Friday Offcuts – 7 August 2026
Click to Subscribe - It's FREE! Welcome to this week's issue of Friday Offcuts.It's been a busy week for the forestry sector, with more than 230 delegates coming together in Rotorua for Carbon Forestry 2026. The event sparked strong discussion, with Climate Change Minister Hon Simon Watts reaffirming forestry's essential role in New Zealand's Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) and the Government's commitment to the sector. That message comes as carbon policy continues to generate debate on both sides of the Tasman. In New Zealand, proposals to remove forestry from the ETS continue to create uncertainty across the industry, while in Australia, Forestry Australia is questioning the integrity of a newly approved native forest carbon accounting method. Elsewhere in this issue, the Prime Minister's support for Red Stag's VoMo timber construction system, new prefabrication legislation in New South Wales, forestry safety initiatives, the latest log market update, industry investment and acquisitions, and research shaping the future of forestry. Looking ahead, Residues2Revenues 2026 is now just weeks away. The Brisbane event will bring together industry leaders to explore how wood residues are creating new commercial opportunities and becoming an increasingly important part of the forest value chain. Read these stories and more in this week's Friday Offcuts.
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This week we have for you:
Losing sight of the forest for the trees [NZ]
Election season: While the winter chill
blasts through New Zealand we all keep ourselves warm by the light of
our phones watching the tennis match play out between political parties.
It’s like Game of Thrones but involves a lot more debate about tax
and more rhetorical dragons than actual ones.Unfortunately, in this season, an idea that always gets floated by at least one party is ‘let’s fix the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) by removing forestry’. It’s simple to pitch and punchy, but ultimately a flawed idea. Regardless of whether the intention is to dismantle the ETS entirely or just remove exotic forestry from the scheme, these actions will fundamentally undermine New Zealand’s climate response and the wider economy. Forestry is currently the only sector in the NZ ETS that removes carbon dioxide emissions from the atmosphere. Inherently, removing access to forestry offsets will mean a higher cost of meeting New Zealand’s climate targets. The removal of forestry would also cut off the generation of NZUs for emitters. Maybe then you could auction units to offset that loss, but fundamentally you would no longer have units backed by any real climate action. It could also cause massive price spikes on the market depending on how it’s done, which would have flow on effects to fuel and electricity prices that are already elevated. It would absolutely collapse land value for post-89 forests and create stranded investments for landowners who established forests based on long-term ETS settings. This would have significant implications for Māori landowners in particular, given the extent of Māori participation in forestry and the long-term nature of many investments in whenua. I suspect that many of the people pitching the removal of forestry from the ETS support the economic development rights of indigenous peoples as recognised in the United Nations’ Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and simply haven’t thought through the repercussions properly - not to mention the Treaty Settlement implications. I haven’t found any data on exactly how many Māori entities hold carbon credits but based on the fact that a quarter of the New Zealand Forest Owners Associations’ membership are Māori and the proportion of businesses we work with that are in partnership with Māori landowners, it’s safe to assume that the implications would be significant. We are already seeing the impact of greater uncertainty around the ETS. The latest ETS registration figures show that the number of forests being entered into the scheme has slowed markedly since the introduction of the LUC restrictions last year, with monthly applications falling from more than 280 per month in 2025 to around 10 per month in 2026. Nurseries are reporting a significant reduction in orders, reflecting declining confidence in new planting. This will have flow on effects for our wood processing capacity and carbon sequestration, especially with the parallel impacts of the windthrow events decreasing standing timber volumes. Rather than reaching for the simple sound bite of removing forestry from the ETS, we should be having a more constructive debate about how the scheme can work better – including what complementary measures could drive greater gross emissions reductions while maintaining the role of forestry in removing carbon from the atmosphere. That would deliver better climate outcomes while providing greater certainty for forest owners and the rural communities and businesses that depend on forestry investment. Source: Dr Elizabeth Heeg, New Zealand Forest Owners Association (NZFOA) The forest carbon maths do not add up [AU]
Forestry Australia is raising serious concerns about the new
Improved Native Forest Management in Multiple-use Public Native Forests
