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Selecting which trees to retain and which to remove during thinning is one of the most crucial decisions in managing a production forest. Source: Timberbiz This decision can directly impact the long-term success of a forest investment, affecting both yield potential and forest health. Whether the task is done with a chainsaw, chemically or with a mechanised machine, developing decision-making skills and supporting personnel to optimise yield potential are key skills that need to be developed by forest managers and workers alike. To support this, scientists at the Bioeconomy Science Institute/Scion have conducted research for the Forest Growers Research (FGR) Precision Silviculture Programme (PSP) to map the critical decisions undertaken in a thinning operation.  These findings are now being applied to another PSP innovation, Scion’s virtual reality (VR) thinning training tool, offering a unique approach to developing crop tree selection and other critical thinning tasks in a fully immersive, virtual environment. Analysing real-world decision-making and integrating it into VR enables workers to effectively learn crop tree selection and other key tasks in a safe, controlled realistic virtual environment before applying them in the field. The study identified enhancement opportunities for the VR platform to address other practical challenges, such as navigating dense regeneration, canopy variability and felling direction planning, while reinforcing safe practices and engaging thinning workers during early training. The research team employed a variety of methods, including expert interviews and a focus group, followed by a thematic template analysis and a hierarchical task analysis, to identify the decision points, motor-manual thinning work and other tasks that define a typical day for a silvicultural thinner. The entire thinning sequence was mapped to pinpoint where experience and environmental uncertainty intersect. Insights from expert thinners emphasised the dynamic nature of field-based judgment and highlighted the limitations of traditional training methods, which often fail to replicate the complexity and unpredictability of real-world thinning operations. The gamified nature of the VR training has been shown to not only to enhance engagement but reinforce safe practices, ultimately reducing the time needed for trainees to reach proficiency in high-risk roles. This approach represents a significant leap toward safer and more effective thinning operations. By embedding these insights into digital training tools, the forestry industry can improve both decision quality and operational efficiency, leading to better outcomes in precision silviculture. Go to https://fgr.nz/document/thinning-decision-making-insights-for-virtual-reality-applications/ to see the PSP programme Technical Report – Insights for Virtual Reality (VR) Applications

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Growing Taranaki’s manufacturing sector in New Zealand and boosting high-value exports are key to the future prosperity of the region, according to ANZ NZ’s Taranaki Regional Spotlight report, powered by Dot Loves Data. Source: Timberbiz “Manufacturing is emerging as a cornerstone of Taranaki’s economic future,” says Lorraine Mapu, ANZ NZ’s Managing Director of Business and Agri. “Historically oil and gas has underpinned the region’s export economy, but this report highlights a shift in export earnings, with dairy overtaking oil and gas as the top export earner. “As we look to the future, other sectors – in particular manufacturing, which currently makes up around 15– 20% of regional GDP – need to grow for the region to thrive.” Ms Mapu says there is huge potential for the region, but it will require coordinated action at pace and investment across industry, government, and the financial sector. “With the right support, these manufacturing businesses, with their skilled workforce and capacity to think differently, can lead the way in building a more diverse, resilient and globally connected economy. “We need a continued focus on trade agreements and export opportunities, incentives to stimulate innovation and investment, and more of our New Zealand businesses exporting into overseas markets,” she says. The report shows that in 2024 Taranaki’s manufacturing output was worth NZ$1.7 billion, with wood processing, such as timber panels, plywood and joinery, and food product manufacturing, especially dairy based foods, playing key roles. A standout example is New Plymouth-based engineered timber company Taranakipine which has invested heavily in state-of-the-art milling technology and has worked hard to develop overseas markets. “They are now in a competitive position globally, with a fire-retardant building product available to be used in the rebuild of Los Angeles, following the wildfires earlier this year,” Ms Mapu says. More than half of the country’s $5.8 billion in forestry exports in 2024 were raw logs and poles, but the report reveals that value-added wood processing businesses have real potential to generate strong export earnings. “High-value wood products including engineered timber command premium prices in global markets,” says Mapu. “These are helping to position New Zealand as a global leader in sustainable forestry and advanced manufacturing.” The report also reveals that Taranaki has more businesses per working population than other similar North Island regions, and that 92% of these have fewer than 20 staff. “The positive impact the oil and gas industry has had on the region – such as a highly skilled workforce – also provides momentum in other sectors,” Ms Mapu says. “Small and medium-sized business are often more agile and innovative – they have to be – so anything we can do to help these businesses grow and hold onto that skilled workforce, will lead to greater regional resilience and a stronger sense of community.” ANZ’s Chief Economist Sharon Zollner says Taranaki’s diverse economy has helped navigate the ups and downs of economic, commodity and policy cycles. “In recent years there has been a significant shift in where export earnings come from. “In 2008, oil and gas exports earned the region twice as much as dairy, but in 2024 that has reversed, with dairy now earning three times as much as oil and gas. “Amid these changes, we’ve seen the value of the region’s strong manufacturing base and its longstanding agricultural backbone. “This report provides a timely spotlight on the contribution Taranaki makes, not only to economic activity of New Zealand as a whole, but also how we pay our way in the world,” Ms Zollner says. ANZ’s Taranaki Regional Spotlight report is the first in a series of in-depth data-driven economic snapshots from ANZ and insights company Dot Loves Data. The reports seek to identify where the greatest opportunities for economic growth lie, and what needs to be done to fully realise the region’s economic potential.

