Friday Offcuts – 22 May 2026
Click to Subscribe - It's FREE! Welcome to this week’s issue of Friday Offcuts.Markets feature strongly this week, with early signs of success from the new New Zealand–India Free Trade Agreement already generating increased timber export interest, and reinforcing India’s growing importance as a strategic softwood market. We also cover new insights into China’s expanding domestic timber supply, encouraging export data from Stats NZ, and the latest findings from New Zealand’s Survey of Rural Decision Makers. In Australia, new research is challenging claims linking timber harvesting to increased bushfire risk, while separate Victorian studies continue to demonstrate the value of fuel management in moderating fire behaviour. We also highlight continued plantation investment through the Federal Government’s establishment grants program, alongside emerging technologies in timber reuse and recycling. Finally, WoodTECH 2026 in New Zealand now has only a limited number of seats remaining and is expected to sell out within days. With the Brisbane event also close to capacity, now is the time to secure your tickets. Read these stories and more in this week’s packed issue of Friday Offcuts.
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This week we have for you:
NZ–India Free Trade Agreement already a success
The New Zealand Timber Industry Federation (NZTIF) says the
recently concluded Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India is already
delivering encouraging early results, with increased enquiry levels
being reported by New Zealand sawmills.NZTIF members are experiencing a noticeable uplift in interest from Indian buyers for New Zealand sawn timber products, signalling growing market confidence and improved access following the agreement. “We are already seeing tangible benefits from the New Zealand–India FTA,” said NZTIF. “Sawmills are reporting a rise in enquiries for sawn product from India, which is a positive early indicator of demand growth in what has the potential to become significant and expanding market.” NZTIF noted that while it is still early days, the immediate lift in enquiries demonstrates the importance of trade agreements in unlocking new opportunities for New Zealand manufacturers and exporters. India represents a major opportunity for New Zealand’s timber industry, driven by strong construction demand, urbanisation, and an increasing preference for sustainably sourced wood products. “These early signals reinforce the value of the agreement for the forestry and wood processing sector. Continued engagement, alongside strong industry capability, will be key to converting interest into long-term trade relationships,” NZTIF said. The Federation will continue to work with members and government to maximise the benefits of the agreement and support the growth of New Zealand’s timber exports into India. Source: New Zealand Timber Industry Federation Review disputes claims that logging drives bushfire risk
Public claims that timber harvesting increases bushfire risk are
based on narrow and contested evidence, and should not be generalised
across Australia’s diverse forests, according to a new evidence review released by Forestry
Australia.The review, Contested Evidence About Timber Harvesting and Bushfire Risk in Australian Landscapes, examines claims that timber harvesting increases forest flammability and bushfire risk. It finds that many public claims rely on evidence from one particular forest type and management system – tall wet eucalypt forests in south-eastern Australia that have been previously clearfelled – and that these findings are often presented as though they apply universally across all Australian forests. Forestry Australia President Dr Michelle Freeman said the review was developed to help clarify a complex and often misunderstood area of forest science: “Public discussion about timber harvesting and bushfire risk is often highly contested, and at times, confusing,” Dr Freeman said. “The purpose of this evidence review is to unpack the science. It looks carefully at what the evidence does and does not show, where research findings are contested, and why terminology matters when discussing bushfire risk, fire severity, flammability and fire intensity.” Dr Freeman said the diversity of Australia’s forests meant evidence could not be applied uniformly: “Australia’s forests are highly diverse. Evidence from one forest type, management system or landscape context should not be generalised across the country without careful qualification,” she said. “The review highlights that different forms of forest management can have very different outcomes, and that it is inappropriate to reduce complex forest and fire dynamics to a simple claim that timber harvesting always increases fire risk.” The review also highlights the importance of using fire terminology accurately. “Terms such as fire risk, fire severity, fire intensity and flammability have different meanings,” Dr Freeman said. “When these terms are used interchangeably, public understanding suffers. Sound policy depends on precise language and careful interpretation of evidence.” The review notes that landscape-scale analyses of major