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Demand for premium timber flooring in New Zealand homes continues to rise, with engineered and hardwood options leading the way across both new builds and high-end renovations. Source: Timberbiz According to independent flooring specialists, engineered timber has become the product of choice for homeowners wanting a balance of aesthetics, durability, and environmental responsibility. European oak, in particular, is seeing strong uptake in urban markets such as Wellington, Christchurch, and Auckland. One of the key advantages of engineered flooring is its stability across New Zealand’s range of indoor climates. Unlike traditional solid timber, engineered planks are less prone to cupping or movement and are suitable for use over underfloor heating or in apartments. Local suppliers have noted increased interest in timber products with sustainable sourcing and pre-finished options that reduce installation time. Vienna Woods, a long-standing importer and distributor, that supplies premium grade engineered timber flooring in NZ and has seen steady growth in both residential and architectural orders over the past 12 months. Hardwood flooring also remains in demand, particularly in central Auckland, where homeowners and developers are choosing oak, walnut, and reclaimed timbers for their long-term value and design flexibility. A growing number of renovation projects are prioritising timber over synthetic alternatives not only for its appearance but for acoustic and resale benefits. For those sourcing hardwood flooring in Auckland, the market now offers a broader range of natural finishes, wide plank formats, and FSC-certified options designed to meet local performance expectations without sacrificing style. As flooring continues to play a key role in open-plan architecture and interior cohesion, timber remains one of the most considered material investments in New Zealand homes.

Tasmanians hear the word state forestry regularly, but what about private forestry? For more than 35 years, private forester John Lord has been selectively harvesting the multi-aged native forest on his family’s 750-hectare property in Bracknell. By Saree Satler, The Examiner But what does “selectively harvest” mean? Mr Lord said it involved removing certain trees – often the least healthy ones – to “thin” a forest, which allowed more sunlight to reach the forest floor, mitigated the risk of catastrophic fire, and created a regenerative forest. This practice vastly differs from clear-fall logging, where all the trees are removed from an area. Selective harvesting dates back thousands of years, with Aboriginal tribes regularly burning off areas of a forest to sustainably manage the land they lived on. The forests regrew, and the cycle continued. With two-thirds of the land made up of Eucalyptus trees and one-third plantation, contractors on the Lords’ land very carefully “mimic” this Indigenous method, using machinery rather than fire. “It can go on forever. Native forests don’t require any chemicals at all – it is truly circular,” Mr Lord said. Conservationist versus protectionist Mr Lord said, unlike many other places in the world, Tasmanian native forests have adapted to active management and require it to thrive. “Conservationists actively manage forests to keep them healthy and safe,” he said. “Protectionists lock the gate but Tasmanian forests and grasslands were managed by Aboriginals for 50,000 years, they adapted to this, so if you don’t keep doing it, they become unhealthy and the biomass accumulates, which is very dangerous.” Hear from a fire expert Professor of Pyrogeography and Fire Science David Bowman said dense native forests posed a “significant risk”. He said old growth shouldn’t be logged because there isn’t enough of it, but clear-felling wasn’t the answer either. Instead, the future of forestry relied on managing regenerative forests. “I will tell anyone who will listen that the future of forest management in Tasmania is reducing the density of the regrowth,” Professor Bowman said. All-or-nothing thinking Professor Bowman said the forestry debate has become far too “black and white”, and if the industry wanted to regain its social license, it required working with the community and being attentive. “Sustainable Timbers is a work in progress, I know they are trying to innovate,” he said. “[It should be] trialling different sorts of innovative forestry and getting feedback from the community to build the social license.” The professor said “real action” was not black and white, but in the middle, which was learning how to manage regenerative forests. “We are still learning about the middle, it’s about building a social license and the science,” he said. “A forest industry in Tasmania is a good thing, we have a fantastic resource that we can use, but it’s got to be done sustainably.” Mr Lord said there was a lack of understanding in the community about what he does, but after more than 35 years of watching something work, he wanted to educate others. “These are facts, it’s not an ideology – we are conservationists, we do a lot of work, it’s constant, it will go on forever,” he said. “We’ve been very happy to show people what we do, and we are open to comments and all sorts of questions.” Sustainable Timber Tasmania General Manager Conservation and Land Management for Sustainable Timber Tasmania Suzette Weeding said when STT harvest or partially harvest an area, that area is regenerated or re-established so the forest can regrow. “STT is responsible for the management of 821,000 hectares of Permanent Timber Production Zone land, which includes land available for wood production, as well as land managed for reservation,” Ms Weeding said. In 2023-24, 5855 hectares of forest on Permanent Timber Production Zone land were harvested for forest products. Ms Weeding said the area constituted less than one per cent of the land STT manages. “Of the forest harvested, 70% was undertaken using partial/selective harvesting methods,” she said. Ms Weeding said STT engaged extensively with the community and stakeholders through a variety of communication touchpoints, including the Three-Year Wood Production Plan. “Each year, STT releases an update to its Three-Year Wood Production Plan to the Tasmanian community for feedback,” she said. SST also offers registered stakeholders information about annual programs, Forest Practices Plans and intended commencement of planning, harvesting and burning.

