Forest Products Industry

New Zealand’s Far North District Council, Northland Regional Council and Northland Inc are encouraging investor interest in a significant wood processing opportunity in Taitokerau, as a market process gets underway for Juken New Zealand’s (JNL) Northland operations. Source: Timberbiz PwC New Zealand (PwC) has been engaged by JNL to lead a process seeking expressions of interest from parties interested in acquiring or operating the Northland Mill and Triboard plant in Kaitaia. The process is expected to remain open until late May, after which PwC will work with interested parties to assess potential investment options. Far North District Council, Northland Regional Council and Northland Inc say the facilities represent an established platform for wood processing in Northland, underpinned by a strong and sustainable forestry resource, experienced workforce, and access to domestic and export markets. Roger Ackers, Group Manager for Planning and Policy at Far North District Council says attracting the right investment is critical to maintaining and building on the region’s wood processing capability. “Forestry remains one of Northland’s key industries, and these operations play an important role in supporting regional productivity and value-add processing,” he said. “This process presents an opportunity for investors to build on existing capability, with the benefit of an established asset base and strong sector fundamentals.” Approximately 200 staff are currently employed across the sites, and the Council organisations say retaining these jobs and the skills they represent is a key priority. “Our focus is on supporting pathways that retain both employment and capability in the region, while enabling future growth,” Mr Ackers said. The councils and Northland Inc have signalled they are committed to working constructively with potential investors, where appropriate, to help enable viable proposals and support ongoing operations. Northland Inc Head of Investment Tui Rutherford says the region offers a compelling environment for investment in wood processing. “This is a genuine opportunity for investors to step into an established operation with strong fundamentals,” Mr Rutherford said. “Northland has a significant forestry resource, supported by experienced operators and well-established infrastructure. We see real potential to build on what already exists and support future growth in the sector.” Northland Inc is working alongside councils, PwC and JNL to ensure potential investors understand the strategic value of the operations within Northland’s wider forestry system. Northland Inc, Far North District Council and Northland Regional Council say they will continue to support efforts that help retain jobs, maintain processing capability, and position the region for long-term success. “Our message is clear – Northland is open for business, and we are committed to supporting solutions that keep jobs, skills and investment in the region,” Mr Rutherford said. Interested parties are encouraged to engage with the PwC-led sales process to explore the opportunity further.

The post NZ councils encouraging investors for wood processing appeared first on Timberbiz.

Australia’s building industry is being squeezed from all sides, with fuel price volatility now driving rapid and unpredictable cost increases across projects, supply chains and labour. Source: Timberbiz David Reid Homes Group is warning the sector is facing mounting pressure, with Managing Director Matt Jackson saying costs are now shifting so quickly that builders as well as many other industries, are struggling to keep pace. “Costs are changing by the day,” Mr Jackson said. “This is no longer a slow increase. It’s constant movement and it is putting enormous pressure on builders trying to deliver projects responsibly.” Mr Jackson said the building industry, like many sectors, is being heavily impacted by rising fuel costs, with flow-on effects across materials, transport and trades. “Fuel touches everything in construction,” he said. “It impacts deliveries, logistics, product costs, site visits and every trade getting to and from jobs.” He said the result is a compounding cost burden that many are finding difficult to navigate. “You’re not just dealing with one cost increase. You’re dealing with multiple layers of cost increases hitting at once.” Mr Jackson said apprentices and young tradespeople are among the most exposed, with many travelling long distances daily to get to worksites. “They’re the ones driving across cities, across regions, just to get to work,” he said. “They don’t have the financial buffer, and they’re being hit the hardest.” He warned the pressure on younger workers could have long-term implications for the industry. “If we don’t support young tradies, we risk losing the next generation of skilled workers.” Mr Jackson said reputable builders are increasingly being forced to absorb rising costs to protect clients, putting pressure on margins. “There are a lot of good, honest builders doing the right thing, trying to deliver projects at agreed prices but when costs keep shifting, that becomes incredibly difficult,” he said. Mr Jackson said there needs to be greater scrutiny across the supply chain to ensure cost increases are justified and not driven by opportunistic pricing. “If the government is serious about cost-of-living pressures, then it needs to look closely at what’s happening across building and supply markets,” he said. “There has to be accountability. Price gouging needs to be addressed and stopped.” He said unchecked cost increases ultimately flow through to homeowners. “When suppliers increase prices without transparency, it doesn’t just hurt builders, it pushes up the cost of housing for everyday Australians. This is an issue across many industries at the moment.” David Reid Homes is rolling out upgraded systems designed to help its network better track, manage and respond to cost fluctuations as stronger systems are now essential, not optional. “In this environment, you need real-time visibility on costs, timelines and supplier pricing,” Mr Jackson said. “That’s how you protect your business and your clients.” The combination of rising fuel costs, supply pressures and labour challenges is creating a critical moment for many sectors across the country. “The businesses that can manage costs and operate efficiently will survive. The rest will struggle. However, in the current environment, more needs to be done to ensure businesses do not engage in opportunistic gouging because it harms all of us in some way. The flow on effects are significant,” Mr Jackson said.

