Friday Offcuts – 31 October 2025
Click to Subscribe - It's FREE! Welcome to this week’s issue of Friday Offcuts.A quick note to start - ForestTECH 2025, is Australasia's leading forest technology series, runs next month in Rotorua and Melbourne. The event brings together global experts in remote sensing, AI, and precision silviculture, and early-bird discounts close today. As highlighted last week, New Zealand’s bioenergy sector has received a major boost with the launch of a new Wood Energy Strategy & Action Plan and a Government Statement on Biogas. The Bioenergy Association has welcomed the recognition of wood energy’s potential but says policy certainty and funding must now follow — you can listen to the interview below. In Australia, a new CSIRO report shows koala numbers in NSW have doubled since 2012, reigniting debate over the state’s timber policy. We also cover a new report comparing the economic benefits of timber plantations and environmental plantings across Victoria and NSW. Finally, in market and industry news, the reopening of Millari Mill has created 110 new jobs in Gisborne, and Nelson is transitioning from commercial pine harvesting to native forestry. We also look at stable NZ log markets, China’s shifting demand, and new US tariffs reshaping global lumber trade. Read these stories and more in this packed edition of Friday Offcuts.
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This week we have for you:
Bioenergy gets a boost. now action must follow
The Bioenergy Association is pleased to see the Government
recognition of bioenergy being an important part of NZ’s future
energy mix. Brian Cox, Executive Officer of the Bioenergy Association, said that “wood energy is the largest untapped ready-to-use source of energy across New Zealand, far bigger than many oil fields. This recognition from Government will encourage the use of wood energy to address the emerging energy supply crisis.” The Hon Simon Watts has announced two significant steps the Government is taking: a new Wood Energy Strategy & Action Plan and a Government Statement on Biogas. This was made at a joint Residues2Revneues 2025 and Bioeconomy Innovations conference in Rotorua last week. “We at Bioenergy Association see this as good news: it brings long-needed visibility to bioenergy, reinforces regional jobs in forestry and waste sectors, and strengthens our circular economy potential. However, the real work now begins. We need policy clarity, funding certainty, and implementation frameworks that allow wood energy and biogas to scale, not just be talked about. Bioenergy Association stands ready to collaborate with government and industry to make it happen.” Brian Cox also spoke on the Mike Hosking Breakfast podcast. Source: Bioenergy Association of NZ CSIRO Report shows Koala numbers up in logging areas
Koala numbers in NSW have doubled since the devastating Black
Summer bushfires of 2012 according to a new report from CSIRO,
Australia’s national science agency.According to Timber NSW Chief Executive Maree McCaskill, ‘These numbers are the actual science that should have informed Minister Sharpe before partially shutting down the north coast timber industry, instead of using political science and blatantly ignoring evidence. ‘Koalas are not going extinct in NSW and their numbers have doubled, even using the lowest probability figures from the CSIRO. ‘Politicians like to tell voters that their decision-making is evidence based, and yet we can see clearly now that the NSW Government’s urgent need to destroy livelihoods, businesses and communities in the forestry industry was based on a flimsy and inaccurate belief when the science was clearly available," said Maree McCaskill. While the decision to destroy forest industries has already been taken by Minister Sharpe it is worthwhile recording that the park area has been sustainably managed and harvested for over 100 years and during this time there has been no threat to koalas from the timber industry. Now lives and businesses have been destroyed, and the NSW Government is failing to offer adequate support, particularly to workers over 45 with very limited prospects in struggling communities. "Timber NSW calls on the NSW Government to acknowledge the CSIRO report on Koala numbers so that future decisions can be based on science not belief” said Maree. The latest update on koala numbers in Eastern Australia is available from CSIRO. Source: Timber NSW Global forestry tech leaders to converge at ForestTECH 2025
The ForestTECH 2025 conference series is set to return next
month in New Zealand and Australia, bringing together leading
researchers, technology providers and forest managers to explore the
latest advances in remote sensing, data capture, inventory management