Agfest has been used as an opportunity for farmers to be told about the benefits of having forestry operations on their land. Source: By Simon McGuire Tasmanian Country Organised by TasFarmers, Private Forests Tasmania (PFT) representatives and farmers with forestry operations on their land spoke to the public on day one of Agfest about doing forestry on private land. Around 70% of all forest products harvested in Tasmania come from private land. TasFarmers President Ian Sauer said the event was intended to inform its members about how private forestry operations work and the opportunities in the space for land owners. “There’s a whole heap of farmers and TasFarmers members who have got plantation shelterbelts and their own native forest,” Mr Sauer said. “The farming community have been locked in trying to get that triple bottom line measure on their land so it’s economic, social and environmental, and trees do that.” Mr Sauer acknowledged that forestry had been a contentious issue. “The problem – I think – is that there has been a lot of negativity in the community through misinformation for quite some time about native forests. “So TasFarmers’ policy is we don’t necessarily care that much about what happens on public native forests. “However, when it comes to private native forests and private land, keep your mitts off it and allow us to get on and do business. Mr Sauer said that TasFarmers, PFT and others were not looking at forestry through “the old lens,” which included wood chips and clear felling. “We are now in 2025, we want to look at it through a new lens, and we want to be able to maximise social, economic and environmental issues. “So, how do you do that? “The thinking that we are talking about at the moment is high-value and laminated timbers.” The new St Lukes building in Launceston is an example of that, Mr Sauer said. “One of the main benefits is that it stores carbon for 200 years, so that’s just one little thing; we should be moving down that pathway.” Mr Sauer also said that landowners not managing their forests would see them degrade and slowly die over time. “You keep weeds out of them; you need to burn them – the Aborigines were doing that for millennia. “We want to keep that bush safe, so we don’t want a catastrophic fire through there. Burning also enables biodiversity, Mr Sauer said, particularly in Tasmanian dry sclerophyll forests. “One of the ways to germinate seed in these forests is through smoke and fire, so we need to have new growth. “When that new growth comes forward, you get a huge increase in carbon uptake.” Mr Sauer said there needed to be more focus on the future of forestry. “We need to be looking forward, not worrying about what happened in the past. Farmers manage their land very, very well. “They’re providing ecosystem services to the community.” PFT Operations Manager Jarrod Burn said his organisation’s legislative objective was to facilitate the expansion and sustainability of the private forest sector. “We support everyone from mum and dad that have four or five hectares at the back of their property, through to the large industrial estates that manage 100,000 hectares,” Mr Burn said. “We support them through different capacities; through advocacy, through policy, through research, and also by being that trusted source of information for all things forestry related. “Our table talk this morning uncovered that there’s a lot of bureaucracy and challenges around the emerging market that is carbon. “One of our key priority projects is to break down those barriers and be that trusted source of information so that people can make informed and confident decisions in investing in carbon and forestry.”

