Friday Offcuts – 16 October 2026
Click to Subscribe - It's FREE! Welcome to this week’s Friday Offcuts.We kick off with a new NZIER report highlighting the NZ$5.4 billion contribution plantation forestry makes to New Zealand’s GDP, along with its wider regional and environmental benefits. We also look at the commercial potential of wood residues following last month’s Residues2Revenues event in Brisbane, and mark a major milestone in Pan Pac’s recovery from Cyclone Gabrielle. In other industry news, a New Forests-led consortium has agreed to acquire AKD’s plantation assets in Australia, AFPA has named its incoming national CEO, and proposed changes to cable yarder modification guidelines are out for consultation. We also cover MPI’s plans to streamline forestry data collection, what’s coming up at next month’s HarvestTECH, and research into using irrigated green firebreaks to slow bushfires. A couple of complimentary WIDE Trust registrations are still available for forestry professionals under 35 attending HarvestTECH & Wood Transport Logistics 2026. If you’re interested, email gordon.thomson@ innovatek.co.nz. And if timber construction is on your radar, take a look at this month’s WoodWorks 2026 event in Hastings. Grab a coffee and catch up on these stories and more.
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This week we have for you:
NZIER report highlights value of forestry [NZ]
A report by the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research
(NZIER), commissioned by the New Zealand Forest Owners Association
(NZFOA), reinforces the critical role plantation forestry plays in
supporting regional economies, domestic manufacturing, and environmental
stewardship.The research notes that forestry contributes $5.4 billion to New Zealand's GDP, while providing an estimated $1.6 billion annually in carbon sequestration and $312 million in soil erosion reduction. Demonstrating this impact, central North Island estate manager Kaingaroa Tipu reported spending over $400 million across 1,065 businesses in the 2025–26 financial year, while supplying nearly 70 per cent of its harvested log volume directly to domestic wood processors. NZFOA chief executive Elizabeth Heeg says investment decisions made today will have long-lasting consequences. “Forestry is a long-term industry and the choices we make now around planting, harvesting and replanting will shape our regional economies for decades.” Colin Maunder, sustainability general manager for Kaingaroa Tipu, says forestry remains one of the region’s economic anchors, supporting contractors, transport operators, processors and rural service businesses across a vast area. More >> Source: King Country News From fibre to fuel: Finding more value in wood residues [AU]
More than 160 delegates gathered in Brisbane last month for Residues2Revenues 2026, the first Australian event in
the series in more than a decade. Over two days, the programme
explored a question that's becoming increasingly relevant to the
forestry and energy sectors: how can we get more value from wood
residues?The presentations covered a wide range of technologies and potential end uses, from aviation fuels to renewable carbon for steelmaking. While the opportunities are considerable, so too is the challenge of turning promising technologies into commercially viable operations. From aviation fuel to green steel HAMR Energy outlined plans to turn plantation residues into methanol and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), while BioCarbon presented its GreenChar technology, designed to replace fossil coke in steelmaking. Other presentations looked at how processes such as pyrolysis and carbonisation can produce several valuable outputs from the same feedstock, including biochar, industrial heat and carbon removal credits. The idea is simple enough: rather than relying on a single product, operators may be able to build a stronger business case by getting more out of the material they already have. Making the most of the material Of course, getting value from residues isn't just about developing new products. There's also the practical work of getting the material ready to use. Modern boiler systems can burn high-moisture woodchips to supply industrial heat, while improvements in drying, densification, storage and handling are helping make variable residue streams more manageable. These may not be the most eye-catching parts of the biomass story, but they can make a real difference to whether a project stacks up. That commercial question ran through much of the discussion. Having the technology is one thing; securing a dependable supply of feedstock, keeping transport and handling costs under control, and demonstrating genuine carbon benefits are all part of making a project work at scale. Residues2Revenues returns to New Zealand in 2027, with Rotorua set to host the next event, before the series heads back to Australia in 2028. Source and image credit: Innovatek Pan Pac opens new central hub in whirinaki rebuild [NZ]