and precision silviculture.Now recognised as the premier forestry technology event for the Southern Hemisphere, ForestTECH provides an independent and practical platform for sharing new and emerging tools that are transforming forest operations. The annual series draws on strong links between applied research providers and industry leaders, ensuring the most up-to-date technology applications form part of each year’s programme. International and local experts will showcase breakthrough developments that are reshaping forest monitoring, management, and reforestation — particularly for radiata pine and other key plantation species. Key highlights for 2025 include:
Albrecht von Ruffer, CEO of SKYLAB, noted the need for practical application. "AI and remote sensing hold big promises for better forest management, but there's no one-size-fits-all, so we see the key to unlocking this potential in customising AI to the particular forest type and structure at hand." "Technology now evolves faster than our ability to keep up," added Chaplin Chan, Senior Consultant, Resource Monitoring at Indufor Asia Pacific. "To harness its potential, it is vital that we examine which aspects can be applied practically to our industry, where the solutions we develop introduce a leap in precision and efficiency Early bird discounts closing Friday 31 October 2025. Early bird discounts are closing today. Special group rates are also available. In New Zealand, WIDE Trust is sponsing complimentary spaces - for full details please contact Gordon Thomson at gordon.thomson@innovatek.co.nz or (+64) 27 275 8022. Registrations can be made directly through the event website. Source: FIEA  Nelson moving from pines to natives
Nelson City Council’s transition away from clear-fell pine
forestry is well underway with around 74,000 trees planted in the Maitai
and Marsden Valleys this winter. "We’re systematically moving through the whole of the commercial forestry estate at the moment and prioritising our work," said the council’s new forest systems manager Dr James Griffiths. Griffiths, a scientist with 20 years of experience in pest management for the Department of Conservation, has been in his role for two months after the council initially struggled to fill the position. The council decided to transition away from clear-fell commercial forestry to create a well-managed continuous canopy amenity forest. The council has a 10,000-hectare forest estate. More >> Source: 1News VIC/NSW land use review and comparison report
The Land Use Review and Comparison report, prepared for
the Murray Region Forestry Hub (MRFH) and Central West Forestry Hub,
examines the economic, environmental, and social implications
of establishing new environmental plantings (EPs) and harvestable timber
plantations (TPs) across NSW and northern Victoria. It assesses policy
settings, carbon credit potential, and regional economic outcomes under
the Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) Scheme.The study finds that while both EPs and TPs can generate similar levels of carbon credits, TPs provide substantially higher economic returns and regional employment benefits due to their dual income streams from timber and carbon, as well as their established industry infrastructure. In contrast, EPs carry higher uncertainty and risk, rely heavily on carbon markets, and offer lower socio-economic returns, although they align strongly with biodiversity and environmental restoration objectives. This comprehensive analysis provides valuable insights for policymakers to promote sustainable land use practices that support both economic growth and environmental sustainability in regional Australia. It also shows that commercial timber plantations within the Hubs may be a suitable option for landowners Read report Source: Murray Region Forestry Hub Image credit: Indufor Millari Mill reopening creates 110 jobs for Gisborne-Tairawhiti
Everyone loves a comeback story and the puffing smokestack on MacDonald Rd, Matawhero, signals an exciting one for Gisborne. The old Juken Nissho sawmill is back up and running under the new name of Millari Mill after being bought by Australian company True Blue Timber in February this year. It has been open and operational for around five months and has created 110 jobs – 109 of them local people.Millari Mill general manager Shane Wilson is operating the mill again, taking back his old post when it was run by Juken Nissho (JNL). His knowledge and continuity have meant the staff have hit the ground running, processing locally grown logs at the mill, which has a plywood factory, a laminated veneer lumber (LVL) facility and a traditional sawmill. By the end of the year, Millari Mill will be operational 24 hours a day, seven days a week, turning out a minimum of 80,000cu m of LVL, 100,000cu m of timber and 10,000cu m of plywood each year. More >> (Subscription may be required) Source: NZ Herald Monthly NZ report - October 2025
