Friday Offcuts – 17 July 2026
Click to Subscribe - It's FREE! Welcome to this week's issue of Friday Offcuts.Leading the news is the confirmed closure of Juken New Zealand's Northland Mill, with growing calls for government support to help protect jobs and the region's forestry industry. This edition also examines proposed changes to the Sustainable Forest Management Standard and significant reforms to New Zealand's health and safety legislation. Across Australia, New South Wales is investing in expanded prefabricated housing manufacturing, community concerns around carbon forestry in Bombala, and the programme for HarvestTECH & Wood Transport Logistics 2026 has now been released, highlighting the latest advances in harvesting, transport, AI, and automation. Elsewhere, we look inside IKEA's New Zealand forestry operations, cover Claymark Australia's acquisition of Tilling Group, and report on the latest Truckometer economic indicators, workforce initiatives, and more. Read these stories and more in this week's Friday Offcuts.
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This week we have for you:
Northland Mill to close [NZ]
Juken New Zealand has concluded consultation with employees
regarding the future of Northland Mill and has made the difficult
decision to proceed with the closure of the mill.This decision follows an extensive process to identify a buyer or alternative arrangement that would allow the mill to continue operating in a financially sustainable way. Over recent months, we explored a range of options, including a sale process and other potential business arrangements. Despite those efforts, we were unable to identify a viable pathway forward. Before reaching this decision, we undertook a formal consultation process with employees and union representatives. We carefully considered the feedback received and would like to thank everyone who participated in that process. We recognise the significance of this announcement for our employees, their whānau and the wider Northland community. Many people have dedicated years of service to Northland Mill, and we acknowledge the impact this decision will have. Our focus now is supporting affected employees through the next stage of the process. This includes discussions about redeployment opportunities across JNL, as well as access to a range of services including financial advice, wellbeing support, and employment and training opportunities. The current plan is for the mill to close by 21st August 2026. Production activity will gradually reduce over the coming weeks as remaining work is completed. While the decision has been made to close Northland Mill, we remain open to conversations with potential buyers and continue to explore opportunities relating to the land and assets. We will provide further updates if there are any developments. The decision relates to Northland Mill only. By way of a reminder, Northland Mill produces veneer only. Triboard and Strandboard produced at Triboard Mill and J-frame, J-ply and solid wood produced at Wairarapa Mill are not impacted by this announcement. The process to explore a potential sale of Triboard as a going concern remains ongoing. JNL remains committed to New Zealand and to maintaining a sustainable forestry and manufacturing business here. Decisions relating to the Kaitaia mills have been made with the long-term viability of the wider business in mind. Source & image credit: Juken New Zealand --- Further reading: Time ticking on successful outcome for Juken Kaitāia mills Time is running out to save two significant mills in Kaitāia from closure say Northland Regional Council (NRC), Far North District Council (FNDC) and Northland NZ (NNZ) who are calling on central government step in to limit job losses, as NNZ continues to work with potential investors. Juken New Zealand, a Japanese-owned company, announced earlier this year it was seeking expressions of interests to buy its two mills in Kaitāia – Northland Mill and Triboard plant. That offer process closed at the end of May. Government investment would see good financial returns, jobs and capability retained in the region, and it would protect our forestry industry, while closing the Northland Mill and Triboard plant would devastate the Far North town and Te Tai Tokerau Northland, says Head of Investment at NNZ, Tui Rutherford. “Conservative modelling predicts that investing right now will generate a good return over five years on an initial government investment. Acting soon also avoids economic damage and disruption which will cost the government dearly in the long term.” More >> Source: Northland NZ How should our forests be managed? [NZ/AU]
Just a few weeks left to have your say on the Sustainable Forest
Management Standard (AS/NZS 4708) revision. Stakeholders are
encouraged to review and provide feedback on proposed amendments to the
Australian/New Zealand Standard for Sustainable Forest Management
(AS/NZS 4708:2021) before public consultation closes on 7 August