Pan Pac Forest Products Ltd has marked a significant recovery
milestone following Cyclone Gabrielle with the official opening of its
new Central Support Hub at Whirinaki.The opening was attended by Hawke’s Bay Regional Council Chair Sophie Siers, Japanese Ambassador Makoto Osawa, Oji Holdings Corporation President and CEO Hiroyuki Isono, mana whenua, local MPs, mayors and Pan Pac staff. Cyclone Gabrielle left the Whirinaki mill buried under two metres of floodwater and silt, causing an estimated $280 million in damage and lost production. Parent company Oji Holdings backed the full rebuild, recognising the importance of the operation to the region. Pan Pac employs more than 850 staff and contractors, contributes around 6% of regional GDP and accounts for approximately 40% of trade through Napier Port. Speaking at the opening, Siers drew parallels between Oji’s principle of moral management and the Māori concept of kaitiakitanga, highlighting their shared emphasis on looking after people and place for the long term. The opening comes as the council nears completion of a $23.5 million flood resilience project aimed at better protecting the Whirinaki industrial zone from future flooding. More >> Source & image credit: Hawke’s Bay Regional Council (via LinkedIn)  New Forests-led consortium acquires AKD’s plantation assets [AU]
New Forests, a global investment manager of nature-based investments and natural capital strategies, has announced its
Australia New Zealand Landscapes and Forestry Fund (ANZLAFF), together
with an institutional co-investment partner, has agreed to
acquire the plantation forestry assets of AKD, Australia’s largest
softwood sawmilling business. The transaction is subject to
regulatory approvals. The AKD estate consists of 57 radiata pine plantations, across more than 13,000 hectares located across Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales. The acquisition represents a significant investment in Australia’s plantation forestry sector. David Shelton, Managing Director, Australia and New Zealand at New Forests, said, “AKD is a high-quality business operating at significant scale within a strategically important part of Australia’s forestry and wood products supply chain. “The acquisition of AKD’s plantation estate provides our investors with exposure to high quality, sustainably managed plantations across key forestry regions in Australia. We see strong long-term fundamentals for sustainably produced timber, supported by Australia’s growing demand for housing and renewable building materials," he said. Shane Vicary, Chief Executive Officer of AKD, said, “this investment marks an exciting new chapter for AKD's plantation estate. We look forward to working with New Forests to maintain a long-term connection with the estate through agreements for the supply of sawlogs and pulp log. In the meantime, we continue to invest in our people, operations and regional communities and supply high-quality Australian-grown timber to our customers.” David Shelton added, “we look forward to working with AKD’s management to build on the strong foundations of the plantation business and support its next phase of growth.” AKD employs more than 900 people across regional Australia. The business produces more than one million cubic metres of timber products each year, representing approximately 20–25% of Australian production. The sawmilling business will continue to be owned and operated by AKD. In January 2025, New Forests announced the final close of ANZLAFF raising almost A$600 million from institutional investors across Asia Pacific and Europe. Resolute Advisory acted as financial advisor to AKD. Financial terms are confidential. Source: New Forests Image credit: AKD AFPA appoints Shona Gawel as new national CEO [AU]
The Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA) is delighted
to announce the appointment of Shona Gawel as its new Chief Executive
Officer, effective from January 2027.Ms Gawel joins AFPA following a highly successful tenure as Chief Executive Officer of GrainGrowers, where she led major strategic transformations, significantly elevated the organisation’s national advocacy profile, and delivered substantial value for members across Australia’s agricultural sector. With extensive leadership experience spanning member-based organisations, national advocacy, and the public sector, Ms Gawel brings a proven track record of influencing public policy, fostering cross-sector collabouration, and driving sustainable organisational growth. During her time at GrainGrowers, Ms Gawel successfully steered the organisation through complex policy environments ranging from supply chain resilience and sustainability frameworks to workforce participation initiatives while building trusted relationships across governments, regulators, and industry stakeholders. Holding tertiary qualifications in business and communications, Ms Gawel has developed a reputation for leading high-performing teams through periods of