Log markets have remained stable across NZ with that stability being broadly positive for the sector. Indeed, in terms of export log prices, the current levels reflect about the last 2year average and they have been that way for the last 6 months.At the current levels, forest owners are yielding a good return per hectare. Some have suggested there have been times over the last 5 years when prices were much higher. I remind them high prices were historically followed rapidly by low prices, with markets using the blunt instrument called price to manipulate supply and demand. Of our key market in China, it is now very clear the demand for NZ logs has its foundations in a furniture and finishing market rather than the construction sector as it has been in the past. This means our wonderful Radiata pine has been recognised across the China manufacturing sector for its superior qualities in finishing componentry. In this case, componentry talks to products like finger joint lumber, edge glue panels, mouldings, and furniture components. These have been a staple export to the US for some time, but are also now being used in bulk by Chinese property owners looking to upgrade and refurbish their apartment rather than buy a new one. This is all very good news for NZ Forest owners, who can rely on that market to keep chugging along. Current daily log consumption rates across the China eastern seaboard are consistently running north of 60,000 m3. Radiata log inventory has continued falling, as at early October 2.55million m3, down 260,000 m3 on early September levels. The inventory reflects about 40 days of logs in the supply Chain. This is a low number and several years ago could have seen panic buying. Now the Chaina market is tempered with uncertainty and a subdued sentiment, a reflection of historically poor growth numbers and low activity. However, this is very much a watch this space as the Government continue to announce stimulus packages, with most commentators suggesting better times ahead. NZ is now over 80% of all softwood log deliveries to China, totally dominating the market. As I predicted from the outset, the world is finding solutions to President Trump’s tariff stupidities. Our radiata pine components are finding all sorts of ways to get from China to the US avoiding high tariff countries whilst ensuring US consumers pay for their leaders foley. The India Radiata pine log market continues at a pace where daily consumption numbers are not part of what is captured or reported. What we do know is the bonded wood in yards has close to disappeared, which means logs are moving out of Kandla port as they are being discharged. This in turn means supply and demand is in balance and the market is generally positive. The Free Trade Agreement with India is reportedly to hit the headlines in November. Success in achieving a FTA would be very good news for NZ Forest Owners, with the tariff removal on logs very quickly adding two vessels per month to our log trade. More >> Source & image credit: Allan Laurie, Laurie Forestry  Softwood lumber - tariffs, turbulence, and new trade flowsGlobal softwood lumber markets are entering a period of significant change. After years of weak demand and high volatility, the 2025–2030 outlook points to a gradual recovery—driven by economic improvement in Europe and China, supply constraints across North America, and new trade flows emerging from tariffs and policy shifts, according to the new report Softwood Lumber - Tariffs, Turbulence, and New Trade Flows.Slow Growth, Major Shifts Softwood lumber remains a USD 80 billion global industry, growing only 1.8% per year in nominal terms since 2000. Beneath this modest headline, demand and trade are transforming. Consumption has shifted toward Asia, while North America and Europe remain the backbone of global supply. Construction dominates in developed markets, while furniture and packaging are key in emerging economies. Per-capita use has plateaued at 0.2–0.4 m³ in mature markets but remains below 0.1 m³ in developing regions—leaving room for growth, particularly in mid-income Southeast Asia and MENA. Regional policies, tariffs, and forest resource limits will shape how demand is met, according to the report.  United States: Tightening Supply, Rising Prices The United States accounts for 27% of global softwood lumber demand but only 20% of supply. After steady post-recession growth, U.S. consumption dipped in 2022 but is expected to rebound later this decade as housing starts recover. The implementation of new import tariffs in October 2025 will restrict supply and push lumber prices in the US higher. Canada and Europe: Adjusting to Constraints Canada’s lumber sector faces a structural downturn. Higher U.S. duties (from 14% to 45% for most producers) and limited log supply in British Columbia will accelerate mill closures and investment shifts toward the U.S. South. Efforts to diversify exports to Asia and Europe are slow and costly due to distance and differing standards. Europe, which accounts for one-third of global supply, is poised for modest growth as construction confidence improves. But production in Northern and Central Europe is near its sustainable ceiling, and beetle-related harvests in Central Europe are declining. China and Beyond: A Gradual Rebound China’s lumber demand, down 34% since 2017, is expected to recover modestly after 2027 as the property market stabilises. Russia will remain its dominant supplier, with marginal increases from Canada. Demand in MENA and mid-income Asia (e.g., Vietnam, India) will also