Friday Offcuts – 9 October 2026
Click to Subscribe - It's FREE! Welcome to this week’s issue of Friday Offcuts.Our lead story looks at New Zealand’s $15 million government commitment to establish the country’s first BioFactory, turning forestry, agricultural and marine by-products into high-value ingredients. Over in Australia, the latest softwood sales figures point to a steady recovery despite ongoing challenges in residential construction. We also look at promising trials of wearable exoskeletons that could reduce the physical strain of forestry work, along with a refreshed Green Triangle Freight Action Plan aimed at strengthening freight links and supporting growth across Victoria and South Australia. Meanwhile, Tairāwhiti is working through reviews of its forestry consenting and compliance processes, while South Australian authorities and industry step up efforts to contain new Giant Pine Scale detections. There’s also plenty of technology and innovation in the mix, from autonomous robots being developed for timber construction to AI tools monitoring wildlife in Taranaki. And with HarvestTECH & Wood Transport Logistics 2026 coming up in Rotorua next month, early bird pricing ends today. There are also a limited number of complimentary passes available for forestry professionals under 35, thanks to the WIDE Trust. If you’re interested, contact gordon.thomson@ innovatek.co.nz to secure your spot. Read on for these stories and more.
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This week we have for you:
$15M ring-fenced for biomanufacturing expansion [NZ]
Based in Rotorua, the BioFactory will turn low-value or waste
forestry, agriculture and marine by-products into high-value
ingredients, at a scale supporting commercial production.Government support for New Zealand’s first ‘BioFactory’ will unlock private investment in shared infrastructure that transforms low-value primary sector commodities and waste into high-value ingredients for industries ranging from health and nutrition to advanced materials and pharmaceuticals. This announcement by Minister of Forestry Todd McClay will see the government, via the Ministry for Primary Industries, ring-fence $15m towards a $30m capital raise, conditional on a further $15m being secured from private investors. Kaingaroa Tipu (formerly Timberlands) has already committed $2m. Separate to the capital raise, a further $20m investment is expected from a property developer. The facility is expected to be designed next year, built in 2028 and operational in 2029. BioFactory Chief Executive Claire Stewart says biomanufacturing facilities are common overseas, with government funding the critical step in attracting the additional investment that makes them a reality. “New Zealand has small pilot plants for testing new bio-based products, but they are typically designed for a single process and feedstock and are often too small to prove commercial viability. "Businesses that have proven their science at lab or pilot scale have effectively had two options: invest in their own costly facility before completing the scale-up process, or go overseas for scale-up validation, potentially putting their IP at risk,” says Stewart. “The BioFactory closes that gap with a single, shared site where companies of any size can test and scale their product using real feedstock at volume before committing to build a plant of their own.” Stewart says there is growing demand from global manufacturers for fossil free ingredients such as proteins and resins that could be produced here using our abundant biomass. “New Zealand is great at producing commodity products like logs and milk powder, but there is much more value we can capture." "We currently import high-value specialty chemicals and ingredients made from petrochemicals that could instead be made from biomass. The BioFactory will help turn our side and waste streams into these high-value products, creating new revenue, intellectual property and jobs here in New Zealand.” Kaingaroa Tipu Chief Executive Ryan Cavanagh says the company has been the first private investor in the BioFactory because it believes it can change what a forest can be worth to New Zealand. “Kaingaroa Tipu manages New Zealand’s largest sustainable harvest forest. We see the BioFactory as the way to unlock whole-of-tree value from wood that is currently sold into lower value markets.” Radiata pine producer Sequal is supportive of the BioFactory, with Chief Executive David Turner saying the company sees the importance of this investment for New Zealand industry. “We see first-hand how much low value material moves through this industry every year. The BioFactory will give that material somewhere to go, beyond commodity markets, into higher value products we can’t currently make here.” The New Zealand BioFactory concept has been led by the NZ Product Accelerator with close support of the Bioeconomy Science Institute Maiangi Taiao. Dr Alec Foster, the BSI's Bioproducts Portfolio Leader, has been the Science and Engineering Lead since the project's inception. "We are building something to deliver products the world needs. Demand for biobased ingredients is reshaping how global brands source their raw materials. Unilever, Lululemon and food ingredient manufacturer ADM are already sourcing fermentation-derived ingredients and bio manufactured materials for their products,” says Dr Foster. New Zealand’s first BioFactory will follow the introduction of government-backed biofactories in the UK, Canada, Germany and Belgium. More >> Source & image credit: BioFactory  What the latest softwood sales data reveals [AU]Softwood