vision technology with intelligent control systems for planer mills. His company’s solutions are being adopted by wood manufacturers around the world to improve productivity and consistency. Workforce resilience: Lance Burdett provided practical strategies for maintaining focus, resilience and decision-making in increasingly complex manufacturing environments. A former lead crisis negotiator with the New Zealand Police, Lance drew on more than two decades of frontline experience to explain how understanding the brain’s response to stress can help individuals better manage conflict and improve workplace performance. Applied technologies based on local log conditions: Nik Moore (Tui Technology) and Brian Russell (Contempo Lab) presented local case studies demonstrating how AI solutions can be validated against experienced timber graders using real production data. Their presentation highlighted the importance of combining artificial intelligence with decades of human expertise to ensure automated quality assessments accurately reflect the characteristics of local species such as radiata pine. Biochar production: Melissa Rebbeck, Business Development Manager at Metamorf Engineering, presented Australian case studies demonstrating how wood manufacturers are turning wood waste into value through pyrolysis technology. By producing biochar, renewable energy and carbon removal credits from manufacturing residues, these systems generated significant interest among sawmillers looking to improve both sustainability and profitability. Government support: The conference concluded with a workshop hosted by Te Uru Rākau – New Zealand Forest Service and the Bioeconomy Science Institute, providing processors with practical guidance on innovation funding pathways and commercialising new technologies. The session, led by Joe Murray Cullen alongside Henri Bailleres from the Bioeconomy Science Institute, highlighted opportunities to accelerate investment and industry collaboration. Looking ahead Across both countries, WoodTECH 2026 reinforced that the timber industry is entering a new phase of digital transformation. While machinery continues to advance, the greatest opportunities now lie in integrating data, automation and engineering expertise to create smarter, more resilient manufacturing operations. For delegates, the message was clear: future competitiveness will increasingly depend not only on investing in new equipment, but also on developing intelligent, connected mills capable of improving recovery, optimising production and consistently delivering higher performance. The biennial WoodTECH conference series was organised and delivered by the Innovatek team, publishers of Friday Offcuts. Source & image credit: Innovatek  SnapSTAT - Log exports stable... but on thin ice [NZ] Export prices have been remarkably stable recently, trading within a narrow $7/JASm³ range over the past 24 months. Log prices were much more volatile from 2019 to 2023 (Figure 1), so an abrupt price adjustment would not be unprecedented, with the risks weighted to the downside.  Source: ANZ Agri Focus June 2026 Timber Queensland launches Colin MacKenzie Award [AU]
Timber Queensland has announced the launch of the Colin
MacKenzie Award for Technical Excellence in Timber Application and
Use, a new national initiative recognising outstanding
technical achievement and leadership in the use of timber across
Australia’s building and construction sectors.The award was launched this week at the WoodSolutions event, Queensland Timber: Trajectory Award Winning Exemplars Showcasing the Way to Modern Construction, bringing together leaders from the forest and timber, engineering, architectural and construction industries. The initiative responds to widespread calls from industry to formally recognise Colin MacKenzie’s legacy following his passing on 24 March 2025 and to continue the work he championed in lifting capability, innovation and confidence in the use of timber across Australian construction. Widely regarded as “The Timber Expert”, the award reflects Colin’s lasting contribution to advancing timber as a high‑performance, compliant and fit‑for‑purpose construction material across a diverse range of applications, from buildings to infrastructure and beyond. Timber Queensland CEO Mick Stephens said the award is intended to recognise those delivering real technical impact across the sector. “The award is intended for engineers, architects, designers, builders and researchers who are delivering real technical impact and helping to strengthen capability across the sector,” Mr Stephens said. “This is not limited to building projects it recognises the full breadth of timber innovation, including infrastructure, engineered solutions and other applications that demonstrate excellence in using or enabling the use of timber,” he said. Mr Stephens said the award will focus strongly on outcomes that contribute to advancing industry knowledge