Method (INFM Method), after technical analysis by its forest
carbon experts identified material flaws that could systematically, and
significantly, overstate carbon abatement.Analysis by Forestry Australia’s forest carbon experts indicates the INFM Method could potentially over-credit projects by 40 to 100 per cent, even before the full effects of leakage and carbon stored in harvested wood products are taken into account. Forestry Australia President Dr Michelle Freeman said the findings raise serious concerns about whether credits issued under the INFM Method would represent genuine climate benefit “There are fundamental problems with this Method. Its prescribed accounting and modelling framework is structurally biased towards issuing more carbon credits than the genuine climate benefit achieved,” Dr Freeman said. “Forestry Australia supports credible investment in forest carbon and does not dispute that avoiding native forest harvesting can generate genuine abatement in some circumstances. But every ACCU issued must represent a real, additional and accurately measured tonne of emissions reduction.” “That is why the maths must add up.” Dr Freeman said. Forestry Australia’s assessment identifies three central problems: 1) The 15-year accounting period is too short: This is significantly shorter than the periods commonly used in forest carbon accounting; for example, the Plantation Forestry Method uses a 100-year accounting period. While harvesting causes an initial loss of forest carbon, regrowth captures carbon over many decades. Ending the accounting after 15 years excludes much of this regrowth, making the baseline appear to store less carbon and inflating the estimated carbon benefit of the Method. 2) The accounting structure over-credits projects upfront and relies on future deductions: The INFM Method over-credits projects up front. Later reporting periods then deduct some of the earlier credits as regrowth occurs to claw back some of what was over-credited. The appearance of continuing carbon benefit therefore depends on repeatedly adding new areas; if that flow slows or stops, the underlying shortfall becomes visible. 3) FullCAM is applied incorrectly: The Method prescribes clearfall harvesting assumptions to be implemented in FullCAM, Australian Government’s tool for estimating greenhouse gas emissions and carbon stored in forests and land. Given the vast majority of native forest harvesting in Australia is implemented as selective or partial harvest, the INFM Method adopts an approach that does not reflect on-ground outcomes and is inconsistent with the settings used in Australia’s National Greenhouse Gas Inventory. This misapplication of the model in FullCAM exaggerates the difference between the project and baseline forests and inflates the estimated carbon benefit. Forestry Australia’s testing indicates that correcting the short accounting-window issue alone could reduce estimated abatement by more than 40 per cent. Correcting the FullCAM modelling could reduce estimated abatement by more than 50 per cent. “These are not marginal differences arising from professional judgement. They are material and cumulative problems embedded in the Method’s prescribed calculations,” Dr Freeman said. Millions of ACCUs could be issued without a genuine carbon benefit. The consequences could be significant because ACCUs generated under the Method may be used to offset real greenhouse gas emissions elsewhere in the economy. More >> Source: Forestry Australia  Help map New Zealand’s alternative plantation species [NZ]
New Zealand’s plantation forestry sector is dominated by Pinus radiata, but an increasing number of forests contain alternative species such as Douglas-fir, cypress, eucalyptus, redwood, larch, poplar and acacia.These species are becoming increasingly important for timber production, forest diversification, and resilience to climate change, pests and diseases. However, there is currently no comprehensive national map showing where these species are located. Researchers from the University of Canterbury’s School of Forestry are seeking help from forest owners and managers to address this information gap. The research is part of a PhD project led by Joseph Avis, under the supervision of Dr Vega Xu, Dr Justin Morgenroth and Dr Grant Pearse. The project is investigating how satellite imagery, drone imagery, LiDAR and other spatial datasets can be used to identify and map plantation tree species across New Zealand. The aim is to develop reliable classification methods and produce a detailed national map of New Zealand’s plantation forest species. This would provide a valuable resource for forest managers, researchers and the wider forestry sector. Remote sensing can provide powerful tools for mapping forests, but accurate field information is needed to train and validate the classification models. The research team is therefore seeking information from forest owners and managers who know the locations of alternative plantation species. How you can help If you own or manage a forest containing Douglas-fir, cypress, eucalyptus, redwood, larch, poplar, acacia or another minor plantation species, please complete our short online survey. The survey asks for basic information about the forest, including:
The information collected will contribute to a national training dataset and help improve the accuracy of plantation species mapping across New Zealand. The project ultimately aims to produce a national plantation forest species map for the forestry community. All information will be used solely for this University of Canterbury research project. Individual responses and specific forest locations will remain confidential and will not be publicly released. For further information, please contact: Joseph Avis, PhD candidate, School of Forestry, University of Canterbury Joseph.avis@pg.canterbury.ac.nz Timber construction supported by the PM at VoMo launch [NZ]
Hearing Prime Minister Christopher Luxon speak positively about
the future of value-added wood products at last week's official
commemoration of Red Stag's VoMo manufacturing system was encouraging
for everyone involved in New Zealand's wood processing and manufacturing
sector.When the Prime Minister spoke about the potential to use more value-added timber in domestic construction and said he was "interested in" VoMo's ability to keep more construction spending in New Zealand, it signalled growing recognition of the economic and strategic benefits of building with New Zealand wood. His statement, "I don't want to send money offshore to bring in overseas steel and cement into New Zealand," resonated strongly. It reflects a simple but important principle: where we have the capability to manufacture high-value building products here at home, we should be making the most of it. It was equally encouraging to hear the Prime Minister acknowledge the need to "use more wood" in government construction projects. With a substantial pipeline of schools, hospitals and defence facilities on the horizon, there is a real opportunity for engineered timber and wood products to play a much greater role in delivering these projects. Forestry Minister Todd McClay reinforced this message when he said, "It is taking the trees that we grow well and providing a choice, providing an option." His observation that processing trees domestically rather than exporting them as logs could "add about seven times the value to those trees for New Zealand, the local economy" captures exactly why value-added wood manufacturing matters. Every additional stage of processing creates more skilled jobs, more regional investment and greater economic returns for New Zealand. The VoMo initiative itself deserves recognition as an example of what our sector can achieve through innovation and collaboration. Credit goes to Red Stag Group CEO Marty Verry and his team for driving this project and demonstrating what is possible with wood. VoMo is being developed alongside German architecture firm NKBAK and Austrian construction company Kaufmann Bausysteme, with support from the Ministry for Primary Industries' Primary Sector Growth Fund. As Verry said the VoMo system has the potential to improve productivity, reduce waste and costly variations, lower construction costs and deliver buildings faster. By allowing building foundations and modular components to be constructed simultaneously rather than sequentially, overall project time can typically be reduced by between one-third and one-half. Importantly, the new facility is designed to support a wide range of projects, including classrooms, apartments, townhouses, hotels, student accommodation, offices and retirement villages. It also strengthens the competitiveness of New Zealand's wood processors by creating a more efficient cost base for both domestic and export markets. From the Wood Processors and Manufacturers Association's perspective, VoMo represents the kind of innovation our industry needs. It demonstrates that New Zealand's wood processing sector is not standing still but investing in advanced manufacturing that delivers economic, environmental and construction benefits. The opportunity now is to turn supportive words into meaningful action. If we are serious about growing New Zealand's wood processing sector and making better use of the renewable resources we already produce, then increasing the use of New Zealand made wood products in domestic construction should be a key Government priority. The challenge now is to seize the opportunity. Further details and video via NZ Herald reporting. Source: Wood Processors and Manufacturers Association (WPMA) Image credit: Annabel Reid, NZ Herald  A modern era for timber construction methods [AU]
prefabAUS has welcomed the passage of the New South Wales
Building Bill through Parliament, describing the inclusion of a clear
definition of prefabricated building work as a significant milestone in