grow, though limited by local forest resources, they will predominantly rely on imports. A Fragmented Global Market Overall, global lumber demand is projected to grow 1.2% annually from 2024 to 2030, reaching 335 million m³. Seventy percent of this increase will come from the U.S., Europe, and China. Meeting that demand will require roughly 22 million m³ of new supply—mostly from the U.S. South, Eastern Europe, and Russia’s Far East. According to the report, the decade ahead will be defined not by strong growth but by redistribution—as tariffs, trade barriers, and forest policy reshape traditional supply chains. The winners will be those who adapt fastest to this new geography of wood. Click here to order the full report Source & chart credit: Glen O’Kelly, O’Kelly Acumen and Håkan Ekström, Global Wood Trends 1952 NSW bushfires that left a deep and lasting lesson
The 1952 bushfires in New South Wales (NSW) stand as one of the most significant events in Australia's bushfire history, not for their death toll, but for the enduring lessons they offered in fire management and mitigation. Spanning over 8 million hectares across eastern Australia, these fires, particularly the Mangoplah bushfire, resulted in changes in how bushfires were understood, managed, and mitigated for decades to come.The full review is included here. A major fire season The 1951–52 fire season was one of the most severe on record. It began in October 1951 with lightning strikes in southern central Queensland and escalated with devastating fires in northern NSW and Victoria. Among the most catastrophic was the Mangoplah bushfire, ignited by railway burning-off operations near Wagga Wagga. This fire consumed approximately 390,000 hectares—340,000 of which burned in just seven hours on January 25, 1952. The Mangoplah fire was the largest recorded area burned by a single-source fire at the time. A combination of extreme weather, including 100% grass curing, high temperatures, low humidity, and wind speeds reaching 40 km/h, created a perfect storm. The fire’s rapid spread overwhelmed local firefighting efforts, resulting in the destruction of 37 homes, 203 sheds and dairies, 1,841 kilometres of fencing, and the loss of 110,000 sheep. Financial damages were estimated at $18 million (adjusted to 1970 CPI). Capturing the lessons In the aftermath, the NSW Forestry Commission undertook a comprehensive review of the fire season. Their 1952 Annual Report included Appendix A: “Report on Forest Fire Protection in New South Wales During the 1951–52 Fire Season,” which outlined 21 targeted improvements, including training of field staff in fire control and suppression; development of fire control specialists in forecasting, planning, and communications, and expansion of fire mapping and planning tools. Equipment and tactical innovations The 1952 fires marked the first large-scale use of earth-moving equipment like bulldozers and graders in fire suppression. These machines proved invaluable for constructing firebreaks, access tracks, and direct fire attacks. The Forestry Commission also improved the use of pumps, tankers, and “La France” fire engines, which provided rapid water delivery and supported backburning operations. Fuel management and controlled burning One of the most critical realisations was the role of fuel loads in fire intensity. The Commission acknowledged that insufficient controlled burning had left vast areas vulnerable. In contrast, areas that had undergone prescribed burns experienced significantly less damage. This insight underscored the importance of proactive fuel reduction as a cornerstone of bushfire mitigation. Developing fire prevention schemes Building on the 1952 lessons, the NSW Forestry Commission spearheaded the development of Fire Prevention Schemes in the late 1950s through the 1970s. These schemes targeted unprotected areas, particularly in coastal and tableland regions. With an initial government investment of £100,000 in 1958, the schemes aimed to promote controlled hazard reduction; construct fire trails and breaks; establish fire detection and communication systems and enable rapid response in remote areas. Loss of the key lessons by the late 1970s Despite the early success of these initiatives, the momentum waned by the late 1970s. Funding cuts and shifting priorities led to the decline of systematic fuel reduction and fire trail maintenance. The consequences have been dire. According to John O’Donnell (2025), only 4.3% of NSW’s forested landscape received fuel treatment over the past seven years—an average of just 0.6% annually. This neglect has contributed to the accumulation of hazardous fuel loads, setting the stage for catastrophic events like the 2019–20 Black Summer bushfires. A path forward The 1952 NSW bushfires offer a powerful case study in the value of learning from disaster. The Forestry Commission’s immediate and comprehensive response—documented in official reports and implemented through decades of policy and practice—demonstrated what effective, long-term mitigation can achieve. The Fire Prevention Schemes, though eventually dismantled, showcased the potential of coordinated, well-funded, and science-driven fire management. Today, as Australia faces increasingly frequent and intense bushfires, the lessons of 1952 are more relevant than ever. The need for proactive fuel management remains critical. The legacy of the 1952 bushfires must be revisited to safeguard communities, ecosystems, and future generations. Read full report Source: John O’Donnell Image description: Bushfire Prevention Schemes for Unprotected areas. Source SETA 2021.  Source: John O’Donnell 2025 Vietnam softwood logs and lumber forum & tour