In May the Southern Wood Council Forestry Awards were held in conjunction with Competenz. The forestry awards celebrate success in forestry and wood processing through the presentation of 10 major industry awards, along with the industry training certificates for the past 12 months. Source: Timberbiz As with previous events, Friday evening brought in a huge crowd, with good numbers coming up from Southland and from right across Otago. This year was the first time the event was held in its biennial format and, while there was initially some concern that interest might have dropped off in the intervening year, this certainly wasn’t the case, and it was a hugely positive atmosphere on the night. “This year we saw record numbers of nominations for the prestigious industry awards and some exceptional quality people were put forward for recognition,” Grant Dodson, CEO of City Forests Ltd and Chair of the Southern Wood Council said. There was an impressive list of nominees with a high level of skill and experience, which made judging the winner of each Award category, in my opinion, very difficult according to Keith Raymond of Forest Growers Research, one the three independent judges. The winners of the 10 award categories were as follows: Apprentice of the year Award – Callum Maze of Roxburgh Logging Forestry Trainee of the year (Harvesting) Award – Josh Harrison of Mike Hurring Logging Forestry Trainee of the year (Silviculture) Trophy – Jamie Sycamore of Southland Forest Services Ltd Forestry Excellence Award – Lyle Swain of Swain Logging Ltd Wood Processing Excellence Award – Bryson Baratcart of Niagara Sawmilling Company Ltd Women in Forestry Excellence Award – Xshikarna Harvey of Mike Hurring logging Training Contractor/Company of the year Award – Lyle Swain of Swain Logging Ltd Forestry/Wood Products Health and Safety Excellence Award – Matt Stewart of Stewart Logging Ltd Forestry Environmental Management Excellence Award – Matt Winmill of Gillion Logging Ltd Outstanding Forest Industry Contribution Trophy – Alec Cassie of Wenita Forest Products Limited In addition to the awards and training certificates presented, the evening was peppered with spot prize draws with a total prize pool of over $5000. Most of the Spot Prizes were donated by NZ Safety-Blackwoods of Dunedin, including a Milwaukee Battery Chainsaw kit which is new to market and not yet on general sale but has a recommended retail value of $2000.

A major new research project is underway in Brisbane to upgrade how Australia predicts timber durability, helping the industry make smarter decisions and avoid costly mistakes. Source: Jim Bowden, WoodCentral Led by Dr Chandan Kumar and a research team at the Department of Primary Industries (DPI), the project is part of the National Centre for Timber Durability and Design Life and focuses on improving Australia’s Service Life Prediction (SLP) model. This model is crucial for estimating how long different timber species and wood products will last in various environments, from wet and humid coastal areas to dry inland regions. While steel and concrete have well-established prediction models, timber is more complex because it is a natural material. Its durability depends on the species, treatment, exposure, climate, design, and threats like fungi and termites. And this complexity has real-world consequences. For example, when someone uses untreated pine for a garden bed or deck exposed to weather, it may fail in just a few years. The timber isn’t to blame – it’s simply the wrong product for that use. A good service life model can help builders, landscapers, asset managers, and homeowners choose the right timber for the right place, avoiding premature failures, costly repairs and damage to wood’s reputation as a building material. A more accurate SLP model can also help plan maintenance and replacements, support circular economy efforts by identifying timber suitable for reuse, assess how timber products might perform under future climate conditions, and reduce the risk of failure in critical structures such as bridges or retaining walls. Ultimately, it supports better design, safer buildings, less waste, and greater confidence in using timber as a long-term, sustainable material. Australia once led the world in this field through the TimberLife project, a landmark 10-year research initiative (1997–2007) delivered by CSIRO and funded by FWPA under the leadership of Dr Bob Leicester. The TimberLife project produced a model and software that helped predict how timber would perform in various applications, from in-ground posts to marine environments and termite-prone areas. Unfortunately, after the project ended in 2007, research in this area effectively stopped. Meanwhile, Europe continued to improve its models through a series of major collaborative projects, incorporating more variables, better data, and climate change projections. This new project aims to rebuild and modernise Australia’s model, drawing on everything learned over the past two decades and guided by the original TimberLife leadership. The original model was based on the best available data at the time, much of it from L-joint field tests and expert judgment. Since then, DPI has gathered more detailed field data from decades-long durability trials and a national trial launched in 2020 under the National Centre. The updated model will use this rich dataset to improve accuracy. For example, the current approach groups timber into broad durability classes, but new evidence shows that species within the same class can behave very differently under the same conditions. The team will look at more precise characteristics like wood density to improve predictions. The existing hazard maps, which help assess environmental risk, were mainly based on rainfall. But new research by Lesley Francis has shown that vapour pressure deficit, which reflects how quickly timber can dry out, is a much stronger predictor of decay. So, instead of using four broad zones, the new model will allow users to select exact locations using a pin-drop or coordinates to get site-specific predictions. The in-ground model will also be updated to include soil moisture; a key decay driver already used in European models but previously missing from the Australian version. To ensure the model is accurate and useful, the research team is building a browser-based online platform. This tool will be: Accessible via desktop or mobile, with no installation required. Easy to update and expand with new features. Usable on-site by builders, engineers, asset managers, or specifiers. Available publicly or through log-in access, depending on need. A demonstrated version of the platform has already been tested to give stakeholders a preview of what’s coming. The aim is to ensure the final tool is practical, relevant and aligned with real-world industry use. This project is guided by a diverse and experienced steering committee, which includes voices from research, government, and industry. Members include: Andrew McLaughlin (AKD), Dr Bill Leggate (Griffith