bushfires, including the 2019-20 bushfires, have found that extreme fire weather and topography are dominant drivers of fire severity, while timber harvesting, stand age and land tenure have comparatively minor effects at landscape scales. It also notes that while young regrowth forests may experience higher site-level fire severity under some conditions, large areas of mature and old growth forests, including forests in conservation reserves where timber harvesting is excluded, have also burnt at high severity. Dr Freeman said Forestry Australia hoped the review would support a more informed and constructive public conversation. “Forestry Australia represents a large cohort of professionals with deep scientific and practical expertise in Australian forests,” Dr Freeman said. “Our role is not to prosecute simplistic arguments. Our role is to support evidence-based discussion, grounded in forest science, so that policy makers, media and the broader community can better understand what the research is actually saying.” “Forests are central to some of the most important challenges facing Australia, including climate adaptation, biodiversity conservation, bushfire resilience, regional livelihoods and sustainable resource use,” she said. “These issues deserve careful, evidence-based discussion. We encourage journalists, policy makers, community leaders and all those engaged in forest debates to read the review and consider the full body of evidence.” More >> Source & image credit: Forestry Australia NZ Survey Of Rural Decision Makers 2025: Results now in!
New data shows how Kiwi foresters and farmers are using
technology to tackle modern land challenges. The 2025 SRDM results are
now in. The Survey of Rural Decision Makers (SRDM) is the leading source of information about Aotearoa New Zealand’s primary sector. Conducted by the Bioeconomy Science Institute Maiangi Taiao every 2 years, thousands of farmers, foresters, growers, and lifestyle block owners from Cape Reinga / Te Rereanga Wairua to Halfmoon Bay complete the survey. The SRDM is one of the largest and longest-running rural surveys in the world. The seventh SRDM survey ran from June to August 2025. Designed to build a better picture of decision-making at the farm level, its economic, social, and environmental data are integrated to provide research and advice to policy makers, industry, and the rural sector. Topics such as land use and land-use change, land management, and future planning are included in every iteration of the survey. Other topics are included in a given year to reflect current policy and scientific questions. For example, the 2025 survey included questions on climate beliefs, adoption of new technologies, and catchment groups. High-level survey results – including infographics spotlighting key findings – are available via this website. Highlights from the 2025 survey include:
Source & image credit: Bioeconomy Science Institute  New plantation grants delivering industry growth
The last round of funding for the Federal Government’s
successful $73 million Support Plantation Establishment Program (SPEP)
has been welcomed by Australia’s sustainable forestry
sector. The Government has announced 16 new grants
covering almost 9,500 hectares of new softwood and hardwood plantations
across Australia.AFPA acting Chief Executive Officer Richard Hyett said: “We sincerely thank Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry the Hon Julie Collins MP for this latest funding for plantation grants under the SPEP, which has been highly successful for our industry in recent years. “We appreciate the Government’s continued roll-out of this important program, which AFPA has strongly supported from the outset. The initiative has become a highly effective partnership between industry and government, delivering positive and tangible benefits for Australia’s forestry sector and the national economy. “Before the introduction of this program, plantations declined by 230,00 hectares in six years. This program has been critical in reversing the decline in plantation investment that was occurring before it was introduced. It’s now supported nearly 40,000 hectares, and is helping to restore confidence and encouraging growth and much-needed investment in our sector. “Since launching in 2023, the initiative has successfully driven new plantation investment across Australia, supporting regional economies, local jobs, improving future fibre security and contributing to the Government’s climate and sovereign capability targets. These sustainable plantations will also help support the long-term future of the construction industry.” Mr Hyett said it was encouraging to see almost $26 million in last week’s Federal Budget, as part of the final allocation of the SPEP. “Given the importance of this program, we have encouraged the Government to extend the SPEP as ongoing funding so timber plantation establishment and expansion can continue across Australia into the future.” Source: Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA) SnapSTAT - Wood products export volume and revenue Export revenue increased for all forestry products except for chips, and paper and paperboard, when comparing October 2024 to October 2025 (see Table 1).
