Friday Offcuts – 29 May 2026
Click to Subscribe - It's FREE! Welcome to this week’s issue of Friday Offcuts.Industry transition and investment dominate this week’s headlines. In New Zealand, uncertainty continues around the future of the Kaitaia mills as consultation closes and potential ownership options are explored, while the Government’s new Gas Transition Loan Guarantee Scheme has been welcomed as a practical step to help manufacturers transition away from natural gas. Across the Tasman, the NSW Government has published the Independent Forestry Panel’s Stakeholder Consultation Report, drawing on more than 1,700 submissions to help shape the future of forestry in the state. At the same time, AKD is investing in advanced processing technology at its Tumut mill to improve timber recovery and strengthen long-term operational resilience. Innovation also features strongly this week. Innovatek has released the programme for Residues2Revenues 2026 in Brisbane, Australia, showcasing major developments in biofuels, biomass energy, and high-value bioproducts. We also cover the world’s first drone-assisted tree harvest, new Australian research into long-span timber floor performance, and growing calls in Finland for stronger government support for wood construction. Elsewhere, we cover the latest NZ log market report, updated forestry standards in Tairāwhiti, and new safety, fire management, and education initiatives from across the sector. Read these stories and more in this week’s packed issue of Friday Offcuts.
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This week we have for you:
Consultation on the Kaitaia mills has now closed
“Juken New Zealand’s consultation process regarding
the Kaitaia mills has now closed," said Mr Hisayuki Tsuboi,
Managing Director, Juken New Zealand Ltd. "We are carefully
reviewing the feedback from employees and unions, alongside assessing
any interest from potential buyers."This is a deliberate process, and no decisions have been made at this stage. Our focus remains on testing whether there is a viable pathway for the mills to continue operating. Operations at the Kaitaia mills continue as normal, and there are no immediate changes to production or customer arrangements. "JNL remains committed to responsible forest management and maintaining a sustainable business in New Zealand," said Mr Tsuboi. "We will provide a further update once this assessment work has progressed." Source & image credit: Juken New Zealand Further Reading/Developments 1) ‘Domino effect’ of mill meltdown: ‘I’m not sure what will happen to the town’ The potential closure of a North Island town’s biggest employer would have a “devastating” economic domino effect, with hundreds of livelihoods at stake and locals fearing an exodus for Australia. Around 200 jobs are on the line at Kaitāia’s two timber mills. More >> (Stuff) 2) Future of Kaitāia’s Juken mill uncertain but optimism grows locally Long-serving workers at Kaitāia’s Juken mill say they still believe the operation can survive under the right ownership. About 100 people packed into a community meeting at the weekend to discuss the future of the mill, following news the company is seeking buyers for the operation. More >> (NZ Herald) 3) Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown mulls buying at-risk Kaitāia mills Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown is considering coming to the rescue of Kaitāia's beleaguered timber mills – but in his capacity as a private businessman. More >> (1News) Gas transition loan scheme helps wood products industry
Large industrial gas users now have a new pathway to transition
away from natural gas, following the New Zealand Government's launch of
the Gas Transition Loan Guarantee Scheme. The Wood Processors
and Manufacturers Association of NZ (WPMA) says the initiative offers a
practical and timely solution for manufacturers facing uncertainty
around the future availability and cost of natural gas.“The insecurity created by energy demands is a serious threat to manufacturing growth within New Zealand, and it is welcoming to see Government taking this positive step by making available up to $1.2 billion of bank loans to reduce our dependency on gas,” said Mark Ross, WPMA Chief Executive. While the scheme is only a partial solution to New Zealand’s long- term energy challenges, it offers a practical mechanism for companies exposed to gas shortages to shift toward alternative energy sources such as biomass, which is produced from wood residues and forestry by- products. Though extending the Government’s loan facility to support biomass supply-side development, not just consumption, would assist in accelerating progress. While many regions have the raw biomass resource available, investment in processing, logistics, and infrastructure remains essential to ensure a reliable, cost-effective supply. “Supporting both sides of the biomass equation, supply and demand, will be a key element to ensuring a long-term sustainable solution,” Ross said. WPMA has also been working closely with the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority to support our members in identifying practical opportunities to reduce energy costs across their operations. The Budget’s allocation of $5.9 million for EECA to investigate pathways for transitioning away from gas is therefore a timely welcomed commitment. “The opportunities to solve our energy challenges are already within reach,” Ross said. “This initiative is one important piece of the puzzle, and WPMA continues to support cross-party consensus on a long-term energy strategy that keeps businesses operating and builds a more secure, affordable future for our industry.” Source: WPMA (Wood Processors and Manufacturers Association of NZ) Residues2Revenues 2026 unveils full Brisbane programme