growth and change. Statement from AFPA Chair John McKillop: “We are delighted to welcome Shona as national CEO of AFPA. She is a trusted leader with an exceptional track record working with members, government and key stakeholders to improve industry outcomes at a national level. Her guidance will be invaluable as AFPA continues to advance the sustainable growth and interests of Australia’s forest products sector.” Statement from incoming CEO Shona Gawel: “The forest products industry is central to Australia’s housing, climate, and regional economic agenda. I am thrilled to be joining AFPA at such a critical time and look forward to working alongside members, industry partners, and governments to ensure a strong, sustainable, and unified voice for the sector.” AFPA warmly welcomes Ms Gawel to the leadership team as the association embarks on its next phase of growth and strategic advocacy. She will commence in the role in January, and we look forward to introducing her to our members and stakeholders during the first quarter of 2027. Source: Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA) --(2022)2.jpg) FICA: Consultation on yarder tower modification guidelines [NZ]
When a cable yarder has been operating for 20, 30 or even 40
years, modifications are inevitable. Engines are repowered,
control systems upgraded, brakes replaced, hydraulics improved and,
occasionally, structural changes are made.The question is not whether modifications will occur, but how we ensure they are undertaken safely, consistently and with appropriate oversight. That issue was one of the key topics discussed at the recent Forestry Tower Inspectors Workshop, attended by almost every active tower inspector in New Zealand. Workshop participants identified a need for greater clarity in the Engineering Safety Inspections of Cable Log Yarders Best Practice Guidelines regarding what modifications require Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) certification and what work can appropriately be carried out by other suitably competent specialists. Following the workshop, FICA has worked with inspectors and industry stakeholders to develop a proposed amendment to the Best Practice Guide. What is being proposed? The proposed changes clarify that:
More >> Source & image credit: Forest Industry Contractors Association (FICA) HarvestTECH looks at the realities of forestry operations [NZ]
From high-production logging and automated harvesting to
paperless operations and AI-assisted transport planning, the HarvestTECH & Wood Transport Logistics 2026 programme
covers a mix of new technology and practical experience from the field.
The programme for the 10–11 November event in Rotorua is now available, with presentations looking at how equipment, digital systems and new approaches are being used across harvesting and wood transport. Alongside developments in AI, automation and electrification, there are several sessions built around operational experience. These include a high-production logging operation case study, a cut-to-length grapple swing yarder, and lessons from Australia’s move towards paperless forestry operations. The programme also includes technical Q&A panels, giving delegates the chance to put questions to speakers and explore some of the issues raised in their presentations. A Forest Industry Contractors Association (FICA) workshop is also scheduled, with a focus on issues affecting forestry contractors. Across the two days, the topics range from steep-slope harvesting and semi-automated cable yarding to autonomous machinery, digital log reception and the use of forestry residues to produce biochar. Transport sessions look at AI-assisted planning and ways to improve the movement of wood through the supply chain. With harvesting and transport covered in the same programme, there is also a chance to hear how developments in one area can affect the other, from the way harvesting is planned through to getting logs to the mill or port. HarvestTECH & Wood Transport Logistics 2026 takes place at the Distinction Hotel Rotorua on 10–11 November. The full programme and registration details are available at innovatek.co.nz. Photo credit: Innovatek – Past HarvestTECH event photo  MPI takes next step in modernising forestry data [NZ]
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is progressing work to
modernise forestry data collection and reporting through the National
Exotic Forest Description (NEFD) Improvement Programme,
including the development of a new Forest Management and Intentions