 Source: Overseas merchandise trade – Stats NZ Bushfire research strengthens Victorian preparedness
Bushfire scientists from CFA and Forest Fire Management Victoria
(FFMVic), through the Safer Together program, have reconstructed 5
bushfires from the 2023-24 fire season, including the bushfires
at: Bayindeen – Rocky Road, Mt Stapylton, Bellfield, Staffordshire
Reef, and Dereel.The reconstructions strengthen CFA and FFMVic’s science and learnings across fire behaviour, modelling, suppression and overall management effectiveness to improve how we prepare for and manage major fires. Researchers examined fires that burned more than 28,000 hectares and interacted with areas that had undergone planned burning in the past five years. FFMVic Chief Fire Officer Chris Hardman said reconstruction reports are essential for understanding fire behaviour in real conditions and improving how agencies manage bushfire risk and are part of an annual program of research that fire agencies collaborate on. 'These reports help us learn directly from major fires and understand what worked, what was challenged and where we can improve,' Mr Hardman said. Researchers looked at how fuel treatments, the landscape, weather and firefighting efforts affected how the fires spread and how severe they became. This included on-the-ground observations, aerial infrared imagery, fuel moisture data and new 3D mapping technology. Overall, research from the Bayindeen – Rocky Road fire found that fuel management can make a real difference during major fires by slowing or moderating fire behaviour in some parts of the landscape and creating safer conditions for firefighters. 'The research shows fuel-reduced areas can support decision-making during a fire by giving crews more options on the ground,' Mr Hardman added. When fire moved into areas that had been treated by planned burning, researchers found lower fire severity, suggesting that fire behaviour was less intense. Experienced crews on the ground reported that those treated areas made it safer and easier for firefighters to work closer to the fire edge, slow or stop the fire, and establish containment lines. The research also observed lower fire severity in treated areas in parts of the fire footprint. This included reduced canopy scorch and char height compared with nearby untreated areas. These patches of lower severity fire can help reduce longer-term ecological damage and support environmental recovery. The reports highlight variability in the effectiveness of planned burning, influenced by factors such as fire behaviour at the time of interaction, time since treatment, fuel regrowth and weather. This reinforces the need for ongoing research and continual improvement in how fuel management is planned and delivered. The reports also reviewed how fire danger ratings and bushfire simulators performed. Those insights will help refine modelling, risk assessment and operational planning. 'By combining field data with operational experience, we’re strengthening the evidence that underpins both fuel management and fire response,' Mr Hardman said. CFA Deputy Chief Officer Alen Slijepcevic AFSM said reconstruction reports ensure lessons from major bushfire events are recorded and shared across the sector so that we continually improve mitigation, planning and operations. 'By combining field data with operational experience, we’re strengthening the evidence that underpins both fuel management and fire response,' Mr Slijepcevic said. 'Each reconstruction helps build a clearer picture of how fire behaves under extreme conditions. This work is critical to improving preparedness, supporting firefighters during incidents and making Victoria more resilient ahead of future fire seasons.' To view the full reports, visit Fire research and adaptive management publications. Source & image credit: Forest Fire Management Victoria  Darrin Collett appointed Chair of Forest Industry Safety Council
The Forest Industry Safety Council (FISC) has appointed Darrin
Collett as its new Chair, bringing more than 35 years of hands-on
experience across New Zealand’s forestry sector to the role.