Following the sell-out success of last year’s New Zealand event,
Innovatek/FIEA has officially released the highly anticipated programme
for Residues2Revenues 2026. For the
first time, the premier industry conference will be held in Brisbane,
Australia, on 23-24 September 2026.As the forestry and wood processing sectors face growing pressure to decarbonise operations and unlock new revenue streams, Residues2Revenues 2026 will showcase how wood processors, forest owners, manufacturers, and energy users can transform wood residues into profitable biofuels, bioenergy, and high-value renewable bioproducts. “Following our largest-ever event in Rotorua last year, which attracted close to 300 delegates focused on the latest innovations in extracting energy and value from wood fibre, we’re excited to bring this essential technology event to Australia,” says John Stulen, Director at Innovatek. “The full programme is now live, featuring a powerhouse line- up of local and international innovators who are demonstrating that wood residue is no longer waste – it’s a major commercial opportunity.” Programme highlights & key themes The newly released two-day programme features commercial case studies, technical innovations, and practical insights spanning the full circular bioeconomy spectrum. Key themes include:
Residues2Revenues 2026 is expected to attract a broad cross-section of the Australasian supply chain, including forest managers, wood processors, manufacturers, energy plant operators, regional councils, and government policy representatives — all focused on capturing new value from wood residues while meeting carbon reduction targets. Alongside the conference programme, delegates will benefit from networking and a large exhibition showcasing the latest equipment, technologies, and services from major suppliers. Super Early Bird registrations now open With strong industry interest already building following the programme release, organisers are encouraging delegates to secure their places early. Super Early Bird registrations are now open, offering large savings until Friday, 26 June 2026. Significant group discounts are also available for organisations sending teams of three or more. To view the full programme, explore accommodation options at voco Brisbane City Centre, or register for the event, visit the official event website at woodresidues.events. AKD investing in innovation and resilience at Tumut mill
Associated Kiln Driers (known as AKD) is committed to
modernising its Tumut timber mill in the NSW Snowy Mountains by
investing in new technology to improve productivity and
maximise timber recovery from smaller diameter sawlogs.As part of a recent AFPA visit to the innovative sawmill, AKD showcased its new Horizontal Shaping Saw (HSS), an advanced saw line designed to process small and medium sawlogs more efficiently while delivering higher yields and more consistent throughput. The investment comes as the large-scale timber business continues to respond to the long-term impacts of the devastating 2020 bushfires, which affected a significant portion of the plantation estate that traditionally supplied the mill. With timber volumes expected to remain low while plantations regenerate, Australian-owned AKD is focused on improving reliability, lifting drying capability and strengthening infeed and sorting systems to ensure the operation remains internationally competitive. Over the past decade, the Tumut mill has processed an average of around 525,000 cubic metres of sawlogs annually, producing structural timber and value-added products used on building and construction sites across NSW. The changing supply environment has also created opportunities to source timber from outside traditional harvesting regions, with AKD using the broader Tumut-Gilmore network to maintain customer supply and adapt product lines to available fibre resources. AKD’s Gilmore facility – located about 10km from Tumut – has played an important role in supporting distribution and value-adding activities, helping AKD to continue servicing major retail demand while the main Tumut operation adapts to post-fire market conditions. Importantly, the Tumut mill remains a major employer in the region, directly employing around 160 permanent skilled workers, alongside contractors supporting maintenance, specialist projects and mill operations. “Our people are our lifeblood, and we have generations of staff who worked with us over many decades – it’s a real family- based company,” said Tumut Site Manager Rab Green. Across Australia, AKD employs more than 1100 workers as part of its integrated forestry and timber processing operations in Victoria, NSW and Queensland. AKD says maintaining sustainable regional employment is a priority, with ongoing investment in training, apprenticeships and workforce development helping secure long-term career opportunities in timber manufacturing. The company has also focused on improving day-to-day operations through safer work practices, reduced manual handling, stronger quality control processes and improved operational reliability to minimise costly disruptions. Beyond the mill gates, AKD continues to support the wider regional community through local sporting sponsorships, school and training partnerships, emergency services support, local procurement and bushfire recovery initiatives. More >> Source & imgae credit: AFPA  The future of forestry in NSW