sales update: Structural timber remains steady while packaging demand continues to growFWPA’s latest 12-month rolling sales data show that total softwood sales volumes recovered steadily during FY2025-26, reflecting an improvement in residential construction activity. Total sales reached around 2.73 million m³ in early 2024 before declining through to mid-2025. Since then, volumes have gradually strengthened, rising to approximately 2.70 million m³ by mid-2026, before easing slightly in the latest month while remaining above levels recorded a year earlier. The trend reflects broader conditions in Australia’s housing market. Higher interest rates and weaker dwelling commencements during 2026 have continued to weigh on residential construction activity, affecting demand for timber products over the past six months. Despite these challenges, the recent recovery in softwood sales suggests market conditions may be beginning to stabilise.  Structural Timber Remains Steady Structural timber continues to dominate softwood demand, accounting for almost half of total sales volumes. Over the period, structural timber sales have remained relatively stable, fluctuating within a narrow range of approximately 1.30 to 1.35 million m³. While demand weakened slightly during the housing downturn, the decline was modest compared with other product categories. The resilience of structural timber reflects its close connection to detached housing construction, where timber remains the preferred framing material across much of Australia. Recent months suggest structural timber demand has stabilised, with volumes maintaining around 1.3 million m³ (Figure 1). Packaging Demand Continues to Rise The strongest growth has occurred in packaging products. Sales, on an annual basis (12-month rolling), increased from around 590,000 m³ in early 2024 to more than 720,000 m³ by mid-2026, representing growth of over 20% during the period. Packaging volumes accelerated particularly through 2025 and 2026, eventually overtaking the combined outdoor, appearance, and other product categories. As mentioned in the previous analysis, the increase may reflect stronger activity across logistics, warehousing, freight movements, and supply chain infrastructure. The rise in packaging demand has become a major contributor to the recovery in total softwood sales and has helped offset weakness elsewhere in the market. Outdoor, Appearance Products, and Export Softwood products used in outdoor, landscaping, and appearance applications have experienced a decline. Sales fell from approximately 730,000 m³ in early 2024 to around 580,000 m³ by mid-2026. This reduction likely reflects softer consumer demand and reduced discretionary spending, particularly on outdoor improvement projects. Cost-of-living pressures have reduced household spending on decking, fencing, landscaping, and other non-essential housing improvements. The declining trend has been gradual but persistent, making this category the largest drag on overall softwood sales during the period. Meanwhile, export volumes remained comparatively small and stable throughout the period, fluctuating around 50,000 to 65,000 m³. Although exports contribute only a minor share of total sales, they continue to provide some market diversification for Australian softwood producers. More >> Source: FWPA Can exoskeletons ease silviculture work? [NZ]
Pruning and planting are among the most physically demanding
tasks in forestry. Workers spend long hours undertaking repetitive
movements, working with their arms elevated, handling loads, and
navigating challenging terrain. While these activities are
fundamental to establishing and maintaining productive forests, they can
place significant strain on the body and contribute to fatigue and
musculoskeletal injury risk.As the forestry sector seeks to improve worker wellbeing, retain experienced workers, and attract future generations into the industry, there is growing interest in technologies that can help reduce the physical demands of silviculture work. One emerging option is wearable support technology, commonly known as an exoskeleton. These devices are worn on the body and are designed to reduce the load placed on muscles and joints during physically demanding tasks. To understand whether these technologies may have a role in New Zealand forestry, the Precision Silviculture Programme recently reviewed international research on exoskeletons and evaluated their potential application within silviculture operations. Understanding the Challenge The review focused initially on pruning, a task long recognised for its physical demands. Pruning often requires sustained overhead work, repetitive cutting actions, awkward postures, ladder use, and movement across uneven terrain. To better understand the ergonomic challenges associated with pruning, the programme undertook a biomechanical assessment of common pruning activities. The assessment found that many tasks fell within high and very high ergonomic risk categories, with forceful lopper use identified as the greatest source of physical exposure. Activities involving prolonged arm elevation, trunk loading, and repetitive cutting motions were particularly demanding. Could Exoskeletons Help? The literature review found growing evidence that some exoskeleton designs can reduce physical loading during demanding manual tasks. Passive shoulder-support exoskeletons have shown particular promise in occupations involving prolonged overhead work by reducing demands on the shoulder muscles and delaying the onset of fatigue. Similarly, back-support exoskeletons have demonstrated potential to reduce lumbar loading during repetitive lifting and bending activities. For forestry, wearable support technologies may help:
Working Alongside Forestry Crews A key focus of the programme is ensuring that technology development remains grounded in operational reality. Researchers are working alongside forestry crews and industry partners to better understand the practical challenges of silviculture work and identify where wearable support technologies may provide genuine value. "If we want a sustainable silviculture workforce, we need solutions that work for the people doing the job. That's why we're working alongside forestry crews every step of the way," said Brionny Hooper, Scientist. Looking Ahead Building on the findings from pruning, the team is now investigating whether similar benefits could be achieved in planting operations. The next phase of research will develop a planting-specific biomechanical risk profile, examining the physical demands associated with repetitive bending, trunk flexion, load carriage, and mobility on steep terrain. Potential technologies will then be assessed through operational field trials alongside forestry crews. Exoskeletons are not a silver bullet, but they offer a promising opportunity to address one of forestry's enduring challenges: the physical demands placed on its workforce. Source & image credit: Forest Growers Research  Green Triangle plan to support future growth [AU]
The Carroll Labor Government and Malinauskas Labor Government
are working together to ensure a safer, more efficient freight network
to deliver agriculture goods, critical minerals and plantation timber.
The refreshed Green Triangle Freight Action Plan will support
infrastructure upgrades to the freight network, helping to create new
jobs, business opportunities and investment into regional communities.
The 2026 Plan refresh looks ahead five years, supporting long-term planning that gives industries certainty. The Green Triangle is a major forestry region in south-west Victoria and south-east South Australia that supplies large volumes of plantation hardwood and softwood timber for new housing and infrastructure projects. New and emerging industries will generate significant freight growth in the region over the next five to ten years, including renewable energy, mineral sands, and critical minerals. This also includes growth in agricultural products, including grain, dairy and fertilisers, further highlighting the region’s role in the national economy. The Green Triangle Freight Action Plan was created in 2009 to support ongoing investment in freight routes across the region, ensuring supply chains are efficient and support community, business and the introduction of new, modern heavy vehicles. “The Green Triangle is a nationally significant freight and industry region, and we are planning its future to keep creating regional jobs,” said Melissa Horne, the Victorian Minister for Ports and Freight. The South Australian Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Joe Szakacs, said “We’re proud to be working collaboratively with the Carroll Labor Government to deliver long-term outcomes that benefit industry and workers in the Green Triangle, and both of our states more broadly. The refreshed plan and consultation feedback will support the Limestone Coast Area planning study which will commence in early 2027.” The report is available: Green Triangle Plan to support future growth. Source & image credit: Victorian Government Image credit: Government of South Australia SnapStat - Australia's electric vehicles surpass petrol sales [AU] New car sales in Australia just made history. January 2026: Petrol led every fuel type by a mile. August 2026: Electric is #1. 25.6% of new vehicles sold were electric — ahead of petrol (24.4%) and diesel (22.3%). First time ever.  Source: LinkedIn Practical solutions needed for Tairāwhiti forestry future [NZ]
Gisborne District Council says forestry is an important part of
the region’s future, while also needing to manage environmental
risk and protect communities.Chief Executive Nedine Thatcher Swann says recent public discussion has highlighted concerns about how Council’s forestry consenting and compliance system is working and the ability of forestry to continue harvesting. “We are listening to those concerns, says Ms Thatcher Swann. “More than 2,800 hectares of red zone land has been consented under the new conditions over the past 15 months.” “We want forestry to succeed in Tairāwhiti, we need harvesting to continue, and we need land that is no longer suitable for plantation forestry to transition safely over time. We also have communities, waterways and infrastructure downstream of some of the most erosion-prone land in the country. We need a way forward that deals with both the economic and environmental realities of our region.” An independent assurance review, chaired by Hon Christopher Finlayson KC, is testing Council’s forestry consenting and compliance system, including the effectiveness and application of the new consent conditions. “There are genuine questions about whether the current system is proportionate, practical and efficient,” says Ms Thatcher Swann. “The purpose of the review is to independently test whether our requirements are as efficient as they reasonably can be. If there are requirements or processes that can be simplified without significantly compromising environmental and community outcomes, we will make them.” Council has progressively strengthened its forestry consenting, monitoring and enforcement capability since 2018, following the Queen’s Birthday floods and