Collett began his career in logging crews in the late 1980s, ending up establishing and running his own forestry company, Woodbank Trading, for more than 20 years. His experience spans corporate and small-scale forestry, as well as international work as a tropical forestry consultant. He has also contributed to a range of industry and community initiatives, including the Northland Health and Safety Working Group and environmental projects. He has been an active member of organisations such as the NZ Farm Forestry Association and the New Zealand Institute of Forestry. Now semi-retired, Collett says the role offers a timely opportunity to give back to an industry he remains deeply committed to. “I’ve been involved in several forestry sectors, which brings a holistic approach to my chairmanship role and an understanding of the different complexities and potential viewpoints on the way forward,” he says. “I’m excited to get started and put that experience to work for the industry.” FISC Chief Executive Joe Akari says Collett’s breadth of experience will be of benefit to the Council’s work. “Health and safety in forestry has come a long way over the past few decades, and Darrin has witnessed much of that change firsthand. His understanding of what it’s like on the ground, along with his experience from the decision-making table across different parts of the industry, will be invaluable.” “We’re looking forward to having him on board.” Collett starts the role today (20 May 2026) but will act as an observer for his first FISC Council meeting. He takes over from Acting Chair Grant Dodson. Previous Chair Simon O’Grady stepped down in September 2025. Akari acknowledged Dodson’s leadership during the transition. “Our thanks go to Grant for stepping in as Acting Chair and providing strong, capable leadership through this interim period.” Source & image credit: Forest Industry Safety Council (FISC)  Developments in China's domestic timber supplyChina’s domestic timber supply is becoming an increasingly important factor in the country’s log market and is beginning to influence demand for imports. For many years, imported logs and sawn timber dominated because local supply was limited while demand from China’s rapidly expanding construction and manufacturing sectors remained strong.This situation is now changing. Following heavy harvesting in northeast China, the government introduced widespread logging bans in natural forests and began investing heavily in plantation forests to improve long-term timber self-sufficiency. Most of this expansion has occurred in southern China, particularly in Guangdong and Guangxi provinces.  Domestic timber production has increased from around 100 million m³ in 2020 to nearly 140 million m³ in 2024, with the southeast now accounting for more than half of total supply. While much of the plantation estate consists of Eucalyptus, which is mainly used for pulp and panel products, large areas of Masson pine and Chinese fir have also been established. These species are more directly relevant to imported softwood markets. China’s softwood plantation resource remains relatively young, suggesting domestic supply will continue to increase as forests mature. However, plantation productivity remains well below that of New Zealand and other major forestry regions. Chinese pine and fir plantations typically produce smaller and lower-quality logs due to slower growth rates, shorter rotations, poorer stem form, and quality issues such as high resin content. As a result, domestic timber is mainly competing in lower-value applications such as reconstituted wood products, lower-grade construction timber, and core veneer. Imported radiata pine still maintains a competitive advantage in higher-quality applications, although competition for smaller-diameter and lower-grade logs is increasing. The expansion of China’s domestic timber supply is therefore likely to reshape market dynamics by widening price differences between high- and low-quality logs and increasing market segmentation. These developments will have important implications for forest management, log marketing, and forest valuation in exporting countries such as New Zealand. For more information visit alphametrik.com Source & chart credit: Alphametrik  Duty-free access for NZ softwood - India's perspective
It has been suggested that Duty-Free access for New Zealand
softwood under the recently signed FTA may drive down prices, raising
questions about long-term impacts on domestic log suppliers.