The post National builder calls for greater scrutiny around pricing appeared first on Timberbiz.

The Forestry Centre of Excellence (FCoE) will host two days of learning and discussion in the Green Triangle Region including a field day and then a research showcase in its new building. On Wednesday 13 May you can see demonstrations of the silvicultural work underway through the Centre, then head to the Blue Lake area for hands-on demonstrations of technologies in Forest Assessment including LIDAR/drones, water monitoring, Resi tool, and virtual reality. A dinner will be held at the Bob and Gayle Cowan auditorium from 5.30pm onwards. On Thursday 14 May is the industry research showcase to be held at the Bob & Gayle Cowan auditorium. The FCoE is keen to highlight projects and solicit industry input via this showcase and dinner. The program is structured to encourage feedback from stakeholders on their future expectations of the FCoE. Tickets are free to all sessions, but bookings are required for ensuring proper catering and space. RSVP by Tuesday 28 April 2026 and more information at https://www.forestrycoe.com.au/news/fcoe-host-first-annual-showcase

The post Forestry Centre of Excellence holds its first annual showcase appeared first on Timberbiz.

FSC Australia and New Zealand’s (FSC ANZ) Indigenous Working Group has formally transitioned to the First Nations Committee (FNC), reflecting the growing preference for ‘First Nations’ terminology and reinforcing the Committee’s ongoing role in advancing First Nations perspectives and championing FSC ANZ’s commitment to responsible forest management. Source: Timberbiz Since its establishment in 2014, the Indigenous Working Group has played an important role in shaping the direction of FSC ANZ, ensuring First Nations voices and perspectives are meaningfully represented. As broader conversations around identity and representation have evolved, so too has the IWG’s role and place within the organisation. With full endorsement of the FSC ANZ Board of Directors, the IWG steps forward as the First Nations Committee, a transition that reflects the growing preference for ‘First Nations’ terminology across both Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. This change also aligns with proposed updates to the revised Forest Stewardship Standard of Australia, which also includes a shift from ‘Indigenous’ to ‘First Nations’ terminology, and is set to enter its second round of public consultation later this month. At its inception, the title ‘working group’ signalled a defined, time-bound mandate. Over the years, however, the FNC’s scope, influence, and responsibilities have expanded well beyond those initial parameters. Reframing the group as a ‘committee’ acknowledges its ongoing and integral role within FSC ANZ, as well as its enduring partnership in guiding the future of responsible forestry across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. The First Nations Committee (FNC) stands as a diverse and dynamic collective of First Nations representatives, united by a shared vision to strengthen leadership, knowledge, and influence within the forestry sector, for the benefit of current and future generations. All ten members bring a range of cultural perspectives, lived experience, and regional insight, grounded in deep connections to Country, community, and culture. “Over the past year, our committee has grown significantly, uniting even more voices and perspectives from across our communities. We look forward to continuing to deepen our influence within the forestry sector, ensuring First Nations values and knowledge are central to the future of responsible forest management in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand,” Tolita Davis-Angeles, Chair of the FNC, said.

The post FSC’s First Nations Committee appeared first on Timberbiz.

The Lakes Reserve on the edge of the Blue Lake in Mount Gambier is a demonstration forest site established 18 years ago. It contains all original provenances of Pinus radiata from North America, as well as improved material from selected breeding traits of interest and other species (Pinus pinaster and Pinus brutia), supplied by Tree Breeding Australia. Source: Timberbiz It was originally a genetic conservation planting demonstrating the history of tree breeding. The recent drought led to increased disease and considerable mortality that created risk to the community members who recreate in the forest. Dianne Patzel worked closely with the council and an industry working group to develop a Whole of Life management plan. The first step was to thin the stands to remove dead and dying trees to help the remaining trees grow and remove site risks. Dr Nari Williams, Anna Smith and Krishmina Thapa worked with Ms Patzel to assess the degree of disease and mortality, measure the standing volume and sample with the Resitool and Hovermap. The data will be analysed to compare the plots at the site. The site was thinned by Dohnts and the material was chipped to be used by Van Schaik’s Bio Gro. The Forestry Centre of Excellence plans to work with council to set up interpretation signage and then use this as a demonstration site where you can bring visitors to the region. The site could also be used by local schools and the new Limestone Coast Technical College is proposing bringing students there for hands-on measurements. There are many people to thank but Ockert Le Roux was involved in everything from the start, including council meetings and coordinating with stakeholders. David Kensley did the harvest planning and tree marking, Lew Parsons and David Geddes performed the financial analysis presented to Council, Dr Desmond Stackpole performed the drone assessment, and Clinton Sims assisted in early planning for the site. This is a great example of collaboration between the Centre, local government and local forestry companies.

The post Demonstration forestry site at Mount Gambier appeared first on Timberbiz.