University, and formerly DPI). Christian Brischke (Thünen Institute, Germany). Dr Harry Greaves (HG Consulting), Melbourne. Ian Blanden and Dr Chris Lafferty (FWPA). Dr Jeff Morrell (University of South Australia). Professor Keith Crews (University of Queensland). Kyra Wood (University of Tasmania). Tripti Singh (University of the Sunshine Coast and director, National Centre for Timber Durability and Design Life). Joining the research team are Chandan Kumar, Babar Hassan, Lesley Francis, Maryam Shirmohammadi, Stuart Meldrum, and technicians from the Forest Product Innovation team. A special acknowledgement goes to Bob Leicester for his continued support, and to the late Collin McKenzie, whose contributions to timber durability research are gratefully remembered. Work is already underway. The team has processed national climate data from 1968 to 2024, is compiling and analysing decades of field trials, and is calibrating models to reflect the latest insights. They’re also refining assumptions about decay rates and exploring the integration of termite risk and building envelope performance. With support from industry and expert guidance, this project will ensure Australia once again leads in timber durability science and provides the tools the industry needs to build confidently, sustainably, and smartly.

Last week marked 40 years since Tasmania took a bold step in environmental leadership with the introduction of its pioneering Forest Practices System. Widely regarded as one of the world’s most comprehensive and robust models of sustainable forest management, the system continues to set a high standard. Source: Timberbiz The Forest Practices Act 1985 was successfully legislated in response to growing public interest about the environmental impacts of logging. It has since evolved and adapted to balance wood production and the conservation of natural and cultural values. At the time, there was no dedicated legislation requiring environmental safeguards in forest operations on private land, and regulatory oversight was limited more broadly. In response, the Tasmanian Parliament passed the Act, establishing the Forest Practices Authority (FPA) and implementing a legal framework for forest planning and independent oversight. Private Forests Tasmania (PFT) Operations Manager Jarrod Burn, a fifth-generation timber industry worker and Forest Practices Officer, said Tasmania’s was one of the first Forest Practices Systems globally to mandate Forest Practices Plans for both public and private land, and to require trained professionals to oversee their implementation. “This co-regulatory framework drives continual improvement and sets the legal foundation for sound, evidence-based forest practices,” he said. “This system has withstood legal and social challenges, proving resilient, sustainable and time tested.” Tasmania’s Forest Practices System was designed to be practical, science-based and inclusive – supporting sustainable timber production while safeguarding soil, water, biodiversity, cultural heritage and landscape values. Over the past four decades, Tasmania’s Forest Practices System has continued to evolve in response to scientific research, policy shifts and community expectations. The Forest Practices Code was first issued in 1987 and has been updated four times, most recently in 2020. Regular reviews of the Code, consultation with scientists and land managers, and a commitment to adaptive management have allowed the system to remain relevant and responsive. PFT Forestry Specialist Dion McKenzie, who has spent 25 years in the forest industry and is also a Forest Practices Officer, said the adaptable nature of the Forest Practices System is one of its strengths. “The Forest Practices System has been developed to support discoveries during active forest operations,” he said. “For example, if a new cultural heritage site is discovered during an active forest operation, a precautionary approach is taken whereby work stops immediately in the vicinity of the discovery until an assessment can be made and appropriate prescriptions can be developed for its management. “While assessment is occurring, forest operations can continue elsewhere in the broader site. This approach is important to optimise efficiency and cost-effectiveness in forest management. “Another part of the system that works well is the expertise and experience that has developed among both its practitioners and regulators – including open and trusting communications between experts and forest managers.” Graham Wilkinson, who served as Chief Forest Practices Officer for 19 years, reflected on his key achievements upon his departure in 2015. Strengthening the credibility and importance of the Forest Practices Officer (FPO) system Enhancing the standing of the regulator Expanding the FPO system to capture more sustainable forest management elements Improving the ‘one-stop shop’ approach by developing agreements with other regulators and Raising the national and international profile and reputation of the Forest Practices System. “I would walk over hot coals to defend the Forest Practices Officer system, as it can deliver tremendous outcomes at virtually no cost to government,” he said. “When I joined the then Forest Practices Board in 1996, it was a division of Forestry Tasmania. “From day one I lobbied for a more independent system of regulation, and I was fortunate to serve under successive boards and governments which, despite some opposition and trepidation, progressively agreed to enhance the regulator’s independence. “This included the creation of the Forest Practices Board as a statutory authority in 1999, followed by the establishment of the FPA with a truly independent, expertise-based board in 2004. “There are some who would prefer a regulator that can be more easily ‘controlled’ by government, but in my view the advantages of an independent regulator far exceed the alternatives. “It’s important the community has confidence that decisions are made without stakeholder or political influence. Being an independent regulator is a bit like walking a tightrope – avoiding becoming too adversarial, captured or overly sympathetic.” As of 2025, more than 1.5 million hectares of forest have been managed under Forest Practices Plans. The success of the system wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of forest workers, landowners, scientists and regulators who have upheld its core principles. However, Mr McKenzie said that does not mean the Forest Practices System is without future challenges. He noted that awareness and understanding of the system requires ongoing effort. “It is important for the public to have confidence that the system delivers strong forest production outcomes while appropriately managing important forest values,” Mr McKenzie said. “Adapting to changes in forest ecosystems responding to climate change will continue to test the system. Having a framework that can recognise these changes, understand the implications for the forest, and inform future active management is critical.”