The Indian media has hailed the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between New Zealand and India, signed in April 2026 as this will open trade opportunities with duty-free access for 100% of India‘s exports and lower tariffs for 95% of imports from New Zealand. Mr. Agneshwar Sen, the Trade Policy Leader from Earnst and Young (EY India) said “India has secured this without compromising its most sensitive sectors. Dairy, edible oils, sugar, spices, onions and key agricultural commodities are explicitly excluded from India’s concession list, protecting domestic farmers and industry”. Over 54% of New Zealand products, such as wood, wool and sheep meat are duty free. Some have raised questions about the FTA‘s impact on domestic suppliers, especially softwood producers. As domestic softwood production is minimal India relies on imports, importing around 85% of its softwood. New Zealand is one of the main exporters of softwood to India. According to the Ministry of Commerce, in 2019 NZ pinewood imports were valued at around US$521 million. This dropped to US$381 million in 2020 due to the pandemic leading to a decline in imports until 2024. In 2024-25, imports increased to around US$587 million. This is expected to be further amplified by the FTA, especially given the duty-free status of wood products from the start of the Agreement. India’s softwood market has been estimated as growing at 11% annually and is projected to reach US$1.06 billion by 2032. This surge is driven by rapid urbanisation, construction requirements and furniture manufacturing. Used frequently in plywood, softwood is a cost-effective choice for many plywood producers. However, plywood producers in many parts of south India say they primarily use domestic hardwoods such as rubberwood and Gurjan for plywood production. Read the full story in the latest Tropical Timber Market Report. Source & image credit: ITTO New timber post technology to save vineyards thousands
Australia’s wine industry is vast, and behind every row of
vines stands treated timber posts. When a vineyard reaches the end of
its productive life, those posts require careful disposal:
subject to waste regulations, they must go to licenced landfill
facilities, which can be costly for growers. As a result, posts are
often stockpiled on-site, presenting challenges in bushfire-prone
regions.The Vineyard Post Reuse Pilot, part of The Timber Circularity Project, is developing a practical end-of-life alternative and the upcoming Pilot Showcase is the culmination of trials run by the FABAL Group. Using innovative technology to process the vineyard posts for reuse, it represents a step forward for the Timber Circularity Project in developing pathways for CCA treated timber posts. The scale of the opportunity Between 1.7 and 4.3 million treated timber posts are currently being removed from Australian vineyards annually, representing 15,000 to 38,000 tonnes per year. This initiative is addressing that problem by safely stripping them to be repurposed as fence posts or landscaping materials using a system that can readily be adopted by vineyard managers and farmers. At $3.50 – $5.50 per post, times 600 – 700 per hectare, there’s potential to save up to $3000 a hectare in waste management. Dr Pene Mitchell, Research Fellow from National Centre for Timber Durability and Design Life who is leading the project, puts it plainly: “If we treat timber, we can get 20 plus years out of it. If we change to concrete or steel or plastic, the overall sustainable impact is much more significant: “We really need to find a solution for treated timber in a circular economy.” Practical technology fit for purpose The post reuse system is mobile and can connect directly to existing farm machinery, meaning capital and operating costs are reduced and logistics costs are kept to a minimum. Early studies suggest the system can process around 600 posts per day, and preliminary economic modelling indicates that the posts can be sold for more than it costs to process them. “We thought it wouldn’t be economically viable,” Dr Mitchell says. “But then when you factor in the fact that the farmers would have to pay to get rid of them, it just makes a lot of sense.” What timber circularity really means Research indicates that timber has a fraction of the environmental impact of extractive materials such as steel and concrete as it can be grown in ways that build ecosystems rather than deplete them. Timber already has strong sustainability credentials – it’s renewable and stores carbon. The next step is building better reuse and recycling pathways so those benefits last even longer. “The timber circularity project just closes that loop of how we can continue to keep timber in our supply chain,” Dr Mitchell says. “The benefits of sustainability, community, economic security, all of those things can be addressed through a timber circular economy.” The Vineyard Post Reuse Pilot Showcase takes place on Thursday 21 May 2026 at Vinarchy Langhorne Creek Vineyard in South Australia, where attendees will see the technology in action and hear more about the project’s findings and future direction. More >> Source & image credit: FWPA --(2022)2.jpg) Spanish energy giant plans forest-based wind farms in NSW
A decade ago the concept of mixing wind turbines with tree
plantations was unheard of in Australia, but a new addition to the
federal EPBC queue now brings the current total of such project
