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The Forestry Hub returns to Fieldays in 2026 for the fifth consecutive year, highlighting the important role forestry and wood processing play in supporting New Zealand’s economy, environment, and regional communities. Source: Ministry for Primary Industries – Manatū Ahu Matua Each year, forest growers and sector organisations come together at Fieldays to connect with the public, share knowledge, and tell the story of modern forestry. In 2026, the Hub will highlight the role forestry and wood processing play in New Zealand’s economy, alongside the sector’s ongoing focus on innovation, workforce development, and environmental management. Visitors to the Forestry Hub can expect a dynamic mix of educational sessions and interactive exhibits. These will cover key topics including forest growing, climate change, innovative wood products, engineered timber solutions for mid‑rise construction, emerging bioenergy opportunities, biosecurity, and biodiversity. The Hub will also provide insights into the wide range of career pathways across the forestry and wood processing sectors, highlighting future workforce opportunities. A popular feature returning this year is the virtual reality forestry simulator, offering participants the chance to step into the operator’s seat of modern forestry machinery. Designed with job seekers and students in mind, the immersive experience provides practical insight into today’s forestry operations and the advanced technology driving the sector. Families and young people will find plenty to explore, with hands-on activities such as tree identification challenges, trying on personal protective equipment, and displays showcasing innovative uses of wood – including surfboards made from timber. These interactive experiences aim to help people build an understanding of forestry practices while reinforcing the importance of safety and wellbeing. Throughout the event, a wide range of sector representatives will be on hand to share their expertise and answer questions. This includes forest growers, wood processors, scientists, business leaders, volunteer organisations, membership and research bodies, and government agencies working across the forestry and wood processing landscape. The Growing Native Forests Champions Awards will be presented, to recognise individuals and groups leading efforts to establish native forests, share knowledge and support biodiversity and regenerative forestry outcomes. MPI Director Forestry Engagement and Advice Ray Hook says the annual event highlights the skill, pride, and professionalism of the people within the sector. “Fieldays offers us the chance to make the sector more visible, approachable and human, and to answer the public’s questions about forestry and wood processing,” Mr Hook said. “The Forestry Hub showcases the quality and innovation of New Zealand timber, from forest to finished product. It helps people understand how wood supports low‑carbon construction, high‑value manufacturing and sustainable land use, while creating regional jobs and supporting thriving communities.” Wood Processing and Manufacturers Association chief executive Mark Ross says Fieldays highlights the value derived from New Zealand’s sustainably managed forests. “By standing alongside farmers and industry leaders we emphasise the role wood products play in supporting on-farm productivity and innovation. New Zealand timber remains a preferred building material in rural communities — valued for its flexibility, resilience, cost-effectiveness, and availability.” New Zealand Forest Owners Association chief executive Dr Elizabeth Heeg says forestry plays a critical role in New Zealand’s economy and regional communities, supporting jobs, investment and the supply of renewable, low-carbon building materials. “Fieldays is about showing the scale and reality of modern forestry – a sector that is highly skilled, increasingly technology-driven and central to how New Zealand produces and uses wood-based products,” she said. “It also reflects the diversity of forestry ownership across Aotearoa, including Māori landowners, who hold a significant share of forestry land and bring intergenerational perspectives on land use and long-term stewardship of whenua, as well as farm foresters who integrate trees into wider farming systems and rural economies. “Across the value chain – from establishing forests through to advanced wood processing and manufacturing – forestry continues to evolve in response to changing expectations around productivity, innovation and environmental outcomes. “Ultimately, forestry is a long-term sector shaped by the people behind it, and trees and forests will continue to play a central role in New Zealand’s future economy, land use and regional communities.” Visit this year’s Forestry Hub at Site G80, from 10–13 June at Mystery Creek Events Centre, Hamilton, New Zealand. For more information and the full event program, visit the Forestry Hub page at https://www.fieldays.co.nz/exhibit-at-fieldays/prospectus/fieldays-foresty-hub

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SafeWork NSW has updated eight Codes of Practice, including the Code of Practice for the sawmilling industry, with the revised documents now officially in effect across New South Wales. Source: NTHA The updates form part of SafeWork NSW’s ongoing efforts to support businesses in managing workplace health and safety risks and ensuring safety controls remain current and effective. For the timber processing sector, the updated Sawmilling Industry Code of Practice serves as an important reference point for businesses reviewing their existing safety systems, procedures and risk controls. SafeWork NSW is encouraging all persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) to review the updated codes and assess whether their current practices continue to meet the required standards. The eight updated Codes of Practice now in force are: Work on roofs – commercial and industrial buildings Working safely when cutting, drilling and grinding concrete and masonry products Worker accommodation Work near overhead and underground electric lines Transport and delivery of cash and valuable goods Sawmilling industry How to manage blood-borne virus exposure risks in the workplace – hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV Safe use and design of bulk storage silos and bins   While Codes of Practice do not replace work health and safety legislation, they provide practical guidance on achieving compliance with obligations under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011. Importantly, inspectors may refer to a Code of Practice when issuing improvement or prohibition notices, and courts can use them as evidence of what is known about a hazard, risk or appropriate control measure when determining what is considered “reasonably practicable” in a workplace. The updates also come ahead of significant regulatory changes scheduled to take effect from 1 July 2026. From that date, businesses will be required to either comply with an applicable Code of Practice or demonstrate that they have implemented an equivalent or higher standard of health and safety. For sawmill operators and timber processors, the release of the updated code presents a timely opportunity to review workplace procedures, consult with workers, and ensure risk management systems remain aligned with current best-practice guidance. Access the updated Codes of Practice on the SafeWork NSW website and review any changes that may affect your operation ahead of the new compliance requirements taking effect on 1 July 2026.  