2026.Developed by Responsible Wood, AS/NZS 4708 sets out requirements for sustainable forest management in Australia and New Zealand. It forms part of the Responsible Wood Certification Scheme and supports PEFC-endorsed certification in Australia. In New Zealand, it underpins the PEFC-recognised sustainable forest management scheme. The Standard plays an important role in stewarding responsible forest management practices that support healthy forests, biodiversity, renewable timber supply, regional jobs, cultural values and community expectations. Responsible Wood CEO Simon Dorries said the public consultation process provides an important opportunity for stakeholders to contribute to the ongoing development of the Standard. "Sustainable forest management impacts a wide range of people and sectors both directly and indirectly, from forest managers through to processors, builders, designers, retailers, environmental groups, communities and consumers," Mr Dorries said. "The draft Standard has been developed through a multi-stakeholder process, but public consultation is an important part of standards development. Feedback helps ensure the Standard reflects a broad range of perspectives before it’s finalised." "Whether you work in the sector or have an interest in how our forests are managed, we encourage you to review the proposed amendments and provide feedback before consultation closes on 7 August." With the revision process initiated every five years, the latest updates reflect changes to the PEFC International Standard for Sustainable Forest Management PEFC ST 1003:2024 introduced to align PEFC with the European Deforestation Regulation and stakeholder feedback received since AS/NZS 4708 was last updated in 2021. The revised draft has been developed by the Standards Reference Committee, which includes representatives from forest management, forest research, auditing, government, community organisations, environmental groups, Indigenous stakeholders, industry and labour unions across Australia and New Zealand. The review process is being undertaken in accordance with Standards Australia procedures. Responsible Wood is accredited as a Standards Development Organisation (SDO) and is accredited to develop Australian and New Zealand Standards in line with recognised standards development processes. The Responsible Wood Certification Scheme, of which AS/NZS 4708:2021 is a key component, is endorsed by the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) – the world's largest forest certification system. Stakeholders are invited to review the draft Standard and provide feedback by 7 August 2026: Source & image credit: Responsible Wood  EOI open for the future of housing construction in NSW [AU]
The world’s best and brightest in housing are invited to
help build more high-quality homes, faster for the people
of NSW using Modern Methods of Construction (MMC).
An Expression of Interest (EOI) is now open for businesses to establish or expand a manufacturing facility in NSW to produce prefabricated building components or large-scale modular housing, specifically for higher density housing types, including developing designs from the mid-rise pattern book. The Minns Labor Government is set to turbocharge the way homes are built in NSW, unlocking the potential of MMC and lifting productivity in the building sector. Through the Modern Methods of Construction Industry Expansion Program (MMCIEP), the Minns Labor Government is inviting businesses with expertise in advanced manufacturing, prefabrication and modular construction to invest in NSW and help transform the way homes are built. The program aims to grow local manufacturing, strengthen supply chains, create skilled jobs and accelerate the delivery of more homes across the state. The Minns Labor Government will consider supporting the development of the facility through financial support, through the provision of suitable land, by agreement to purchase output from the facility, including housing and other public facilities, as well as considering alternative proposals where these represent value for money for taxpayers and will support the development of a sustainable industry in NSW. The EOI is the first stage of a two-stage procurement process, and proposals will be assessed on commercial readiness, demonstrated capability and capacity to deliver at scale. The launch follows the opening of the Housing Innovation in Construction Fund and Housing Innovation Network Grants Program, representing almost $4 million in investment to help grow the local MMC sector, commercialise new technologies and bring more innovative manufacturers into the NSW housing market. The Government is also investing $1.6 million to establish a new regulatory framework and introduce a certification system for MMC, formally recognising prefabricated buildings in NSW law and integrating MMC into the planning approvals system, as well as reforming procurement to open up more opportunities for MMC projects in NSW, using the Government’s purchasing power to help grow a strong and sustainable MMC industry. Together, these reforms are designed to give industry the confidence to invest in NSW, expand manufacturing capability and build a sustainable pipeline of modern construction projects for years to come. This is part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to build a better NSW with more high-quality homes and services, so young people, families and key local workers have somewhere to live in the communities they choose. The EOI closes at 9:00am AEST on Monday, 3 August 2026. Businesses can access the EOI documentation and apply through the NSW Government's tendering portal. Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully said, " This is a call to action for the world's best manufacturers. If you have the expertise to build faster, smarter and at scale, we want you to help us build homes in NSW. Modern methods of construction will help us deliver more high-quality homes while reducing waste, lifting productivity and growing local manufacturing." Executive Chair of prefabAUS, Damien Crough said, "prefabAUS, the peak body for MMC in Australia since 2013 welcomes this initiative and congratulates the Minns Labor Government on its commitment to growing the MMC industry. By supporting manufacturers to invest, innovate and scale production, NSW is creating the conditions to deliver more homes, faster, while building sovereign capability, creating skilled jobs and positioning the state as Australia's leader in industrialised construction." Source: NSW Government HarvestTECH & Wood Transport Logistics programme released [NZ]
The programme has now been released for HarvestTECH & Wood Transport
Logistics 2026, bringing together two days of presentations focused
on the latest developments in forest harvesting, wood transport and
supply chain logistics.Running in Rotorua, New Zealand on 10–11 November 2026, this year’s conference features more than 40 presentations from industry leaders, researchers and technology providers from New Zealand, Australia, Europe and North America. The programme combines practical operational case studies with updates on emerging technologies that are beginning to change how harvesting and transport operations are planned and managed. Several presentations will explore the growing use of artificial intelligence and automation across the forestry supply chain. Delegates will hear how AI is being used to improve harvesting planning, optimise transport logistics and support better operational decision-making, alongside updates on digital fleet management systems and data-driven forestry operations. The programme also includes a strong focus on harvesting equipment and mechanisation, with international manufacturers and contractors sharing the latest developments in harvesting heads, steep terrain operations, machine automation and productivity improvements from around the world. Wood transport remains a major component of the conference, with sessions covering heavy vehicle technology, fleet safety, driver performance, transport efficiency, regulatory developments and innovations designed to improve the movement of logs from forest to processing plants and ports. As in previous years, the conference brings the harvesting and transport sectors together under one programme, recognising that improvements in productivity and efficiency increasingly depend on better coordination across the entire wood supply chain. The 2026 programme also includes a number of operational case studies from forestry companies and contractors, giving delegates practical examples of how new technologies and management approaches are being applied in day-to-day operations. Alongside the conference sessions, delegates will be able to meet with equipment manufacturers, technology suppliers and service providers exhibiting throughout the event, providing opportunities to see new products and discuss the latest developments with industry experts. With the programme now confirmed, registrations are open for HarvestTECH & Wood Transport Logistics 2026. The full programme, speaker information and registration details are available on the conference website. Source: Innovatek  SnapSTAT - Leading indicators of economic activity [NZ] If you’re looking for leading indicators of economic activity, here’s a good one. You can see from its inception in 2013 it correlates well. If you want more detail sign up to receive their monthly updates.  Read more: ANZ NZ Truckometer: June data A look at Ikea's 43,000 hectares of forest in New Zealand [NZ]Swedish furniture company IKEA says it has 'nothing to hide' with its forestry operations and is proud of what it is doing in New Zealand.RNZ reported in December that rural communities were concerned about the extent of new forestry plantings in in Central Hawke's Bay. Locals pointed to worries about fire risk and the loss of jobs and communities due to the land use change from farming to forestry. Earlier this month, IKEA gave media* and some farmers a tour of two forestry blocks. Ingka Investments Forestland country manager Kelvin Meredith told RNZ that IKEA was proud of its work in New Zealand. "You know, we're doing something different. We're doing large set asides, we're passionate about biodiversity and different species. We've got nothing to hide. We're an open book. "We don't need to wave the flag how great we are, but we like to think we're a good neighbour, and we communicate well," Meredith said. More >> Source: RNZ Carbon forestry a good plan for Bombala's future [AU]