The NSW Government has published the Independent Forestry
Panel’s Stakeholder Consultation Report.The NSW forestry industry is a complex but crucial part of the state’s economic future which needs modernising reform across both softwoods and hardwoods to capture new opportunities to move up the value chain for timber products and improve environmental outcomes. The Independent Forestry Panel, chaired by Peter Duncan AM with other panel members Professor Mary O’Kane AC and the Hon. Mick Veitch, has produced a report which outlines stakeholder feedback and areas where government should focus in the development of a future Action Plan for the forestry industry in NSW. In producing the report, the Panel consulted with representatives from the timber industry, forest growers, environment groups, unions, Aboriginal communities, local government, business, related industries, tourism, scientific experts and the Commonwealth Government. We thank all those who made more than 1,700 submissions and attended focus groups and stakeholder interviews. Making this report available to the public is a key step toward modernising forestry in a way that protects biodiversity. Following the finalisation of the Stakeholder Report, the Panel has been tasked to produce a Considerations Report. This report will accommodate the Stakeholder Report findings and identify opportunities to ensure the ongoing sustainability of the NSW forestry industry and support jobs, in the context of recent and ongoing changes, including:
Source credit: NSW Government --(2022)2.jpg) NZ log market report - May 2026
Market SummaryMay At Wharf Gate (AWG) prices for export logs at New Zealand ports remained unchanged from April. Softer market conditions in China and rising shipping costs continue to pressure exporter margins, with parts of the export supply chain absorbing some of these costs to maintain AWG pricing and fulfil vessel commitments. In China, softwood log inventories remain relatively stable, reflecting balanced supply and demand conditions. However, weakening furniture sales are beginning to reduce demand for traditionally sought-after higher-value pruned and appearance-grade logs. Domestically, sawn timber demand remains firmer than at the same time last year despite the introduction of fuel surcharges across many timber product categories. Reduced domestic processing capacity following mill closures over the past year has also helped tighten supply and improve market balance. The PF Olsen Log Price Index remains at $122, which is $2 above both the two-year and five-year averages. Domestic Log Market Domestic log processors have introduced a 3–4% fuel surcharge on sawn timber across most product segments. The surcharge is being reviewed monthly and is expected to remain in place while fuel costs remain elevated. Demand has remained relatively resilient despite these higher prices. However, the industry remains cautious heading into winter, when construction activity and timber demand traditionally soften. Supply has tightened considerably following several mill closures over the past year, removing more than 400,000 m³ of annual production capacity from the domestic market. This reduction in supply has improved the market balance for suppliers. Sawmillers report that current demand conditions are firmer than at the same time last year, particularly for structural timber and packaging grades. Nevertheless, the sector remains sensitive to any slowdown in residential construction activity or further increases in operating costs. China CFR prices for A-grade logs from New Zealand are currently in the range of USD 126–127 per JASm³ for the larger exporters. Most exporters have accepted price reductions of approximately USD 2 per JASm³ in recent weeks as market conditions have softened. Softwood log inventories in China have remained relatively stable in the 2.4–2.7 million m³ range. Softwood log imports totalled 2.204 million m³ in April, an increase of 0.9% from March. Total hardwood and softwood log imports reached 2.98 million m³, up 7.9% month-on-month and 1.7% higher than April last year. As noted in last month’s report, this period typically sees elevated export volumes from New Zealand due to a full schedule of working days in March and favourable harvesting conditions prior to the onset of autumn weather. Daily log offtake in China remains steady at approximately 55,000–60,000 m³ per day. Softwood sawn timber imports continue to weaken significantly. April imports fell 32.8% year-on-year to 967,000 m³, while cumulative annual imports were down 12.5% year-on-year. China’s Caixin Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rose strongly to 52.2 in April, indicating improving manufacturing activity. The index is based on a survey of more than 500 purchasing managers from large manufacturing companies, with readings above 50 indicating expansion in business activity. More >> Source: PF Olsen  World’s first in forest drone-assisted tree harvestA major technological milestone has been achieved in timber harvesting with the successful completion of the world’s first drone-assisted tree harvest within an operational forest stand. AirForestry's field test validated the system's capabilities in a natural forest environment, proving its functionality under real-world conditions.In addition to the live forest deployment, developer