and practice. “Judging will focus on technical merit, innovation, and the contribution a project or individual makes to improving knowledge, collaboration and sustainability in timber use. “It will also consider alignment with Colin’s vision for timber as a high-performance, compliant and fit-for-purpose construction material.” A national judging panel comprising respected leaders from across engineering, design and specification will assess entries, ensuring a strong emphasis on technical rigour and industry relevance. Mick Stephens said “We are honoured to have Professor Benoit Gilbert, Griffith University, Rob Mansell, National Specification Manager, Hyne Timber, Dr Andrew Magub, Principal, Architectus, Kim Harris, Technical Advisor, AKD and Matt Smith, Senior Technical Consultant, Timber Queensland join the inaugural selection process.” By recognising leading projects and individuals, Timber Queensland said the initiative will help drive greater confidence in timber and support the continued development of capability across the industry. Mr Stephens said the recipient of the inaugural Colin MacKenzie Award will be honoured at the Queensland HIA Building Awards in Brisbane on 13 November 2026. “We gratefully acknowledge the support of the foundation partners, including Timber Queensland, to launch this award. The seed funding has enabled the national award to be offered annually for the next five years at which point the goodwill and delivery of the award can be reviewed going forward,” said Mr Stephens. The Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) is supporting the 2026 award as Presentation Sponsor, recognising Colin MacKenzie’s long‑standing expertise, collaboration and trusted advice across a range of QBCC initiatives and the broader development sector over many years. The QBCC’s involvement with an award associated with technical excellence aligns with a commitment to promoting high standards, capability and integrity withing the building and construction industry. Further details about the application and judging process are available here. Source & image credit: Timber Queensland  Funding available for biodiversity projects [NZ]
Applications are now open for Gisborne District Council's 2027 Natural Heritage Fund, providing funding for projects that protect, restore and enhance indigenous biodiversity across Tairāwhiti. The fund supports practical conservation projects on private land and whenua Māori.Council Senior Regional Biodiversity Advisor Melanie Cheetham says the fund is about supporting local people protecting and restoring the region's unique natural environment. "Tairāwhiti is home to unique native plants, wildlife and ecosystems, and many people across our region are already doing incredible work to protect and restore them," says Ms Cheetham. "The Natural Heritage Fund helps bring restoration projects to life, supporting landowners and community groups to protect and restore biodiversity across Tairāwhiti. It's an investment in the long-term health of our environment and the biodiversity that makes our region unique." Since the funding started in 2013, the Natural Heritage Fund has invested more than $800,000 in biodiversity projects across Tairāwhiti. In 2025 alone, the fund supported 16 projects, including:
"We're proud to support the people investing their time and energy into caring for our natural environment and we encourage anyone with a biodiversity project to consider applying." Applications are open until 20 August 2026 for projects planned to begin in 2027. Applicants can apply for up to $20,000 per project.At least 50 percent of the total project cost must be funded from another source. For more information, eligibility criteria and the application form, visit Council's website. Source & image credit: Gisborne District Council  FWPA announces leadership transition [AU]
Forest & Wood Products Australia (FWPA) advises that Chief
Executive Officer Andrew Leighton will conclude his tenure with the
organisation on Tuesday 30 June 2026 following his decision to
take on a new position as Chief Executive Officer of OneFortyOne
Plantations.Under Andrew’s leadership, FWPA has strengthened its strategic focus, aligned investment priorities with member needs, and progressed key initiatives to support industry growth, market development and long-term research impact. He has played a key role in shaping a more integrated, industry-led approach to engagement, ensuring FWPA delivers clear, coordinated outcomes across research, marketing and stakeholder engagement. "It has been a privilege to work alongside such a committed team and an industry that is deeply invested in its future. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together to strengthen collaboration, sharpen our focus and position FWPA to deliver meaningful outcomes for members.” “I leave knowing the organisation is well placed, with a clear direction and strong foundations to continue building impact for the industry.” Andrew said. FWPA wishes to thank Andrew for his leadership and contribution to the organisation and the broader industry during his time as CEO. FWPA Chair Craig Taylor thanked Andrew adding, “Andrew’s achievements while he has been CEO are significant but most importantly, he moved the culture of the organisation towards one of service to the industry, our levy payers and members. The Board wishes him every success at OneFortyOne Plantations.” To ensure continuity of leadership and operations, the FWPA Board has appointed Craig Taylor as Acting Chief Executive Officer, effective from 1 July 2026, until a permanent CEO is appointed. The Board's search for FWPA's next CEO is progressing, with applications now closed. The recruitment process is being managed by a subcommittee of the Board with assistance from Pacific Search Partners. FWPA remains focused on delivering value to members and industry stakeholders and looks forward to updating stakeholders on the appointment process in due course. Source & image credit: FWPA Image: Andrew Leighton  Minister sees future of advanced manufacturing in Portland [AU]
Behind the laptop is a sneak peek at a globally significant
advanced manufacturing project earmarked for Portland — The
Precinct development. Our project team, led by Tim Woods, were pleased to share early findings from the Hardwood Timber Manufacturing Hub feasibility study with Victoria’s new Minister for Agriculture, Michaela Settle, during her regional visit alongside Jacinta Ermacora MP, Member for Western Victoria Region. This feasibility work represents the foundation stage of the Precinct, commencing with glue laminated timber (glulam) manufacturing and progressing toward broader investment in Laminated Veneer Lumber, with the third phase focussed on producing prefabricated building components. Now completed, the Hardwood Timber Manufacturing Hub feasibility study sets a clear pathway for the commercialisation of glue laminated timber made (for the first time) exclusively from locally grown Eucalyptus globulus. (Note the lectern produced from the new product.) WTIBeam’s Edwina Vulcz and her team provided the Minister with a hands-on demonstration of how the bluegum product was developed at their Warrnambool facility and is now being sold into the Australian market. The hardwood resource has played a pivotal role in replacing native product no longer harvested in the domestic market. After 18 months of collaboration, we look forward to soon sharing the outcomes of this work, made possible through the Victorian Government’s Portland Economic Diversification Fund. What is already clear is that the fund is delivering on its intent, with the Precinct emerging as a strong example of how Portland can optimise locally grown timber to support economic diversification, supplying housing components and playing a leading role in Australia’s sovereign, advanced manufacturing future. Stay tuned for further updates. Source & image credit: The Precinct The power of controlled burns [AU]
Recent Australian bushfire seasons demonstrate that current fire regimes dominated by long firefree intervals and heavy fuel accumulation are unsustainable. Prescribed burning remains the only practical, landscape scale tool for reducing fuel hazards, moderating fire behaviour, protecting communities and maintaining forest resilience. Across Australia, a suppression heavy, mitigation light posture has repeatedly failed under severe conditions, whereas jurisdictions with sustained prescribed burning programs show markedly better preparedness and suppression outcomes.Shifting from suppression heavy to suppression and mitigation focused A central theme is the need to move away from reliance on suppression, which collapses under extreme weather and heavy fuels. Fuel reduction lowers fireline intensity, rate of spread and spotting, expands tactical options, improves firefighter safety and increases initialattack success. Fuel is the only determinant of fire behaviour that land managers can modify at scale and decades of research confirm that reducing fine fuels reduces intensity. Studies show that reducing biomass from 24 to 16 t/ha can halve the likelihood of large fires, and fuels younger than six years markedly mitigate intensity. Enhanced bushfire preparedness Preparedness across SE Australia remains inadequate due to very low prescribed burning rates (0.6–2% annually), these levels are insufficient to manage accumulating fuels. In contrast, SW Western Australia historically treated 6–8% of forest annually, maintaining 40% of bushland in fuels 0–5 years old and achieving strong reductions in wildfire extent. Longterm WA data show that when prescribed burning declines, uncontrolled bushfire area rises exponentially. Improved suppression efficiency Prescribed burning provides a decisive suppression advantage by modifying the fire environment before ignition. Lower fuel