modernising Australia's building regulatory framework.The amendment recognises the growing role that prefabricated and manufacturing-led construction will play in addressing housing supply, improving productivity and affordability, and strengthening Australia's sovereign building capability. Executive Chairman of prefabAUS, Damien Crough, said the legislation acknowledges that construction is evolving and that regulation must evolve alongside it. "This is a significant step forward for New South Wales and one that recognises how buildings are increasingly being manufactured as well as constructed." "The Bill doesn't create a sprefabAUSeparate regulatory pathway or reduce compliance requirements. Instead, it provides greater certainty for industry, regulators, certifiers, financiers and consumers by clearly recognising prefabricated building work within the legislation." Mr Crough said the reform demonstrates that governments can embrace innovation while maintaining high standards for building quality and consumer protection. "Good regulation should enable innovation, not create uncertainty. This amendment provides a clearer legislative foundation for modern construction methods while maintaining the rigorous building standards that Australians rightly expect." This reform reflects several years of collaboration between industry, government, regulators and research organisations to ensure Australia's building legislation keeps pace with innovation. Through its Building the Future We Want – Smart Building Industry Roadmap 2023–2033, submissions to governments and regulators, and ongoing engagement with industry, prefabAUS has consistently advocated for regulatory frameworks that recognise modern construction methods while maintaining confidence in Australia's building system. Mr Crough said the passage of the Bill demonstrates what can be achieved when governments and industry work together to deliver practical reforms. "This is more than a definition. It is recognition that Australia's construction industry is entering a new era." "As buildings become increasingly designed for manufacture and assembly, legislation must provide certainty for everyone involved in the delivery process, from manufacturers and builders through to certifiers, regulators, insurers and financiers." prefabAUS acknowledged the NSW Government for progressing the legislation and thanked Members of Parliament from across the political spectrum for supporting a practical reform that will benefit the broader construction industry. "Housing affordability and housing supply remain among Australia's greatest challenges. Every jurisdiction will need to modernise the way homes are delivered if we are to increase productivity and build the homes our communities need. New South Wales has demonstrated leadership by ensuring its legislation reflects contemporary construction practices. We hope this becomes a model for other jurisdictions as they review their own building legislation." The organisation said the amendment complements broader national work underway to improve productivity, increase housing supply, boost affordability and strengthen Australia's manufacturing capability. However, prefabAUS said legislative recognition is only the beginning. "The next step is to build a nationally consistent framework that supports investment in Australian manufacturing, strategic procurement, conformity assessment, financing, workforce capability and digital delivery." "Ultimately, this is about creating the conditions for Smart Building, an industry where manufacturing, digital design, automation and construction operate as one integrated system to deliver better buildings more efficiently. " prefabAUS looks forward to continuing to work with governments across Australia to support the implementation of modern building legislation and to develop nationally consistent policy settings that unlock greater productivity, accelerate housing delivery and strengthen Australia's sovereign construction capability. More >> Source: prefabAUS --- Additional reading: A modern era of construction methods and approvals begins (NSW Government media release) New Canopy Class certification raises the bar for contractors [NZ]When Skipps Logging became one of the first contractors to achieve Safetree’s new Canopy Class certification recently, they celebrated the win with a special presentation in Cambridge.The certification, which Skipps helped pilot, is designed to recognise contractors who demonstrate excellence in health and safety and create a pathway for continuous improvement. When assessing Contractor Certification, Safetree auditors take note of those exceeding expectations in specific areas and assess whether they should be awarded the higher Canopy Class status.  For years, Skipps Logging's Mandie Skipps has championed the idea of a tiered certification system that rewards contractors committed to raising standards, not just meeting them. “Safetree Contractor Certification is the baseline, and in my opinion, everyone in logging should have it,” she says. Skipps says what she likes about Canopy Class is the recognition of those businesses that want to keep moving forward. "It encourages you to keep asking: ‘What can we do better?' rather than just settling for the minimum. “As a contractor, you'd hope the effort that goes into achieving Canopy Class status helps build your reputation, brings more opportunities, and makes it easier to attract and retain good people." Safetree Certification Manager Mark Preece presented the certification to Skipps in person and says the pilot has been a great success. “For contractors looking to stand out, strengthen their culture and demonstrate leadership in health and safety, Canopy Class offers a way to show they are operating above and beyond the baseline. We’re really excited that this is now in place for the sector. We believe it reflects a real evolution in our industry’s health and safety approach." Skipps says that after moving away from