testing successfully demonstrated a fully autonomous harvest sequence. Operating without manual intervention, the aerial system independently executed an entire end-to-end workflow: navigating to the precise position, identifying the target tree, delimbing, harvesting, and transporting the payload to a designated drop-off point. The achievement represents the culmination of multi-year research and development efforts. Project leaders have expressed gratitude to the engineering teams and strategic partners whose collaboration brought the system from concept to operational reality. This milestone marks a significant shift in modern silviculture, demonstrating that high-efficiency forestry operations can now successfully expand beyond the forest floor into aerial applications. More >> Source: AirForestry (via LinkedIn) Advancing long span timber floor performance
The ARC Advance Timber Hub is delivering new insights to support
the confident use of long span timber and hybrid floor systems in
commercial and multi storey buildings.Through its project Innovative Long Span Timber and Wood Based Hybrid Floors for Vibration Performance and Acoustic Compliance, the Hub is addressing one of the key challenges facing modern timber construction: ensuring floors are comfortable for occupants while meeting vibration and acoustic requirements, particularly as spans increase and structures become lighter. Professor Hassan Karampour – Griffith University, alongside project PhD Candidate Adam Faircloth, convened a highly engaging and collaborative project team workshop at Northrop Consulting Engineers in Sydney on the 13th of May 2026 to share findings from an integrated program of laboratory testing, field measurements, occupant perception studies and industry engagement. Key progress to date includes:
Source & image credit: Advance Timber Hub  Finnish sawmill industry urges government to boost wood
The Finnish Sawmill Industry Association is
urging the government to accelerate wood construction and broaden
the use of domestic wood in building, saying Finland is not using wood
construction enough to raise value added for domestic wood,
support investment and strengthen regional vitality. It calls for the
Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment to lead a national wood-construction program and appoint a high-level cross-government steering
group, the Finnish Sawmill Industry Association reported.The association links wood construction to Finland’s competitiveness and industrial policy and says the market’s development should be treated as part of efforts to cut emissions from the built environment. It also calls for increasing the use of domestic wood more broadly in construction, beyond wood construction in a narrow sense. It proposes introducing life-cycle-based carbon limit values for buildings and updating construction guidance so it accounts for climate impacts across a building’s full life cycle. It also calls for climate impacts of material choices to be reflected in construction guidance and for substitution effects between materials to be considered in climate impact assessments. More >> Source: Lesprom Clear standards for forestry work in Tairāwhiti
The Gisborne District Council is taking a clear and
consistent approach to certifying suitably qualified and experienced
forestry experts involved in forestry activities across
Te Tairāwhiti.Standard forestry consent conditions produced last year require companies to use suitably qualified and experienced practitioners (SQEPs) to prepare plans, design works, and verify that work has been carried out in line with those plans and good practice. Sustainable Futures Director Jocelyne Allen says the changes bring more clarity and consistency to how forestry work is managed. “SQEPs are a well-established approach in regulatory settings and are now being applied to forestry activities, with a clear process to ensure they are assessed and certified consistently.” “These experts play a key role in forestry activities. Depending on their role, they may prepare forestry plans, manage or inspect work on the ground and confirm that work has been completed in line with approved standards.” Mrs Allen says this is particularly important for Tairāwhiti given the region’s highly erosion-prone land. “This is about making sure the right expertise is applied to the right work. It gives the industry clearer expectations and helps ensure work is done to the right standard.” “The process helps give our communities confidence that forestry activities are being planned, managed and verified to an appropriate standard.” Council recently met with forestry stakeholders to present the SQEP certification process. Feedback from workshops with the forestry sector highlighted limited SQEP capacity in the region and the need for a practical pathway for experienced practitioners who may not automatically meet the SQEP definition. Practitioners who do not automatically meet the SQEP definition under the consent conditions may apply through the certification process to demonstrate equivalent qualifications and experience. For more information about the SQEP process, including how to apply, visit Suitably Qualified and Experienced Practitioner Certification. Source: Gisborne District Council  Survey: Temporary traffic control on private forest roads
Following a review of reported incidents within the IRIS
database and WorkSafe assessments, temporary traffic control on private
forest roads has been identified as an area that needs urgent review.