For decades, international softwood log and lumber exporters have relied
on China, but the map is being redrawn. Vietnam has rapidly
emerged as one of the new centers for wood manufacturing,
creating surging demand for both lumber and panels. For those global
producers impacted by a slowing Chinese market or navigating new US
duties and tariffs, Vietnam offers a stable, high-volume destination for
your products. The challenge isn’t identifying the opportunity; it’s connecting with it. That’s why we’ve created this exclusive tour and forum. It’s the only event that combines on-the-ground intelligence with high-level networking, putting you in direct contact with the Vietnamese executives who are making purchasing decisions now. Vietnam isn’t just an alternative market—it’s your next strategic move. Establish your presence ahead of the competition. To register or for future details, click here. Source & image credit: FEA NZ eucalypt forestry - markets & tree breeding webinar
Over the past two years, the end of sustainable harvesting of
public native forests in several Australian states has cut hardwood log
supply. Australia’s 200,000 ha eucalypt pulp wood
plantations are no substitute. NZ durable eucalypt growers have a
significant market opportunity to develop a log and/or timber trade with
Australia.Durable eucalypts offer a short rotation option to forest growers and farm foresters in Marlborough and many North Island regions. New Zealand Dryland Forests Innovation (NZDFI) is promoting a vision to plant 60,000 ha of durable hardwood forests by regional planting programmes sustained over 25-30 years. Successful forestry is underpinned by planting high-quality nursery stock of improved genetics - plants of proven potential. The tree breeding cycle can take up to 20 years from testing a new forestry species through to commercial production of 1st generation improved seed. NZDFI’s testing and breeding started in 2003 with XyloGene branded improved seed now in commercial production and for sale to nurseries and growers. Learn about the Australian hardwood market opportunity for NZ durable eucalypt growers and get an update on NZDFI’s tree breeding programme at an upcoming webinar, on Wednesday, 3 December 2025, from 3pm to 4pm NZST. The webinar is presented by Paul Millen, NZDFI Manager and Ruth McConnochie, Tree Breeding consultant. Free registration via Marlborough Research Centre: email Susan Foster, susan@mrc.org.nz. For more information, click here. Source & image credit: NZDFI  New biorefinery will create global impact using seaweed
The world’s first commercial seaweed nanocellulose
biorefinery, opening in Paeroa, New Zealand today, will positively
impact a range of industries while minimising waste. The multi-million-dollar biorefinery, owned by family company AgriSea, will convert seaweed left over from the biostimulant production process into nanocellulose hydrogel that can be used for medical, agricultural, manufacturing and cosmetic purposes. Nanocellulose is a highly versatile material with exceptional properties, making it valuable in various applications. Most of the world’s nanocellulose is produced using chemically treated wood pulp. Now, AgriSea and the Bioeconomy Science Institute have collaborated to create this material from seaweed. AgriSea chief executive Clare Bradley says seaweed offers a surprising advantage over traditional wood-pulp sources. “Its cellulose chains are up to four times wider and longer, giving the resulting hydrogel twice the thermal conductivity of plant-based equivalents. The extraction process uses non-aggressive chemicals compared to those usually used to produce nanocellulose, making it significantly more workplace and environmentally friendly. “The finished material, an opaque gel, is stronger than steel and can absorb greater than 100 times its mass in water.” The biorefinery can produce up to 1600kg of eco-friendly nanocellulose hydrogel a week. This hydrogel can be used for advanced wound dressings and drug delivery, in agriculture to improve seedling survival thanks to its water-retentive properties, and as a potential biodegradable performance material for adhesives, batteries and electronics manufacturers. Cosmetics companies also see it as a renewable cream base. For AgriSea, the biorefinery is the next chapter in a 30-year journey producing seaweed-based bio-stimulants for agriculture. Until now, the fibrous residue from the company’s brewing process had limited value. By transforming