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Forester and landscape ecologist whose field surveys helped secure the Wet Tropics World Heritage listing, Dr Peter Stanton AM PSM, has been made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the King’s Birthday 2026 Honours List. Source: Timberbiz The national honour comes just months after Forestry Australia awarded Dr Stanton the NW Jolly Medal for a career spanning more than five decades advancing forest science, particularly in Queensland’s tropical forests and the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. “Peter Stanton’s career shows that foresters have led conservation in Australia for generations,” said Forestry Australia CEO Jacquie Martin. “A respected member of Forestry Australia for 60 years, Peter has shown lifelong commitment to the nation’s forests. “When we presented Peter with the NW Jolly Medal last year, we recognised more than five decades of work that transformed the understanding and conservation of Queensland’s forests and landscapes. Seeing that contribution recognised more broadly is a proud moment for the profession.” Dr Stanton began his career with the Queensland Forestry Department before transferring to the National Parks branch in 1967. He later spent two decades as a senior scientist with the Queensland National Parks and Wildlife Service, moved to Cairns in 1979, and remained in Far North Queensland for the rest of his working life. In the 1960s and 1970s, his systematic surveys mapped ecosystems from the rainforests of Cape York Peninsula to the Wet Tropics between Townsville and Cooktown. His vegetation mapping of the Wet Tropics bioregion classified some 90,000 polygons across 4,000 aerial photographs into 250 distinct ecosystem types, each one verified on the ground. Published in 2005, the study has been described by the Wet Tropics Management Authority as the most comprehensive vegetation mapping ever undertaken in the region. Dr Stanton was the first Australian to receive the IUCN Fred M. Packard International Parks Merit Award in 1982. He later received the Public Service Medal in 1996, the Centenary Medal in 2001, and an honorary Doctor of Science from James Cook University in 2023, before receiving the NW Jolly Medal in 2025 and being appointed a Member of the Order of Australia this year. The 2026 Honours List recognised 949 Australians, including Adrian John Kloeden, former Chair of HVP Plantations and Sustainable Timber Tasmania.

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The Federal and Tasmanian governments have officially committed to work together towards a bilateral agreement to support sustainable forestry in Tasmania into the future. Source: Timberbiz From1 July 2027 environmental law reforms will bring forestry operations covered by Regional Forest Agreements (RFA) under Federal environmental regulation. Forestry operations in RFA regions will be required to meet national environmental standards, bringing the sector into line with all other industries, while supporting a sustainable and well-regulated future. Federal Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt has issued a Notice of Intention to develop a draft bilateral agreement that would accredit Tasmania’s forest management framework alongside new national environmental standards. “Formally commencing the bilateral negotiations marks a significant step forward in aligning Regional Forest Agreement forestry operations with the Australian Government’s landmark reformed national environment law, delivering stronger environmental protections alongside greater certainty for industry,” Senator Watt said. “We believe in a strong and environmentally sustainable future for Tasmania’s forestry industry, and these reforms will see the sector meet the same environmental standards we apply to every other industry across Australia. “We will be working with the Tasmanian Government over the coming months to develop and then formalise the bilateral agreement which will support the industry to operate in line with national environmental laws,” he said. “Once signed, a new bilateral agreement will support landscape-scale approval of forestry operations in Tasmania.” Tasmania’s Minister for Business, Industry and Resources, Felix Ellis said the State government welcomed the formal commitment to bilateral negotiations as an important step toward securing the long-term future of Tasmania’s sustainable forestry industry. “For decades, the Regional Forest Agreement has provided the foundation for a strong and sustainable forestry industry in Tasmania, supporting regional jobs, investment and responsible forest management,” Mr Ellis said. “It is important that accreditation of Tasmania’s Forest Practices System continues, providing strong environmental protections while avoiding unnecessary duplication and red tape. “We will continue working closely with the Australian Government to secure a practical and durable accreditation pathway that gives industry certainty, protects investment and ensures a sustainable source of timber products critical to our economy and future housing needs.” The Federal Government is working closely with all RFA states – Tasmania, New South Wales and Western Australia – to develop landscape-scale approvals for forestry under the reforms. To support this transition, the Australian Government announced $28 million over two years in the 2026-27 Budget to help states with RFAs align their forest management systems with new requirements under the national environment law. Up to $8.5 million is available to Tasmania to support this work, recognising the scale and importance of its public native forestry sector, alongside its plantation and private forestry industries. This funding builds on the Federal Government’s $600 million investment in the forestry sector since coming to government. This includes the recently announced $300 million Forestry Growth Fund which will help grow the forestry industry, support delivery of the Timber Fibre Strategy, and deliver long-term, sustainable impact to maximise forestry contributions to housing and net zero transformation. Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins, said the federal government would continue working closely with industry, unions and the Tasmanian Government to support Tasmania’s forestry industry and the jobs it supports. “We have already delivered a $300 million record investment to back Australia’s forestry industry, because we know the critical contribution forestry makes in Tasmania and across the country,” she said. “We are continuing to back the future of the industry with a new $300 million Forestry Growth Fund which will bring our total investment to $600 million.”

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