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Forestry Corporation’s Sales and Planning teams have welcomed heritage timber bridge restoration experts from Placemaking NSW, Transport for NSW and Broockmann Water Advisory to the North Coast for a guided tour of native hardwood production forests. Source: Timberbiz The visit offered a rare opportunity for the NSW Government’s bridge team to see first-hand where the high-quality, naturally durable timbers essential to their restoration work are sourced. “This was a fantastic opportunity to connect the dots between sustainable forest management and heritage timber bridge preservation,” Carl Broockmann said. “It’s great to see how our work in the forest directly supports the longevity of some of the state’s most treasured landmarks and most important public infrastructure,” he said. Placemaking NSW manages Pyrmont Bridge, the oldest continuously operated electric swing span bridge in the world. The bridge, constructed in 1902, has 2 steel spans and 12 timber spans built with over 900 tons of renewal hardwood timber sourced from the north coast of NSW. The NSW Government has announced a contribution of $59.6million dollars to the restoration of Pyrmont Bridge timber trusses over the coming 10 years. This work is important to keep the vital pedestrian and cycleway route open between Pyrmont and the Sydney CBD. “High quality and durable timbers of large diameter with specific strength and durability requirements are needed for the Pyrmont Bridge restoration that are only available in NSW native forests,” David Glasson said. The Transport for NSW Bridge team is also responsible for maintaining 27 timber bridges of historical and engineering significance across NSW. Alan Pottie of TfNSW said ‘many of these bridges will require restoration over the coming 10 years and will require a steady supply of hardwood timber sourced from the north coast region’. “These structures require premium-grade timbers such as Ironbark, Tallowwood, and Blackbutt—species native to NSW and not available anywhere else in the world,” he said. During the tour, FCNSW staff showcased their sustainable harvesting practices and planning processes that ensure the long-term viability of these valuable timber resources. The visit also allowed FCNSW teams to gain insight into the end uses of their products and the critical role they play in preserving NSW’s infrastructure heritage. The tour highlighted the importance of collaboration between forestry and infrastructure teams and reinforced FCNSW’s commitment to responsible resource management.

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In the ever-evolving landscape of the woodchip trade, the latest report for July 2025 brings forth some intriguing insights and trends. This summary of the latest analysis from IndustryEdge’s Wood Market Edge online delves into the performance of Australian woodchip exports, the global pulp market, and the dynamics of the Asian chip trade. Source: Industry Edge In May 2025, Australian woodchip exports totalled 351.2 kbdmt, marking an 8.3% decline from the previous month. The annual exports slipped to 4.934 million bdmt. Hardwood chip exports saw a slight decrease of 0.6% to 301.6 kbdmt, while softwood chip exports plummeted by 38% to 49.6 kbdmt. The average export prices for hardwood and softwood chips were AUDFob257/bdmt and AUDFob222/bdmt, respectively. June witnessed a further decline in global pulp prices, driven by macro-economic pressures, weak seasonal paper demand, and over-capacity. The Chinese Bleached Softwood Kraft (BSK) price fell by USD15/t to USD695/t, while the Bleached Eucalypt Kraft (BEK) price dropped by USD5/t to USD495/t. The price differential between BSK and BEK in China stood at USD200/t. Hawkins Wright attributes these price falls to rising pulp producer inventories and the lack of buyer interest due to difficulties in downstream paper markets. The competition between Chinese domestic producers and South American suppliers continues, with the latter historically delivering BEK pulp to China at lower prices. However, the current market conditions, characterized by low demand and high global capacity, challenge this price supremacy. The Asian chip trade showed some positive signs in May, with global hardwood chip deliveries to China increasing by 29.6% to 1.289 Mbdmt. Softwood chip deliveries also saw a significant rise of 125.9% to 0.021 Mbdmt. However, over the year-ended May, hardwood chip deliveries to China were 3.4% lower compared to the previous year. Japan’s softwood chip imports, on the other hand, were 16.0% higher over the same period. IndustryEdge’s data sets on Asian country chip imports is currently being upgraded, with new countries being added. More information will be available in coming weeks. The woodchip trade and global pulp market are navigating through a period of significant fluctuations and challenges. While Australian woodchip exports face a mixed performance, the global pulp market is under pressure due to economic factors and over-capacity. The Asian chip trade shows some stability, but the overall market dynamics remain complex. As we move forward, it will be crucial to monitor these trends and their implications for the industry. For more information www.industryedge.com.au