proposals to at least eight.Spanish energy giant Iberdrola is seeking approval for 33 turbines in the Mullions Range softwood pine plantation in New South Wales (NSW), which deliver 248 megawatts (MW) of capacity, and which is one of two forestry projects it’s pitching in the state. The project is located about 20 km north of Orange and is one of five solicited by the state’s Forestry Corporation in 2023. Forestry Corp issued an “investigation permit” in 2024, and if the project proves feasible Iberdrola expects it to take around six years to deliver. The EPBC referral shows Iberdrola is planning to install turbines with a tip height of up to 250 metres above ground level and a hub height of 150m above ground level. Plantations are seen as an ideal location for wind turbines. More >> Source: Renew Economy The WIDE Trust 'Best Practice Study Tour'
The WIDE Trust Best Practice Study Tour is an initiative
designed to support experienced forestry and wood industry professionals
in exploring leading-edge practices, innovation, and emerging ideas from
around the world.Each year, the Trust offers a travel grant of up to NZD$30,000 to support an eligible candidate, or candidates, to undertake an international study tour focused on advancing knowledge within New Zealand’s forestry and wood sectors. The tour must be a minimum of two weeks in duration and is designed to provide valuable international exposure to new technologies, operational approaches, and industry developments. Investing in industry leadership The Best Practice Study Tour reflects the WIDE Trust’s commitment to strengthening leadership and encouraging innovation across the forestry and wood industries. The opportunity is aimed at senior professionals who are actively pursuing careers within the sector and are in positions where they can influence change within their organisations. Applicants are ideally members of senior management teams, with the ability to implement learnings from the study tour and help drive new thinking, improved practices, and long-term industry development. By supporting industry leaders to gain first-hand international insights, the Trust helps encourage the adoption of new ideas and global best practices within New Zealand businesses. Learning from global innovation Successful applicants are required to develop a fully scoped itinerary outlining the companies, organisations, and industry leaders they plan to visit, along with the reasons those visits have been selected. Study tours may explore a wide range of topics across forestry and wood processing industries, including:
Supporting meaningful industry impact In addition to financial support from the WIDE Trust, successful applicants and their employers are expected to contribute towards some study tour costs, reinforcing industry commitment and support for professional development. Following the completion of the study tour, recipients present their key learnings directly to the WIDE Trust Trustees, helping share knowledge and encourage wider industry benefit beyond the individual participant. This focus on knowledge sharing ensures the impact of the programme extends beyond a single experience, contributing to broader conversations around innovation, leadership, and continuous improvement within the forestry and wood sectors. Applications open annually Applications for the WIDE Trust Best Practice Study Tour close on 31 July each year for tours undertaken in the following calendar year. The initiative continues to play an important role in supporting forward-thinking industry professionals and strengthening the future capability of New Zealand’s forestry and wood industries through global learning and industry connections. More >> Source: WIDE Trust Industrial waste used to develop non-toxic wood protection
What started as a project developing biofuels for ships, has
evolved into an environmentally friendly method for wood preservation.
The path to new inventions is rarely straight or predictable,
and this has certainly been the case for University of Copenhagen
researchers Emil Thybring and Sune Tjalfe Thomsen. For several years,
they have been working on a new, sustainable way to impregnate wood
without harming the environment.Today, the wood industry treats timber with heavy metals such as copper to extend its lifespan when used as a construction material. In the pressure treatment process, water with dissolved preservation chemicals is forced into the wood. The problem is that a large proportion of these substances is later leached out when the wood is exposed to rain, ultimately ending up in soil, marine environments and drinking water. “The toxic substances we introduce into the wood using water to make it last longer also leave the wood with water and end up in nature. It is a serious problem, and one we aim to solve with our technology,” says Emil Thybring, associate professor at the Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management. The wood’s own ‘glue’ – in hyperconcentrated form The researchers’ method is based on lignin, a natural binding agent in wood that stiffens the material and holds its cells together. Lignin is available in vast quantities as a residual product from the paper industry, where it is separated out and typically burned because it gives paper a brownish colour rather than the desired white. According to the researchers, just 15 percent of the EU’s lignin production could replace the environmentally harmful substances used across the entire EU production of pressure-treated timber. “It makes perfect sense to take a global industrial by-product and use it as an environmentally friendly alternative to the most widely used – and environmentally damaging – wood protection methods we rely on today,” says Sune Tjalfe Thomsen, associate professor at the Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management. More >> Source & image credit: University of Copenhagen  Jobs
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