loads slow fires, reduce flame height, widen suppression windows and expand viable tactics. Case studies from Victoria, NSW, SA, Tasmania and ACT consistently show that fuelreduced areas slow or halt fires, reduce spotting, provide safer tactical positions and prevent fires from reaching towns. Safety and cost benefits Prescribed burning improves firefighter and community safety by reducing flame heights, moderating behaviour and creating safer access and escape routes. Case studies show prescribed burning reduces suppression costs by enabling quicker control, reducing resource needs, lowering reliance on aerial fleets and decreasing chemical suppressant use. The Dixie Fire example illustrates that proactive fuel management would have cost a fraction of the $700 million spent on suppression. Conclusions Across decades of evidence, prescribed burning consistently delivers decisive benefits for bushfire preparedness, suppression, safety and costeffectiveness. Fuel reduced landscapes slow fires, lower intensity, expand tactical options and protect communities and firefighters. To avoid repeating suppressiondominated failures, governments need to expand and stabilise prescribed burning programs and embed effective mitigation programs as core land management. View the full report Source & image credit: John O’Donnell  New Future for Kaingaroa Village and NZ's Bioeconomy [NZ]
Ngāti Manawa and NZ Bio Forestry (NZBF) have signed a Heads of
Agreement to explore transforming Kaingaroa Village into one of New
Zealand’s first integrated bioeconomy industrial centres,
creating a potential blueprint for Māori-led economic development and
advanced manufacturing across Aotearoa.The agreement establishes a framework for the parties to work together over the coming months to investigate opportunities in advanced wood manufacturing, renewable energy, green chemistry, and other high-value bio-based industries, building on the region’s forestry resources and existing commercial infrastructure. The next stage is an exciting period of discovery and planning, bringing together technical expertise, community input, environmental stewardship, and commercial insight to create a master plan for Kaingaroa Village. This work will help shape a shared vision for future investment, employment, innovation, and long-term prosperity for the region. Ngāti Manawa Chair Kani Edwards said the agreement represents an opportunity to explore a future that delivers lasting benefits for the iwi, its people and the wider region. “For more than 30 years we have witnessed the impact of forestry restructuring and economic decline on our people. This Heads of Agreement provides an opportunity to investigate how we can once again create prosperity from the resources that surround us, while ensuring the benefits flow back to our communities and future generations. “This is not simply about industry. It is about restoring opportunity, building capability, creating employment pathways, and enabling our whānau to prosper at home.” Once a thriving forestry hub, Kaingaroa Village and neighbouring Murupara played a critical role in supporting one of the largest plantation forestry estates in the Southern Hemisphere Following forestry reforms and the privatisation of forestry assets both communities experienced significant economic decline despite remaining at the heart of New Zealand s largest commercial forest resource. Wayne Mulligan CEO and Founder of NZ Bio Forestry said the partnership begins with acknowledging the past while focusing on the future “It is a privilege to be invited into partnership with Ngāti Manawa. Kaingaroa Village and the surrounding forests once powered regional prosperity. “Statistics are not just numbers. They represent real people, whānau, tamariki and lost opportunities. “This partnership begins with truth — acknowledging what has happened, and what is still being felt. From that foundation, we turn to the future — building trust, creating value, and restoring opportunity.” Mr Mulligan said the proposed project seeks to address some of the challenges facing New Zealand’s forestry sector by creating higher-value uses for wood fibre and biomass, while supporting regional employment, decarbonisation and advanced manufacturing. “While some talk about going to Mars, we look to Manawa — to Murupara and Kaingaroa Village — as the place where New Zealand’s next industrial transformation can begin.” The Heads of Agreement establishes a focused six-month programme of due diligence work on feasibility, commercial viability, master planning, stakeholder and community engagement, and governance, all with the aim of commencing construction of a facility in late 2026/early 2027. Source & image credit: Ngāti Manawa / NZ Bio Forestry .  New smart floors support health and wellbeing [NZ]
A Bioeconomy Science Institute Maiangi Taiao / Auckland
University of Technology (AUT) partnership has found a way to turn