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A local family farming group is believed to have paid around $30 million for Mineral Banks in Tasmania’s north-east. The 1236ha grazing, cropping and native forest opportunity, 25km from Scottsdale and 58km from Launceston, was offered for sale by the Foster family after more than 90 years of ownership. Source: Sheep Central Agents from Colliers Agribusiness were unable to disclose the buyer or the price paid but during the marketing campaign, Mineral Banks was anticipated to make more than $30m. Around 781ha of the property had been developed for grazing, with the rich red loam and alluvial soils growing improved pastures and supporting beef cattle and fat lamb production. Around 55ha had been set aside for intensive cropping and there are 400ha of native forest. Mineral Banks offers the incoming purchaser the ability to capitalise on higher value farming operations including dairying, further intensive cropping and development of irrigation infrastructure for fattening operations. Significant volumes of hardwood timber in the native forest offer diversified forestry opportunities and potential for biodiversity stewardship and carbon farming. Mineral Banks boasts extensive river frontage with the Dorset River and New River traversing the property supported by 1200mm of annual rainfall. It also benefits from 420ML of irrigation water from the Upper Ringarooma scheme. Infrastructure includes multiple homes, numerous sheds, three cattle yards and a three-stand shearing shed, as well as recently upgraded fencing and internal laneways. The sale was handled by Colliers Agribusiness agents Duncan McCulloch, Connor Dixon and Rawdon Briggs.

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The Tasmanian Government has abandoned plans to open up 40,000 hectares of protected forest for logging in a major policy shift that Labor is calling a “humiliating backflip.  Sources: Pulse Tasmania, Timberbiz Liberal Member for Braddon Felix Ellis announced that the government would no longer proceed with making forest from the Future Potential Production Forest “wood bank” available for timber harvesting. “We have made this decision in line with community expectations and further consultation,” Mr Ellis said. The wood bank comprises 356,000 hectares of land previously set aside for potential future forestry operations. Mr Ellis said the government would instead “focus on maximising value from existing resources, including private forests, and ensuring growth in the industry through more innovative on-island processing.” Tasmanian Forest Products Association (TFPA) Chief Executive Officer, Nick Steel said the news that the Liberal Party is walking back their commitment to unlock production forestry from their “wood bank” reflects the new political reality with Tasmania’s minority government. “Whilst this decision may be disappointing for some in Tasmania’s forestry sector, the TFPA remains committed to working with both major parties to secure the long-term sustainability of our industry,” Mr Steel said. “Tasmania’s forestry sector is a key component for the success of regional Tasmania and essential to help the state overcome its current budget crisis. “The TFPA believes that unlocking the right timber in the right locations can help grow and sustain our respected, renewable and well-regulated industry.” Labor Leader Dean Winter described the decision as a complete reversal of the Liberals’ signature forestry policy. “After having campaigned against the Tasmanian Forest Agreement for more than a decade, the Tasmanian Liberals have today completed a humiliating backflip on forestry,” Mr Winter said. “Their plan to open up another 40,000 hectares of forestry was opposed by industry, Labor and conservation movement because it would have reopened the forest wars.” Greens Leader Rosalie Woodruff welcomed the announcement, calling it “extremely welcome news to the regional communities who were under threat of their beautiful forests being slashed and burned.” “It clearly shows the power of having a minority government, a minority parliament, Greens in the crossbench and a more progressive group of independents there with us too,” Ms Woodruff said. Tasmania currently has more than 50% of its land mass, or 3.43 million hectares, in formal reserves, according to Ellis, who said the government “remains committed to getting the balance right between creating jobs and protecting the environment.”

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