successive severe weather events including Cyclones Hale and Gabrielle. It has also implemented recommendations arising from the 2023 Ministerial Inquiry into Land Use. That work has included dedicated forestry expertise, increased aerial and ground monitoring, stronger enforcement where serious non-compliance has occurred, and new standard consent conditions. “Our region has some of the most highly erodible land in the country, combined with steep terrain and exposure to severe weather. When land or woody debris moves, there are communities and critical infrastructure directly in its path,” says Ms Thatcher Swann. “There is a trade-off here that we need to be upfront about. If we loosen requirements, we potentially accept more risk for our communities and environment. We have heard loud and clear from our communities that they are not prepared to go back to the level of risk they have experienced in the past. Equally, forestry supports jobs, families and our regional economy.” Council is also continuing to work with Government facilitator Doug Leeder, iwi, landowners, industry and other stakeholders on the wider challenges facing the region. Further practical work is underway, including development of a nationally consistent framework with the New Zealand Institute of Forestry for recognising suitably qualified forestry professionals, and work with Government and industry on a pilot pathway for forestry-related discharges. Ms Thatcher Swann says the challenges facing forestry in Tairāwhiti extend well beyond the consenting system. “This is bigger than consenting. It is about safely harvesting existing forests, managing legacy risks, transitioning our most vulnerable land and retaining a viable forestry and wood-processing sector through that change. Our focus is on getting the evidence on the table, working through the issues and finding a practical and sustainable way forward for Tairāwhiti.” Source: Gisborne District Council  Decisive action against Giant Pine Scale [AU]
The Malinauskas Government and South Australian forest
industries are cracking down on new detections of Giant Pine Scale at
Hope Valley Reservoir and Highbury Aqueduct reserves.As part of the Government and forest industries’ comprehensive spring surveillance program, a small number of non-native pine trees infected with Giant Pine Scale have been detected. These new detections are in the eastern part of Hope Valley Reservoir Reserve and the western part of Highbury Aqueduct Reserve, close to areas where previous infestations were discovered and removed in recent years. Giant Pine Scale (GPS) is a highly destructive pest that attacks pine trees by feeding on their sap, causing progressive decline and eventual tree death. Left unchecked, GPS threatens Adelaide’s urban pine canopy and the state’s valuable plantation forestry sector. South Australia’s forest industries support thousands of jobs, supply the timber needed to build homes, produce the pallets for goods moving through our supply chains, and provides renewable products that contribute to a lower-carbon future. Taking decisive action now is essential to protect both our urban green spaces and one of the state’s most important sustainable industries. The State Government, in partnership with the Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA), has removed infected and at-risk trees since detections were made in 2023 and continues to undertake proactive surveillance across various sites in the north-eastern suburbs of Adelaide. Following the new detections at Hope Valley and Highbury, work is underway with the forest industry to remove infected and at-risk pine trees. The Malinauskas Government will revegetate all impacted areas with native flora, ensuring their long-term recovery, improved biodiversity, and protection from future GPS infestations. Since 2023, the Malinauskas Government has invested $8 million in GPS response activities and associated revegetation works. A further $3 million has been committed to redevelop Elliston Reserve, in partnership with the City of Tea Tree Gully, following a previous GPS infestation in 2023. This exciting project will deliver extensive revegetation, a new regional play space and other recreational facilities. South Australia’s Giant Pine Scale surveillance program is being undertaken by the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) in partnership with ForestrySA, AFPA, the Department for Environment and Water (DEW) and SA Water. Proactive surveillance will continue through spring and into 2027, monitoring at-risk parks, reserves and plantations for any signs of the pest. More >> Source & image credit: Government of South Australia Robot teams for construction sites [Int]
Higher productivity, greater sustainability: In two new
projects, researchers are rethinking construction using innovative
robotics and integrated planning. With “SCALAR” and
“COBRAS,” both set to launch in November 2026, the
University of Stuttgart has achieved outstanding success in the highly