the corporate environment, Skipps Logging realised the health and safety expectations could vary from one forest manager to another. “Rather than letting our standards change, we chose to keep setting the bar high within our own business," she says. “It’s (Canopy Class) been great recognition just to make sure that we are still on track, still at the bar we want to be at, and to see if we can learn any new things or develop new approaches within our own company. "It made us think a bit differently about where we could improve but also reinforced the importance of the things we've always done well and not taking those for granted.” Skipps says it can be easy to fall into the ‘don’t spend, you don't know what tomorrow will bring’ mindset. “You can't control what the industry is going to do next, but you can control how you look after your people. That's an investment we will never question. At the end of the day, you’ve still got to maintain that safety is an investment in your business. So, you can make sure everyone gets home safe, every day.” Want to know more about Canopy Class? Contact Safetree Certification Manager Mark Preece. Source & image credit: Safetree  Recent spike in log truck & trailer rollovers [NZ]
Recent industry discussions and safety incident data have highlighted a concerning increase in log truck and trailer rollover events across New Zealand. Industry leaders, Forest Owners, Transport Operators, and the Log Transport Safety Council (LTSC) have acknowledged that this trend requires immediate attention and action.While every rollover has its own circumstances, the industry continues to see common contributing factors including:
Our industry has done significant work over the past 10 years to reduce rollovers and protect road users. It is important that we maintain high standards, continue to improve, and avoid any deterioration in safety performance. The Log Transport Safety Accord - Everyone Has a Responsibility The Log Transport Safety Accord and the Log Transport Safety Improvement Plan provide a framework for maintaining and raising safety standards across the industry. The Accord recognises that safety is a shared responsibility. Forest Owners, Harvesting Contractors, Loading Operators, Transport Companies, Drivers, and Logistics Managers all have overlapping duties of responsibility to ensure loads are safe, legal, and fit for transport. A failure at any point in the supply chain can contribute to a serious event. Key Actions for Industry Forest Owners and Logistics Managers
Source: Log Transport Safety Council (LTSC)  Video: Jubilee Sawmill’s co-generation boiler project [AU]OneFortyOne has released a new video providing an overview of the Jubilee Co-Generation Boiler Project, one of the most significant investments in the future of the Jubilee Sawmill and the company’s sustainability journey.The video explains how the project will modernise energy generation at the site by converting sawmill residues into renewable energy, reducing emissions and improving operational efficiency. Once complete, the facility will be capable of producing enough renewable electricity to power the sawmill’s operations, with the potential to export surplus energy to the grid. OneFortyOne Executive General Manager Australia Cameron MacDonald said the project represents a major step forward for the business and the region. “The Co-Generation Boiler Project is a cornerstone of our emissions reduction strategy and demonstrates how manufacturing and sustainability can work hand in hand,” Cameron said. “The new video is a great way for our employees, customers, and community to better understand what we’re building and the long-term benefits it will deliver.” More >> Source: OneFortyOne Engineered wood products & the future skills needed [AU]
ForestWorks to Investigate Skills Need in the Manufacturing of
Engineered Wood Products. Australia’s forestry and
timber sector has always evolved in response to changing markets,
technologies and community needs. Today, engineered wood products (EWPs)
are emerging as an increasingly important part of that story.Products such as laminated veneer lumber (LVL), glue-laminated timber (glulam) and cross-laminated timber (CLT) are creating new opportunities for timber manufacturing and construction. Around the world, these products are helping drive innovation in off-site manufacturing, prefabrication and sustainable building design, while creating new possibilities for how timber is used in residential, commercial and infrastructure projects. In Australia, interest in engineered timber continues to grow, supported by national conversations around housing supply, advanced manufacturing, productivity and low-carbon construction. Government and industry initiatives have increasingly recognised the potential role of engineered wood products in supporting future housing and construction needs. For the forest and wood products sector, this presents both opportunities and questions. As manufacturing technologies evolve, so too do workforce requirements. New production systems, increased automation, digital technologies and advanced manufacturing processes require workers with specialised knowledge and skills. At the same time, businesses need practical and accessible training pathways that support both new entrants and existing workers to adapt to changing workplace requirements. Questions are beginning to emerge across the industry:
The sector also faces broader workforce challenges. Like many industries, forestry and wood processing must attract the next generation of workers while retaining valuable experience and knowledge. There are opportunities to strengthen career pathways, increase workforce diversity and encourage greater participation in regional communities where many timber manufacturing businesses are located. Understanding future skills requirements will be essential to ensuring that Australia’s forest and wood products sector is well positioned to support innovation, productivity and growth. ForestWorks is interested in hearing from people and organisations working within the engineered wood products sector, including manufacturers, processors, designers, builders, researchers, training providers and industry organisations. By sharing experiences and insights, industry can help build a clearer picture of current capabilities, emerging workforce needs and future opportunities across the engineered wood products value chain. Have Your Say Are you involved in engineered wood products? We would like to hear about:
More >> Source: ForestWorks  Log market report - July 2026 [NZ]
Market Summary - July At Wharf Gate (AWG) prices for export
logs mostly recovered from the losses in June predominantly due to the
softening of shipping costs. AWG prices increased by about $6
per JASm3. The Chinese market remains well balanced despite
recent storms and flooding affecting parts of southern China.Softwood log inventories and daily offtake have remained steady, while lower log supply from New Zealand is providing additional support to the market. However, ocean freight costs have risen sharply again in recent weeks as shipping markets respond to ongoing tensions in the Middle East. These fluctuations combined with foreign exchange movements creates uncertainty for future AWG pricing. Domestically, sawmill demand continues to outperform expectations for the winter period. Forward orders are increasing, domestic timber supply remains tight following recent mill closures, and strong export demand from Asian markets is supporting sawn timber price increases. The PF Olsen Log Price Index increased $3 to $122, which is $2 above the two-year average and $3 above the five-year average. Domestic Log Market Most domestic log pricing has remained stable for Quarter 3. Most domestic log processors are charging a 2% fuel surcharge on domestic sawn timber in July, and the surcharge is reviewed monthly. As noted in previous months, while construction activity remains below long-term averages, sawmill demand has generally held up better than expected. Mill closures over the past two years have tightened timber supply, resulting in a better balance between supply and demand. Mills report July sales were lower than June, but still relatively strong for the winter period and more importantly, forward orders are increasing. Residential construction continues to show gradual signs of recovery. The annual number of new dwelling consents has continued to increase, led primarily by townhouse and multi-unit developments, although activity remains well below the post-COVID peak. In contrast, non-residential construction remains subdued, reflecting cautious business investment and ongoing project cost pressures. There is strong demand from Asian markets for New Zealand export sawn timber, with price increases recorded across most grades. The combination of improved export demand and tighter domestic supply has supported sawmill utilisation and pricing despite the traditionally quieter winter construction period. The recent introduction of the Government's Building Amendment Bill, which aims to streamline consenting and improve efficiency within the construction sector, is a positive medium-term development. While the reforms are unlikely to influence timber demand immediately, they should support future residential and commercial building activity once implemented. China CFR prices for A-grade logs from New Zealand are currently in the range around USD 126 per JASm³ for the larger exporters. Softwood log inventories in China have remained stable as has overall demand, despite activity reducing in the South China and Yangtze River Delta regions due to storms and flooding. Daily log offtake remains steady at approximately 55,000 m³ per day, which is encouraging given the weather events and hot climate in China. The supply chain has noticed log volumes from New Zealand has dropped compared to this time last year, which is positive for the market. More >> Source: Stand Forestry Limited Image credit: Scott Downs Maryvale paper mill cuts 84 jobs, blaming lack of timber [AU]
A major employer in Victoria's east has blamed the state
government's failure to supply timber for its decision to axe 84
jobs. Opal Australian Paper operates the Maryvale paper