it into nanocellulose hydrogel, the company is creating revenue streams while eliminating waste. Backed by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment to deliver regional jobs, the new plant is a flagship facility for New Zealand’s aquaculture sector. It can process a wide range of local seaweeds and has already trialled species from around the world – opening the door for New Zealand to take a leading role in global markets. The technology also creates multiple pathways for growth: the ability to contract-manufacture nanocellulose for other industry players, sell its own high-value materials into global markets or license the process to seaweed farmers in other countries. This flexibility strengthens New Zealand’s position as a leader in sustainable ocean-based innovation. Florian Graichen, the Bioeconomy Science Institute’s Forests to Biobased Products general manager, says the biorefinery is a textbook example of New Zealand’s circular bioeconomy in action. “This partnership has led to a blueprint for ocean-based green technologies that could help global industry transition from fossil-derived materials, while minimising waste and revitalising local economies. The potential market is enormous. The global seaweed cultivation industry is projected to reach US$69.5 billion by 2034. The broader biorefinery market is forecast to expand at nearly 8% annually, topping US$392 billion in the next 10 years. “This shows what can be achieved through collaborative research.” More >> BSI presented this case study at the Bioeconomy Innovations 2025 conference, held this week in Rotorua, New Zealand. Source & image credit: Bioeconomy Science Institute (BSI) Innovation award recognises e-thinning advancement
Matariki Forests’ Sam Middlemass, Forest Estate Manager,
has received the ‘Innovation that enhances sector value’
award from Forest Growers Research for his progressive work with e-thinning that has significantly changed industry practice.
The industry science award was presented to Sam at the recent
Forest Growers Research conference.E-thinning is the innovative practice of managing forest estates through chemical application to efficiently remove trees. Unlike traditional thinning carried out using chainsaws, e-thinning offers a cost-efficient and low-impact alternative. Sam initially commenced testing chemicals and application methods in 2010, and over the next decade, systematically tested, monitored and refined a range of chemical dosages and methods of application before arriving at the treatment applied today. During this time Sam monitored mortality, decay and breakdown, as well as identifying and considering operational, environmental, biological, and H&S risks associated with chemical treatment and subsequent tree death. Paul Adams of Forest Growers Research says Sam’s work has been a game changer for the industry. “While chemical thinning as a treatment is not new, development and refinement of chemical dosage and the application method were needed to derisk the operation from both an operational and efficacy standpoint, enabling the widespread adoption of this as an alternative technique. “Sam’s commitment to finding the optimum approach to e-thinning, together with his generous sharing of his knowledge with the wider industry, has changed the way New Zealand forestry companies approach the important operation of thinning,” says Paul. Sam says it was thanks to Matariki Forests’ encouragement to think outside the box and continually look for better ways to do things that gave him and other team members the opportunity to trial different products and methodologies. “Previously, e-thinning has been a time-consuming practice that was not always guaranteed to succeed. Now we have the blueprint for a 100% effective approach that is highly cost-effective, provides operational flexibility and delivers the results we need.” As a result of Sam’s findings, many of New Zealand’s largest forestry companies are now undertaking a level of e-thinning. A survey of these companies shows the current industry level of e-thinning is around 25% with a forecasted increase to around 40% in 2026. The implementation of chemical thinning has delivered immense enhanced economic value to the sector, with one forest owner commenting “it’s probably one of the most significant cost saving opportunities in our industry.” Crew productivity has more than doubled compared to traditional chainsaw thinning. But it’s not just about the numbers. While this approach brings a direct economic benefit, it has also shifted the management focus. Now, teams can concentrate on selecting the most appropriate stems, rather than the physical task of felling trees. This has made the workplace more collaborative and social, encouraging better teamwork and interaction. Source & image credit: Matariki Forests Jobs
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And one to end the week on... The most Oregon man in the world
If you’ve ever been lucky enough to spend time in Oregon, you’ll get this one ...
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