competitive EIC Pathfinder Challenge.Through the “Pathfinder Challenge,” the European Innovation Council supports groundbreaking technologies with high transformative potential. However, competition for funding is extremely fierce. In the EIC Pathfinder Challenge “Toward Autonomous Robot Collectives Delivering Collaborative Tasks in Dynamic, Unstructured Construction Environments,” the University of Stuttgart secured funding for two successful projects in 2026: SCALAR and COBRAS. Both projects are coordinated by the Institute for Computational Design and Construction (ICD) and will each receive approximately €4 million in funding. "This extraordinary double achievement underscores the University of Stuttgart's leading international position in architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC). At the same time, these new projects are boosting our visibility worldwide as a research hub for the digital transformation of the construction industry,” says Prof. Achim Menges, director of the Institute for Computational Design and Construction (ICD) at the University of Stuttgart. Menges is also the spokesperson for the Stuttgart Cluster of Excellence IntCDC, to which SCALAR and COBRAS are affiliated. Both projects focus on autonomous multi-robot systems for construction sites. Research will begin in November 2026. The projects are scheduled to last three years. Urgently Needed: Greater productivity and sustainability in the construction industry The global demand for housing, buildings, and infrastructure is steadily increasing. To meet this demand, construction would have to increase significantly and proceed more quickly – but a shortage of workers is making this increasingly difficult. SCALAR and COBRAS aim to boost productivity in the construction industry with the help of autonomous robotics. In addition, the researchers view robotics as a pioneer for resource-efficient and circular construction methods. Robotics as part of a comprehensive, integrated approach The two successful EIC projects are based on a research approach that the University of Stuttgart –and the ICD in particular – has developed over many years. "In the IntCDC Cluster of Excellence, we do not view robotics in isolation. To make the construction industry future-proof, we view design, planning, materials, component manufacturing, the construction site, and robotics as part of an integrated system,” says Menges. The researchers in Stuttgart call their new approach “co-design,” in which architecture, engineering, robotics, computer science, and other disciplines work closely together. Using a co-design approach, SCALAR and COBRAS are each exploring different areas of application for collaborative robotic systems on construction sites. SCALAR: Autonomous construction machines and robots work as a team Timber-based modular construction relies on a renewable raw material and is not only considered a forward-looking technology for greater sustainability, but also enables higher productivity in the construction industry. More >> Source & image credit: University of Stuttgart  Forestry Australia thanks retiring board members [AU]
Forestry Australia has recognised the significant contributions
of retiring President Dr Michelle Freeman, as well as retiring Vice-President Dr Bill Jackson, whilst also welcoming two newly elected
directors, Louise Bourke and Dr Phil Lacy, after the Annual
General Meeting in Canberra yesterday.Dr Freeman and Dr Jackson have concluded their terms on the Forestry Australia Board after many years of leadership and service to the organisation, its members and the broader forestry profession. Forestry Australia Chief Executive Officer Jacquie Martin said both had played important roles during a period of significant growth, renewal and increased professional standing for the organisation. “Michelle and Bill have each made an extraordinary contribution to Forestry Australia, and it is difficult to adequately capture the impact of their leadership over many years,” Ms Martin said. “Michelle has led Forestry Australia with enormous energy, commitment as well as a deep belief in the value of forest scientists, forestry professionals and the role that our association can play in strengthening the profession’s voice and standing.” “Michelle will leave a legacy on Forestry Australia, not only through her leadership but through the energy, generosity and passion she has brought to the role. She has helped create an organisation that is confident in its purpose and ambition for our future.” “Bill has brought an exceptional depth of experience to the Board. His national and international perspective, strategic insight, considered approach and strong governance leadership have been enormously valuable as Forestry Australia has continued to mature as an organisation.” “I have personally valued Michelle and Bill’s counsel, support and friendship enormously. On behalf of our members, staff and Board, I sincerely thank them both for their years of service to Forestry Australia and to the profession.” “It has been a genuine privilege to serve as President and to work on behalf of our many thoughtful, passionate and experienced members and dedicated volunteers,” Dr Michelle Freeman said. “I’m proud of what we have achieved together, and particularly of the way Forestry Australia has continued to strengthen its voice as a constructive and trusted contributor to important conversations about forests and their future.” “I step down with enormous gratitude for the people who make this organisation what it is, and with great confidence in those who will carry its work forward.” On his retirement, Dr Bill Jackson reflected the increasingly important role Forestry Australia plays in supporting forest growers, scientists and professionals to restore, conserve and sustainably manage Australia’s forests and woodlands. “The willingness of its members to use credible evidence to promote active and adaptive forest management underpins their commitment to ensuring Australia’s natural and planted forests continue to provide the full range of ecosystem services for the benefit of every Australian.” At the AGM, Forestry Australia members elected Louise Bourke and Dr Phil Lacy as Directors. “We are