The Best Practice Guidelines for Temporary Traffic Control on Private Forest Roads (BPG) was first published in 2007. FISC has commissioned a full review of this BPG, led by an independent Technical Advisory Group (TAG). Before the TAG begins its substantive work, we want to hear from the people who have actually used the BPG – forest owners, contractors, operators, and health and safety practitioners. The following survey will help us gather feedback on this topic. You know where it works, where it falls short, and what has changed in the 18 years since it was written, please share your thoughts with us. Your responses will directly inform the TAG's decisions. This is your opportunity to shape the revised BPG before it is drafted. Responses and privacy The survey is made up of 19 questions and takes 15-20 minutes to complete. Submissions are due by 5pm, Friday 19 June 2026. Your responses will be seen only by the programme manager and used solely to inform the TAG's work. Individual responses will not be shared with anyone else. If you are happy to be contacted to discuss your responses further, please indicate in the final survey question. Click here for the industry survey. More >> Source: Safetree Quieter fire season concludes with low forest impact
OneFortyOne’s 2025–26 fire season has officially
concluded, following generally milder conditions across the Green
Triangle compared to previous seasons.OneFortyOne Green Triangle Forests general manager Deon Kriek acknowledged the efforts of crews and partner brigades. “Working closely with the Country Fire Service (CFS), Country Fire Authority (CFA), and industry brigades continues to be essential in protecting our forests and supporting our communities,” Deon said. The 2025-26 season ran from 1 December 2025 to 13 April 2026, lasting 134 days. Deon said conditions across the region were generally wetter than average for most of the season, which helped reduce overall fire activity. “Our crews were on standby for 88 days, which is slightly below the long-term average,” Deon said. “Across the season, we responded to 28 fires both within our estate and across the region.” Fifteen fires occurred on OneFortyOne-managed land, with crews also assisting at fires on private property, other forestry estates, national parks, and roadsides. Fire causes included lightning strikes, suspected arson, vehicle-related incidents, and escaped agricultural burns. “Only 0.3 hectares of our local forests were impacted, and most importantly, our crews went home safe and well every day,” Deon said. OneFortyOne supported efforts interstate, with teams of firefighters completing three deployments to Victoria, including assisting with the Otways fires. The season also saw three new Quick Response Vehicles (QRVs) added to the fleet, along with ongoing construction of the Mount Burr Fire Tower, due to be completed before the next season begins. An end of season celebration was held in May to thank crews and recognise their contribution. “The end of season get together is a good opportunity to catch up and thank our crews for the effort they’ve put in,” Deon said. “While we had a relatively quiet season, we’re proud of our teams, the work they’ve done and the connections they’ve made with other brigades,” Deon said. More >> Source & image credit: OneFortyOne Modern forestry meets modern learning in Christchurch
Innovative science and mathematics teachers at Middleton Grange
School are being recognised for creating meaningful, future-focused
learning opportunities for their students by organising a Discover
Forestry visit this week. Their commitment to contextual and career-connected education saw forestry professionals Erica Kinder and Grace Hughes invited into senior biology classrooms to demonstrate the real-world applications of science and mathematics within New Zealand’s modern forestry industry. The sessions highlighted the strong connection between classroom learning and future careers, showing students how science and mathematics underpin innovative and technology-driven industries. By connecting students directly with industry professionals, the teachers helped bring classroom learning to life in a highly relevant and engaging way. Throughout the day, students explored forestry science concepts including counting growth rings to determine the age of trees, how seasonal conditions affect tree growth, and the physiology of trees. These practical discussions helped students connect biological theory with real forestry applications in New Zealand. Students were particularly interested in learning how drones are used in modern forestry operations. Grace explained how drones capture aerial images that are overlaid to create detailed maps of forestry blocks. Grace and Erica also demonstrated drone technology on the school field, giving students a first-hand look at how technology is transforming forestry through mapping, monitoring, planning, and environmental management. Students were also excited to learn about tertiary study pathways into the forestry sector, particularly through the School of Forestry in Christchurch, located not far from Middleton Grange School. Many were amazed by the range of study options and career opportunities available within forestry science, engineering, environmental management, and technology. The Discover Forestry team recognised the strong links between forestry and the science curriculum and the value of contextual learning opportunities like this. The visit marked the first time Discover Forestry has presented directly within senior science classrooms to help students better understand the real-world connections to modern forestry in New Zealand, and the team is keen to continue building similar partnerships with schools in the future. Students were highly engaged throughout the sessions and showed strong interest in the wide variety of careers available within the forestry sector, from science and technology roles through to environmental management, engineering, harvesting, mapping, and research. Source & image credit: Discover Forestry New Zealand Jobs
Buy and Sell
And one to end the week on... Nothing runs like a Deere
Who knew??? Yes, back in the ‘good old’ days, the giant John Deere (‘nothing runs like a Deere’) company expanded into making snowmobiles. Well indeed, who knew that? Somewhere out there in the snow-clad hills of the northern hemisphere (most likely) there are some collectors items that are worth far more now than if the company had continued making skidoos to today: 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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