(FM&I) Survey.The annual survey will replace several existing forestry surveys into a single process, reducing duplication and reporting burden for forest owners and managers while maintaining the data needed for emissions forecasting, wood supply analysis, and broader economic and environmental reporting. The FM&I Survey will provide a clearer picture of forest management activities and future intentions across New Zealand's forest estate, supporting long-term planning and sustainable forest management. "Good data is essential for informed decisions about New Zealand's forests," says Debbie Ward, Director Forestry Insights at MPI. "The FM&I Survey is a key milestone in our forestry data improvement programme and will help ensure government, industry, researchers and investors have access to reliable, high-quality information." The survey is part of wider work to modernise forestry data, including improvements to the National Exotic Forest Description (NEFD). Working with the Bioeconomy Science Institute – Maiangi Taiao (BSI), MPI will soon receive spatial imagery-derived data to support production of the 2026 NEFD report. As a result, forest owners were not asked to complete surveys this year, marking a departure from previous reporting cycles. Source: Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) A new defence for communities bordering bushland [AU]
New modelling shows irrigating low-flammability vegetation
substantially reduces the predicted spread and intensity of bushfires,
which could give communities critical extra preparation time, according
to a University of the Sunshine Coast study. It coincides with the start of Australia’s bushfire season, with fire authorities forecasting heightened bushfire risk across several parts of the country, including central and southern Queensland. UniSC researchers used high-tech computer software to simulate how different types of vegetation, moisture levels and weather influenced fire behaviour, focusing on the Noosa Shire where many homes border bushland. Green firebreaks are strips of strategically planted low flammability, fire-resistant vegetation which are designed to reduce the spread of bushfires, particularly in areas where development has expanded into fire risk zones. The study investigated the impact of adding irrigation to green firebreaks in drought conditions when the threat of bushfire is often greatest. Researchers used computer modelling to compare 20 scenarios across dry eucalypt forest, non-irrigated green firebreaks and irrigated green firebreaks that received tiny amounts of water each day. UniSC lead researcher and PhD student Jady Smith said the modelling showed a consistent reduction in the predicted spread and intensity of bushfires when green firebreaks were irrigated, including under the most severe conditions tested. “Our preliminary assessment indicates that keeping vegetation moist has a significant impact on how a fire behaves,” he said. “The modelling shows even small amounts of water, such as one or two millimetres a day, can slow the spread and reduce the intensity of bushfires, even in catastrophic conditions.” In moderate fire weather, for example, the modelling predicted fire would spread nearly four times faster in the dry eucalypt forest scenario than in the non-irrigated green firebreak, and more than 80 times faster than in the irrigated green firebreak receiving two millimetres of water daily. More >> Source: University of the Sunshine Coast  Sawmill sentencing shows need for machine guarding [NZ]
WorkSafe New Zealand says businesses must regularly review
machine safety systems and guarding arrangements after the sentencing of
Pukepine Sawmills (1998) Limited over an incident that left a worker
with life-changing injuries.The company was sentenced in the Tauranga District Court after a worker's hand came into contact with a rotating edger drum while undertaking maintenance work in September 2022. The worker suffered serious injuries, losing his middle finger and part of his ring finger, and narrowly avoided losing his thumb and index finger. WorkSafe's investigation found the machine's guarding and safety controls did not adequately prevent access to hazardous moving parts while the equipment was slowing down. The edger drum could continue to rotate for approximately 15 minutes after power was switched off, creating a serious risk for workers carrying out maintenance activities. “The key lesson from this case is that isolation of power alone is not always enough,” says WorkSafe regional manager Nigel Formosa. “Businesses must identify all sources of hazardous energy, including momentum and run-down time in machinery, and ensure workers cannot access danger zones until equipment has come to a complete stop.” The investigation highlighted the importance of reviewing machinery against current industry standards and best practice guidance, particularly where older equipment remains in operation. “Effective machine guarding is one of the most reliable ways to prevent serious harm. Where workers need regular access for maintenance or servicing, businesses should consider engineering controls such as interlocked guards, guard-locking systems, or other measures that physically prevent access until machinery is safe.” Sentencing details The Court convicted and sentenced Pukepine Sawmills, ordering it to pay:
More >> Source: WorkSafe New Zealand Drones built in Timaru are rewriting the wilding pine bill [NZ/AU]Wilding pines and competitive underbrush just met their high-tech match. Christchurch R&D firm SPS Automation has unveiled the BFD 70 - a $150,000 AI-powered drone poised to drastically cut the cost of land management and forestry release spraying in New Zealand.Measuring 4.5 metres across with a heavy-duty 50kg spray payload, the Timaru-built drone operates entirely without a pilot. Using Nvidia-powered AI, Lidar, and stereoscopic cameras, it autonomously maps rough high country, identifies target trees, calculates the exact herbicide dose, and sprays. Recent trials recorded a 100% kill rate, clearing terrain in days that would traditionally take ground crews weeks. With the Crown boosting wilding pine funding and easing drone regulations, this technology is shifting from prototype to practical reality. More >> Source: B2B News (Video: Countrywide) Image credit: SPS Automation Tasman Council sells howard forest to IKEA arm for $6m [NZ]
Tasman District Council’s Howard Forest and the
neighbouring Porika Block have been sold, returning a combined $6.085
million and supporting the Council’s long-term investment
strategy. The 955-hectare Howard Forest and smaller Porika Block, located off State Highway 63 between Kawatiri Junction and St Arnaud, were placed on the market earlier this year. The sale process was managed by specialist forestry real estate company Arotahi Agribusiness and attracted strong interest from buyers. Several offers were received, including bids for the combined blocks and separate bids for the Porika Block. The successful purchaser of Howard Forest was Ingka Investments Forest Assets NZ Limited, part of the Ingka Group, which owns home furnishing retailer IKEA and has extensive forestry holdings across New Zealand. The Porika Block was purchased by a family with strong historical connections to the land. Tasman District Council resolved in March 2025 to sell the Howard Forest and invest in the Diversified Resilience Fund. The goal being to diversify risk away from forestry. Tasman District Council Chief Executive Leonie Rae says the sale is part of Council’s ongoing approach to managing its portfolio of income-producing assets. “By reducing our exposure to forestry, we are creating a more balanced investment portfolio while continuing to deliver value for ratepayers.” She says the Council’s Enterprise Team manages a range of assets held within a closed account. Income generated from these investments helps offset rates and contributes to the management of community reserves, including Rabbit Island. Leonie Rae said funds from the sale will be reinvested within the account, strengthening Council’s ability to respond to future challenges. “Having a diverse investment portfolio provides greater financial flexibility and ensures resources are available if a major event, such as a large-scale natural disaster, affects the region and local markets.” “This approach helps safeguard community assets and supports the district’s long-term financial resilience,” she said. Ingka Investments Forestland Acquisition Manager Simon Honour says Tasman District Council has managed Howard Forest well, and we intend to build on this work. "As an intergenerational investor, our core focus is production forestry - growing quality timber for domestic and international markets, including the IKEA supply chain. We’re committed to setting high standards in forest management, supporting healthy ecosystems, being part of the local community and creating lasting value for the many people." More >> Source & image credit: Tasman District Council  Fortescue adapts robots for 6mw electric truck chargers [AU]Decarbonising heavy transport is a massive hurdle across resource-intensive sectors, and mining giant Fortescue is pushing the boundaries of what is possible.Facing a complete lack of commercially available tech for off-grid ultra-fast charging, the company has adapted automotive welding robots to handle its newly developed 6 megawatt chargers. The automated robotic arms are critical because plugs of this capacity are far too large and hazardous for human operators. Deployed at the Eliwana mine, the system automatically detects, connects, and charges 240-tonne electric haul trucks in 20 to 30 minutes. As forestry operations across Australia and New Zealand explore heavy fleet electrification, Fortescue’s breakthrough offers a compelling blueprint for autonomous charging infrastructure in remote, harsh environments. More >> Source: The Driven Jobs
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And one to end the week on... My name is Five Spice!
While salt and pepper arrogantly rule the dining table, a forgotten cast of herbs and spices plots from the back of the pantry. This hilarious sketch follows dusty jars of cumin, paprika, and five-spice, along with a long-forgotten tin of John West tuna, as they share their existential cabinet struggles.  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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