More than 120 friends and colleagues attended an industry memorial service in Brisbane for Colin MacKenzie last week with Timber Queensland making a special announcement recognising Mr MacKenzie’s long-term contribution to timber design, innovation, and application. Source: Jim Bowden, WoodCentral CEO Mick Stephens said Mr MacKenzie was a giant in the industry, and as such, many colleagues and members asked how we might recognise these achievements. “Timber Queensland is pleased to announce the formation of a new award for professional development in the timber and building sector known as the Colin MacKenzie Award for Technical Excellence in Timber Application and Use,” Mr Stephens said. “This award will not only remember Colin’s 48-year legacy but will help support the ongoing work of timber design and education with a particular focus on fit-for-purpose specification and use, innovation and best practice timber engineering, design and research. “The award will enable future practitioners, students and researchers to obtain professional development that supports their own career and the industry more broadly. “Given the reach of Colin’s work, it will have a national focus, and Timber Queensland is working with other key partners and bodies to put in place necessary governance and funding arrangements. “We will be able to make further announcements as the award is fully developed including asking for the industry’s support.” A framed certificate formally recognising the award was presented to Mr MacKenzie’s wife Christine by Timber Queensland deputy chair James Hyne. Mr MacKenzie passed away on 24 March in Brisbane aged 75 following a period of illness and is survived by his wife and daughters Aleisha and Trina. His influence on the timber and building industries will be felt for generations to come. Affectionally known as ‘The Timber Expert’ due to his skills and experience, his enthusiasm and commitment to timber product education will be hard to replicate. Mr MacKenzie’s journey in engineering began in Melbourne where he graduated from the Caulfield Institute of Technology in 1974. With more than 40 years of experience in all facets of timber and wood product design, use, and application, he became a leading authority in the field, particularly where timber was used in building and construction. His expertise was built from his early days as a technical officer with CSIRO’s Divisions of Forest Products and Building Research through to his leadership roles as technical director at Timber Research and Development Advisory Council of Queensland (TRADAC) and later manager of Timber Application and Use with Timber Queensland. Over the course of his career, he became a defining figure in timber engineering. He worked with TRADAC, now embraced by Timber Queensland, before establishing MacKenzie Consulting. His work spanned durability design, domestic engineering, and the advancement of Australian standards and building codes. A leader in pioneering timber grading and in-grade testing programs, his impact reached far beyond Australia. He served on numerous Australian standards committees, including the Timber Structures Committee, the Structural Timbers Committee and the Timber Framing Committee. Internationally, he represented Australia on the ISO TC 165 Timber Structures Committee, ensuring that his expertise helped shape the global timber industry. His commitment to education and industry advancement was evident in his contribution to writing numerous technical publications, including the renowned Timber Queensland Technical Data Sheets, Queensland Timber Framing Manuals, Mult-Residential Timber Frame Construction publications, AS 1684, and the Handy Span Tables book. He played a key role in research projects such as Advanced Flooring Research, Recycled Timber Grading, and Durability Design, all aimed at strengthening the future of timber construction. Beyond his professional achievements, Mr MacKenzie was recognised with the Stanley A. Clarke Medal from the Institute of Wood Science in 1999, an acknowledgment of his outstanding contributions to timber technology.