delighted to welcome our two new Directors and look forward to the experience, perspectives and ideas they will bring to the Board,” Ms Martin said. Following the AGM, Forestry Australia’s Board comprises Dr Lyndall Bull, Leon Holt, Professor Rod Keenan, Matt de Jongh, Louise Bourke and Phil Lacy with Emily Post and Dr Sam Van Holsbeeck continuing as Board Observers. Ms Martin said Forestry Australia was fortunate to benefit from Directors who contribute significantly beyond their formal governance responsibilities. “Our Directors are volunteers, and their contribution extends considerably beyond attending Board meetings. They provide strategic and governance leadership while also contributing substantial time and expertise through committees, working groups, projects, stakeholder engagement and the many issues and opportunities that arise throughout the year.” “Forestry Australia has benefited enormously from the calibre and commitment of the people who have served on its Board. As we farewell Michelle and Bill and welcome our new Directors, we do so from a position of strength and with great appreciation for those who have helped build the organisation we have today.” The new Board will meet following the AGM to elect Forestry Australia’s President and Vice-Presidents. Source & image credit: Forestry Australia How Kauri dieback threatens forest carbon [NZ]
New research from the University of Auckland highlights that
kauri dieback impacts more than tree survival - it can also shift
affected forests from carbon sinks into net carbon sources.As the disease spreads and mature trees decline, living biomass is lost, slowing overall stand growth. When infected trees eventually die, the carbon they accumulated is no longer held in the forest's living vegetation. The study indicates that forests impacted by severe dieback may not regain their previous carbon capacity, instead stabilizing with less living biomass and a reduced ability to store carbon over time. The authors emphasize that protecting mature kauri stands is critical to maintaining both the ecological functions and the long-term carbon stored within these forest ecosystems. More >> Source: The Conversation Modern construction needs up-skilling, not replacement [AU]
The Housing Industry Association (HIA) has welcomed the release
of BuildSkills Australia's new report examining the workforce and skills
implications of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), saying
the findings confirm that innovation in home building can be supported
through evolution of existing skills and training pathways rather than
wholesale workforce disruption.MMC encompasses a range of innovative approaches to designing, manufacturing and delivering buildings, including prefabrication, modular construction, advanced manufacturing techniques and other offsite production methods. While these approaches represent a shift in how homes are built, the report highlights that the industry's existing workforce and training systems are well placed to accommodate growing adoption of these methods. "HIA has long argued that MMC is not about replacing workers, but about changing where and how work is undertaken across the building and construction supply chain," said HIA Executive Director Future Workforce, Mike Hermon. "The report makes it clear that as the industry adopts new construction methods, the need for skilled workers does not disappear. Instead, tasks may shift between construction sites, manufacturing facilities, design functions and supply chain operations." The report finds that existing vocational and professional training frameworks can largely support MMC adoption through targeted upskilling, skills deepening and adaptation of current qualifications, rather than the creation of entirely new occupational pathways. "This is an important finding because it recognises that Australia's building workforce already possesses many of the foundational skills required to support MMC," Mr Hermon said. "The challenge is less about creating a whole new workforce and more about ensuring workers, supervisors, designers and manufacturers can build on their existing skills and apply them in new ways." HIA welcomed the report's four priority reform areas, which focus on practical workforce development measures that can be implemented alongside industry adoption. These priorities include:
"It recognises that MMC adoption remains at varying stages across different construction sectors and regions. Future workforce reforms should be informed by actual uptake and demonstrated skills needs rather than assumptions about how quickly these methods may be adopted." HIA said the report also reinforces the importance of maintaining flexible training arrangements allowing industry to respond to innovation without creating unnecessary complexity within the vocational education and training system. "As Australia seeks to lift productivity and increase housing supply, MMC will play an important role alongside traditional construction methods," Mr Hermon said. "The key message from this report is that innovation and workforce development can progress together. The industry's workforce remains central to delivering the homes Australia needs, regardless of whether construction occurs entirely onsite, offsite, or through a combination of both." More >> Source: Housing Industry Association (HIA) --(2022)2.jpg) Taranaki innovators selected by Google for AI accelerator [NZ]
Two Taranaki conservation organisations, 800 Trust and
Wildlife.ai, have been selected among just 16 other organisations across
Asia Pacific to join Google DeepMind’s AI for the Planet