mill, near Morwell in the Latrobe Valley.It was Australia's last remaining manufacturer of white paper until early 2023, when it ceased production and cut 156 jobs. Opal Australian Paper said the latest round of job cuts announced today followed a 'detailed review of operations'. "The end of white paper production has significantly changed the operational footprint of the Mill, and the site has been working to right-size its operations as a kraft and recycled paper manufacturer," the company said in a statement. The mill is one of the largest employers in the Latrobe Valley, which has a history of high unemployment stretching back to the privatisation of the state's coal-fired power industry in the 1990s. The ABC understands about 500 people work at the site. More >> Source: ABC News Image credit: Opal Australian Paper (Maryvale paper mill) --(2022)2.jpg) Science safeguards NZ's rarest ecosystems [NZ]
Some of New Zealand's most remarkable ecosystems are also among
its rarest. Now, new research is aimed at helping councils and land
managers better understand and protect them.Led by the Bioeconomy Science Institute Maiangi Taiao, the two-year project will develop practical tools and monitoring approaches for naturally uncommon ecosystems such as coastal sand dunes, gravel beaches, coastal wetlands and geothermal areas. These ecosystems comprise only a small part of New Zealand’s landscape but support unique plants, animals and ecological communities that have adapted to survive in challenging conditions. Many of them change naturally due to wind, waves and storms, making it challenging to distinguish between normal environmental change and emerging threats. Project co-lead Sarah Richardson says these areas are familiar to many New Zealanders but often overlooked as important biodiversity hotspots. “They are also often isolated and can be particularly vulnerable to pressures such as land-use change, invasive species and climate change. “Their locations can make them challenging to monitor effectively,” she says. The work will focus on improving how naturally uncommon ecosystems are identified, assessed and tracked over time, providing councils with clearer information about ecosystem health and change. "The project will help provide a stronger evidence base for protecting some of the country’s most distinctive natural environments – helping land managers identify environmental change, prioritise conservation efforts and make more informed decisions,” Sarah says. “By combining ecological expertise with new monitoring technologies and environmental data, the project aims to give councils a more accurate picture of ecosystem condition and change. The tools developed will help identify areas at risk, prioritise management actions and improve long-term environmental stewardship – helping ensure these ecological treasures are preserved for future generations.” The Bioeconomy Science Institute is partnering with regional councils and other environmental stakeholders to ensure the tools developed are practical, cost-effective and meet real-world management needs. More >> Source & image credit: Bioeconomy Science Institute Comact acquires Checkmate Precision Cutting Tools [NZ/AU]
Comact announced last week that it has entered into an agreement
to acquire Checkmate Precision Cutting Tools, a manufacturer and service
provider of bandsaws, circular saws, industrial knives, and complete saw
shop solutions with operations across New Zealand and Australia.
Upon closing, the business will continue to operate as Checkmate. Stewart Martin will continue to lead the business, supported by the existing Checkmate team across all locations. David Harris, Checkmate’s owner, will remain with the business in an advisory role to support the transition. “Checkmate is a significant expansion of our cutting solutions offering and a commitment to supporting Comact OEM offerings in the region.” said Dustin Norris, Vice President of Comact Cutting Solutions. “Their manufacturing, sharpening, and on-site service capabilities across New Zealand and Australia complement what we have built in North America and give customers in the region direct access to our full range of saws, disposable knives, guides, filing room equipment, and the expert service behind them. Checkmate has earned six decades of customer trust, and we intend to build on it.” “Our customers have relied on Checkmate for generations, and protecting that was the most important factor in this decision,” said David Harris, owner of Checkmate. “Comact strengthens this company for the long term. Our customers will see the same people, the same locations, and the same service they know, now backed by the resources and reach of a global leader in wood processing. This secures Checkmate’s future and creates new opportunities for our team and the customers we serve.” The acquisition builds on Comact’s growing cutting solutions platform, which combines saw, knife, and guide manufacturing with a network of service locations supporting wood processing operations across North America. Checkmate extends that model to Australasia and complements Comact’s growing installed base in the region, bringing local manufacturing, technical expertise, and responsive service to customers in New Zealand and Australia. The acquisition also complements Comact’s existing partnership with Lakeland Steel, which will continue to play an important role in supporting customers across the region. More >> Source & image credit: Comact  Jobs
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And one to end the week on... Canadian thermometer
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