everyday flooring into a tool for monitoring health and supporting
independent living.The AUT-led Smart Floors project integrates discreet sensors beneath flooring to detect movement patterns, providing early insights into changes in mobility, behaviour and well-being. Designed to work with any flooring material, the sensors detect when someone has fallen and alerts help services. The team is currently working to also identify increased fall risk or reduced activity, allowing for earlier intervention and improved health outcomes. The AUT team visited the Bioeconomy Science Institute Maiangi Taiao’s Rotorua campus on June 19 to demonstrate a prototype. Smart Floors require no cameras or wearable devices. Instead, intelligence is embedded within sustainably sourced wood fibre board flooring, enabling continuous, passive monitoring without disrupting daily life. Bioeconomy Science Institute scientists have provided expertise across carbon-based conductive inks printing and adhesives technology. Polymer Chemistry team lead Robert Abbel says the project brings together expertise in wood science, engineering, architecture and health. “This highlights the potential to combine New Zealand’s forestry strengths with advanced digital technologies. The result is a high-value, data-enabled solution that extends the role of wood-based building products beyond traditional uses. “The technology represents a significant opportunity for the bioeconomy. By integrating smart sensing into renewable materials, the project demonstrates how innovation can deliver economic value and social impact,” Robert says. Auckland University of Technology project leader Prof. Fakhrul Alam says the Bioeconomy Science Institute was critical in the development of the Smart Floors prototype. “The materials science expertise helped us move beyond a proof of concept and create a system that can be integrated into real-world flooring products. “We greatly appreciate the partnership and the collaborative approach that has helped bring this innovation closer to practical application.” Smart Floors reflect a broader shift towards intelligent buildings that respond to occupant needs. As development progresses, the technology has potential applications across aged care, rehabilitation and residential housing markets. Researchers say the project underscores the growing role of science and innovation in shaping healthier, more resilient communities—while opening new pathways for sustainable, high-tech wood products on the global stage. Source & image credit: Bioeconomy Science Institute Forestry's transition has 'decimated' Gippsland's small towns [AU]
As the Victorian Forestry Transition Program comes to a close,
some residents in regions that relied on the timber trade are
questioning what has been done to build a replacement economy.
The state government's transition program ended this week, two-and-a-half years after Victoria's native logging industry was brought to
an end with the flourish of a pen.The government committed $1.5 billion to support the transition, including $320 million to the Forestry Transition Program to provide financial support for affected workers, businesses and communities. But some residents remain unconvinced enough has been done to replace the jobs lost. Mick Harrington's family worked in the timber industry for three generations: harvesting, processing, and transporting lumber from Gippsland's bountiful, verdant forests around Stratford. But Mr Harrington, a former timber worker, does not harvest native timber anymore. Nor does he work in a mill. That industry is gone locally. More >> Source: ABC News Image credit: Wikimedia Commons Vale Trevor Woolston [NZ]
Tributes are flowing following the death of New Zealand
transport publishing pioneer Trevor Woolston, whose career helped shape
the country’s trucking media and transport events industry for
more than four decades.Allied Publications announced the passing of its managing director, describing Woolston as “the driving force” behind the company for many years. “It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of our Managing Director, Trevor Woolston,” the company says. “Trevor was the driving force behind Allied Publications for many years, leading with vision, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the industries and people we serve. “His passion for publishing, his dedication to our team, and the relationships he built across New Zealand will leave a lasting legacy. More than a leader, Trevor was a mentor, a friend, and an inspiration to so many. His wisdom, generosity, and genuine care for others touched everyone who had the privilege of working with him. “Thank you, Trevor, for everything you gave to Allied Publications and our wider community. Your legacy will continue to guide us, and you will be deeply missed.” More >> Source: TransportTalk Image Credit: Road Transport Hall of Fame Jobs
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