A recent community meeting in Bombala to address a growing
concern of local farmland sales to corporate entities for carbon
forestry projects (both environmental plantings and plantation
forestry methods) featured forestry industry expert, Rob de
Fegely. Other speakers at the June meeting were local farmers John Murdoch, John Jeffreys and Ben Mooney. Together they spoke to the community about concerns relating to a loss of productive farmland, reduced rural employment, outside corporate involvement and uncertainty about long-term impacts. Mr de Fegely provided an insight into the regional forestry hubs established under the National Forestry Industry Plan 2018. There are 11 regional forestry hubs across Australia. The forestry industry hubs work with industry, state and local governments and other key stakeholders to prepare and provide the government with strategic planning, technical assessments and analyses that aim to support growth in the forest industries in their region. Mr de Fegely is the manager of the South East Forestry Hub, which supports forestry industries in southern NSW and the ACT to help grow a positive future for the region's communities and environment. He also sits on the board of Forestry Corporation NSW and chairs the Public Forest Agency in Tasmania. More >> Source: The Monaro Post  Changes to the health and safety law [NZ]
As New Zealand’s primary work health and safety law, the
Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA) sets out what businesses need
to do to keep people healthy and safe at work. It also
establishes key work health and safety principles and rights.Today, amendments to the Act received Royal Assent and became law with the changes coming into effect on 1 April 2027. The amendments aim to focus the health and safety system on critical risk so that businesses are clear about the most important things to focus on. It’s part of the Government’s wider health and safety reforms. From 1 April 2027, small businesses (those with fewer than 20 workers) will be required to manage critical risks and to prioritise critical risk when complying with other provisions of the Act and its regulations. Critical risks are those likely to cause the most serious harm. Larger businesses must manage all risks but prioritise those that are critical. All businesses will need to identify critical risks based on what they should reasonably know about their work. Other key changes include:
Understanding the changes to health and safety law Source: Worksafe New Zealand  New mountain bike hub puts NSW State forests on map [AU]Mountain bike riders and adventure seekers can explore more of the best riding experiences in NSW through the launch of a new online MTB hub showcasing State forest trails. Forestry Corporation has created a new online resource www.mtbliveshere.com.au promoting the extensive State forest mountain biking network.All trails and mountain bike parks, which operate under forest permits, are featured in the new MTB hub bringing together trail information, mapping and destination imagery to highlight world‑class mountain biking trails and infrastructure in NSW State forests. Visitor Experience Manager Steve Pickering: “NSW State forests are home to an incredibly diverse range of mountain bike experiences, from purpose‑built trail networks to scenic cross‑country rides through working forests,” Mr Pickering said. “This new hub puts all that information in one place, making it easier for riders to find trails that suit their style and skill level while showcasing the unique landscapes and communities that surround our forests.” The hub features trails and destinations right across the state, including popular riding areas such as Ourimbah State Forest on the Central Coast, the Watagan Mountains near Lake Macquarie and forest‑based trail networks in regional NSW that combine flowing singletrack in scenic natural settings. Wherever you are, there is bound to be a mountain bike park near you Designed as both a planning tool and a source of inspiration, the MTB Hub helps riders explore the diversity of forest‑based trails from adrenaline‑fuelled descents to family‑friendly loops and long‑distance adventures. Visit NSW State Forests is also calling on the mountain biking community to help showcase these experiences by sharing images captured in State forests. Keen riders are encouraged to submit their photos to story@fcnsw.com.au with selected images featured to promote mountain biking destinations across the state. More >> Source: Forestry Corporation  Anger over earthworks on dioxin site [NZ]
Advocacy group Sawmill Workers Against Poisons (Swap) is
surprised and disappointed it wasn’t notified about earthworks
taking place on a dioxin-contaminated site in Whakatāne.