Accelerator, bringing Taranaki conservation innovation into an
international programme focused on using artificial intelligence to
address the world’s most critical environmental challenges.800 Trust have developed the acoustic monitoring system Hark, and Wildlife.ai are the creators of open-source camera monitoring system Wildlife Watcher. The selection provides international recognition for their use of combining AI with technology, and conservation expertise to make biodiversity monitoring faster, more accessible and more effective. The two organisations have just returned from a boot camp in Singapore, launching an intensive three-month programme where they will receive access to Google’s technical expertise, mentorship and resources to develop and scale AI-powered solutions for environmental challenges. Miranda Wells from 800 Trust said that the accelerator programme gives their organisation a critical boost to accelerate technology developed in Taranaki, with potential to increase its impact on biodiversity restoration globally. “AI has enormous potential to make wildlife monitoring faster and more affordable, making the important work of conservation groups that much more impactful.” “Working with Google DeepMind provides an exciting opportunity to push that technology further and explore applications that could benefit conservation projects both here in Taranaki and around the world.” Hark, developed by 800 Trust, uses AI-powered acoustic sensors to “listen” to the ngahere. Installed in remote forests, the devices record and analyse bird calls, detect pest species, and track ecosystem changes over time. Wildlife Watcher, developed by Wildlife.ai, is developing an AI-powered camera to identify and count smaller mammals, reptiles, and amphibians which are typically harder to monitor using traditional methods. For Victor Anton from Wildlife.ai, the selection of both organisations is a reflection of the broader innovation and commitment of the Taranaki conservation sector. “To have two Taranaki organisations included in a cohort of only sixteen from around the world shows just how advanced our region is when it comes to conservation. When it comes to restoring our natural environment, the world truly is watching Taranaki.” Both organisations are part of the Wild for Taranaki network, which connects conservation organisations across the region to share expertise, build partnerships and strengthen biodiversity outcomes. Their selection comes as Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki and Wild for Taranaki are working together on a new initiative exploring how Taranaki’s biodiversity strengths could create wider environmental, social and economic value for the region. Supported by Toi Foundation, the project is exploring opportunities including nature-positive investment, , ecotourism, and conservation technology education , with the aim of strengthening the long-term sustainability and impact of biodiversity restoration work across Taranaki. Thom Adams, Biodiversity Innovation Lead at Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki says that to have two Taranaki organisations recognised through an international programme of this calibre is significant. “It demonstrates that some of the solutions being developed here to address very local conservation challenges have much wider potential. “As a region, we have an opportunity to build on the incredible biodiversity restoration work already happening across Taranaki by connecting it with technology, research, new partnerships and investment. That can strengthen conservation outcomes here while also creating expertise and solutions that have relevance well beyond our region.” More >> Source & image credit: Venture Taranaki Comact completes acquisition of Checkmate [NZ/AU]
Comact is pleased to announce that it has completed the
acquisition of Checkmate Precision Cutting Tools, a leading manufacturer
and service provider of bandsaws, circular saws, industrial knives, and
complete saw shop solutions with operations across New Zealand and
Australia. The acquisition, announced on July 29, 2026, builds
on Comact’s growing cutting solutions platform and installed base
in the region.“We are excited to officially welcome the Checkmate team to Comact,” said Dustin Norris, Vice President, Comact Cutting Solutions. “The combination of our customer-centric organizations strengthens our ability to support customers with industry-leading cutting products, technical services, and performance-focused solutions while expanding our presence across New Zealand and Australia.” “Joining Comact creates exciting opportunities for our customers and employees,” said Stewart Martin, Managing Director of Checkmate. “Our organizations share a commitment to quality, service, and long-term customer success. We look forward to building on Checkmate’s strong legacy while delivering even greater value to customers throughout the region.” The addition of Checkmate expands the Comact Cutting Solutions platform and reinforces its commitment to delivering world-class cutting products, technical expertise, and aftermarket services to wood processing operations worldwide. Source & image credit: Comact  Jobs
Buy and Sell
And one to end the week on... Tariff trouble: The bottom line gets rough
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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The United States has slapped a 50% tariff on Canadian Northern Bleached Softwood Kraft—the fancy pulp that helps keep premium toilet paper soft and kitchen towels sturdy—so the trade war has officially reached the bathroom.