Swap chairman Kereama Akuhata said the society and some nearby
residents had serious community health concerns about the work on the
historic sawmill site.Earthworks required to build a new fuel station at 2 Phoenix Drive, between Bunnings Warehouse and State Highway 30, have been consented by Bay of Plenty Regional Council and Whakatāne District Council, with contaminated soil management plans in place. It is a site Swap considers to be one of the most contaminated in the district because it is where, in the 1970s, treated timber was left to dry after being soaked in Pentachlorophenol (PCP) that contained dioxins known to be cancer-causing. Akuhata said people working in and living near the sawmill and their families had high levels of cancer. Swap has been advocating for the past 40 years for better health care for these families and recognition that 36 sites in Whakatāne were contaminated from these activities. He runs a special support service for former sawmill workers and their families who have been exposed to hazardous substances – at Ngāti Awa Social and Health Services. More >> Source: SunLive / Diane McCarthy Image credit: Diane McCarthy Claymark Australia acquires Tilling SmartFrame [AU]
Claymark Australia is proud to announce that on the 31 July
2026, we will complete the acquisition of the Tilling Group,
marking a significant milestone in our commitment to delivering premium
building products and expanding our national distribution network.Tilling Group, established in 1963, has built a remarkable legacy as a family‑owned business known for its dedication to quality and service excellence. This acquisition ensures the enduring legacy of Norm, Judy, and the Tilling family, whose values and vision have shaped the company’s strong industry reputation. Claymark’s Mortim distribution business, together with Tilling SmartFrame, strengthens our service capability across Australia and supports the expansion of our product offering. By combining Claymark’s culture of “Ingrained Precision in everything we do” with Tilling’s longstanding expertise, we are positioned to deliver even greater value and service to customers nationwide. The Tilling SmartFrame team will continue operating under the trusted Tilling name, retaining their valued staff and upholding the high standards that have made them a preferred partner to timber merchants and the wider building industry for decades. Paul Pedersen, Executive Director of Claymark Group, said, “It's a truly exciting time for our industry. With Claymark guiding both Mortim and Tilling as independently run businesses, we are strengthening our national supply chain while keeping each operation focused on what it does best. This approach ensures we continue delivering what the Australian building sector needs, while still honoring the history and values of the Tilling family.” More >> Source: FMA News Image credit: Tilling Group New training support with Competenz & EMA partnership [NZ]
Competenz and the EMA (Employers and Manufacturers Association)
have announced a new partnership that extends support for employers
beyond apprenticeships and vocational training into broader business
capability.With both organisations supporting thousands of New Zealand businesses across engineering, manufacturing and trades sectors, the partnership gives Competenz employers access to practical business support that extends beyond training, including employment relations and legal services, HR resources, and leadership and health and safety courses at EMA member rates. Employers new to the EMA will also receive a discount on their first year of membership. Ruth Cooper, Executive Director of Competenz, said the partnership reflects a deep understanding of what our industries and employers need. "We know our industry trades, and engineering and manufacturing employers inside out. We understand what it takes for them to be high performing, sustainable and future-focused, and everything we do is built around that. This partnership with the EMA means our employers now have access to employment relations expertise, HR resources and leadership development alongside the vocational training we already provide.” She says the integrated approach gives businesses more confidence to lead well, and the EMA’s guidance can help managers to meet their obligations and grow capable, connected teams, delivering value for employers, learners and the wider New Zealand economy. John Fraser-Mackenzie, EMA’s Chief Executive, believes the partnership will ultimately strengthen New Zealand's workforce, productivity and business growth. “We're really looking forward to working more closely with Competenz. Both of our organisations are passionate about helping businesses build the skills they need for the future. There's a real opportunity for us to achieve more together than we can on our own. I am confident that this will help grow capability across industries, creating more opportunities for apprentices and learners. “This will strengthen New Zealand's workforce and productivity, enabling businesses to innovate, compete and grow with confidence.” Beyond service delivery, the two organisations will advocate together on skills development and workforce capability policy with government and industry. Ruth says, “Competenz and the EMA will work together to advocate for workforce development and vocational education, bringing employers’ voices into policy discussions with government and industry.” The partnership reflects Competenz's next chapter as an industry-owned organisation, broadening the services available to employers while continuing its focus on high-quality vocational education. Source & image credit: Competenz  Jobs
Buy and Sell
And one to end the week on... The Irishman and his trip to Heaven
An Irishman was sent on his way to Heaven. Upon arrival, a concerned St
Peter met him at the Pearly Gates. 'I'm sorry,' St Peter said; 'But Heaven
is suffering from an overload of goodly souls and we have been forced to
put up an Entrance Exam for new arrivals to ease the burden of Heavenly
Arrivals.' 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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