Friday Offcuts – 25 September 2026
Click to Subscribe - It's FREE! Welcome to this week’s issue of Friday Offcuts.Leading this week, US Customs and Border Protection has investigated an Auckland timber processor after Canadian cedar was routed through New Zealand before being shipped to the US, raising questions over the application of US softwood tariffs. The NSW Government is also beginning a Strategic Assessment of forestry operations ahead of changes to Regional Forest Agreement exemptions. In New Zealand, a new report says the NZ Emissions Trading Scheme needs major reform if it is to deliver meaningful emissions reductions. Research from Queensland points to opportunities to expand future timber supply, while new findings show planted forest soils are significant methane sinks. FICA's latest survey also highlights growing interest in wellbeing support among logging contractors. We hosted 160 delegates in Brisbane this week for Residues2Revenues 2026, with a full event recap coming soon. We’re also pleased to welcome a new Friday Offcuts partner, Stand Forestry, following the merger of PF Olsen and Forest360. Grab a coffee and have a look through this week’s stories.
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This week we have for you:
NZ company caught up in US/Canadian timber tariff dispute [NZ]
US Customs and Border Protection agents spent four days
investigating Auckland timber processor Hermpac after a complaint from
the US Lumber Coalition. The investigation found that a US
wholesaler had been routing Canadian-origin wood through New Zealand for
processing before shipping it back to the US, covering around 27,000km
in the process.The purpose, according to the investigation, was to avoid the duties imposed by the US on Canadian softwood lumber. At the heart of the case is the US “substantial transformation” test. Customs concluded that kiln-drying Canadian cedar in Auckland added value and changed its condition, but did not fundamentally change the wood’s character or use. Its Canadian origin therefore remained, and the duties applied. It is the first confirmed case of a New Zealand processor being directly investigated by US Customs in connection with the Trump-era tariff regime. More >> Source: B2B News This video provides additional context on how North American trade actions and timber tariffs create widespread economic pressures across the global wood products supply chain. Joint strategic assessment launched for NSW forestry [AU]
The NSW Government is progressing its alignment with the new
Commonwealth Government environment laws that affect the regulation of
forestry operations by tasking the NSW Natural Resources
Commission (NRC) to develop a Strategic Assessment for forestry
operations in NSW.The assessment by the NRC will cover public native forestry, plantation and private native forestry operations across forests sitting within NSW’s defined Regional Forest Agreement boundaries. The long-standing exemption for forestry operations between the Commonwealth and NSW across large areas of NSW forests, known as the Regional Forest Agreements (RFA), will cease on 1 July 2027 following the introduction of new environment legislation by the Commonwealth in November last year. Reforms to the Commonwealth’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act last year introduced a new era for environmental protection and improved productivity in Australia. The RFAs in NSW cover forests in Eden, the North-East and Southern NSW and set obligations and commitments for forest management. The assessment will consider the impacts from forestry operations on nationally significant animals, plants, habitats and places to ensure they are appropriately identified and managed. From 1 July 2027, forestry operations taking place in RFAs will need to comply with the same rules and standards as other industries covered under the EPBC Act. The NSW Government is now releasing for public consultation the draft terms of reference for the strategic assessment. Once the strategic assessment is complete, the NSW Government will work on a long-term bilateral agreement with the Australian Government to accredit NSW forestry operations. The Minns Labor Government is continuing to develop a Forestry Industry Action Plan to ensure a sustainable forestry industry that is aligned with environmental and economic priorities. Consultation commences on 18 September 2026 and finishes on 16 October 2026. Have your say via Strategic Assessment of Forestry in RFAs. Federal Minister for the Environment and Water Murray Watt said, “As part of our landmark national environmental law reforms passed by the Australian Parliament at the end of last year, RFA forestry will need to meet the same Federal environmental requirements as other industries. We’re providing up to $8.5 million to NSW to ensure it’s meeting national benchmarks, through the development of landscape-scale approval pathways like the strategic assessment." More >> Source: Senator the Hon Murray Watt, Minister for the Environment and Water SnapStat: The future of NZ ETS - Can it find its way? [NZ] In late August, the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment (PCE) released a new report examining the future of New Zealand's Emissions Trading Scheme (NZ ETS). The scheme has been a cornerstone climate policy tool since 2008 – but how well is it doing its job? The report finds that the NZ ETS will not achieve our climate goals, nor will it yield carbon prices high enough to significantly reduce emissions. In summary the commission is saying the NZ ETS has reached a critical turning point, and major reform is needed. Today's graphic shows carbon credit pricing since 2010.  Credit: Based on data from Theecanmole (2026) and policy information from Leining (2026) Source: PCE Summary document Studies highlight opportunities for QLD's forestry future [AU]
Queensland's future homes, manufacturing capability and regional economies will depend on decisions made today about the state's future forest resource.A technical report commissioned by the South & Central Queensland Regional Forestry Hub has identified significant opportunities to strengthen future timber supply, support regional investment and improve long-term resource security across Queensland. The study explores plantation expansion, afforestation opportunities, native forest regrowth management, carbon sequestration and forest resource planning. The technical report was commissioned to help address one of the most significant challenges facing the forest and timber sector: ensuring Queensland can meet future demand for timber products while supporting regional jobs, manufacturing growth and environmental outcomes. The work aligns closely with Queensland Future Timber in Focus: Prosper 2050 Delivering Now 2026–2030, the Queensland Government's first five-year implementation plan under the Queensland Future Timber Plan 2050, which aims to secure and grow sustainable timber resources to support housing, infrastructure, economic development and environmental outcomes. The study findings highlight several significant opportunities and challenges for the sector:
"This study provides industry, government and investors with practical evidence about where future timber supply opportunities exist and the planning, investment and policy settings that can help support them," she said. The Queensland Future Timber Plan identifies supply, supply chains and markets, regulatory settings, workforce development, and research and innovation as critical priorities for the sector. The Hub's study contributes evidence across many of these priority areas, including plantation expansion, afforestation opportunities, carbon outcomes, resource security and future investment confidence. Kerry Fullarton said the findings demonstrate the important role evidence-based planning will play in achieving Queensland's long-term timber supply goals. "The Queensland Future Timber Plan recognises the importance of securing future timber resources to support housing, manufacturing, regional jobs and economic growth." "The study commissioned through the Hub helps identify practical opportunities to expand future timber supply while supporting environmental outcomes and regional development." "Most importantly, it provides a strong evidence base to help inform future industry, investment and policy discussions." Further resources can be found here. Source & image credit: South & Central Queensland Regional Forestry Hub  FICA: Prioritising workforce wellbeing for logging contractors [NZ]
One of the more unexpected findings from FICA's 2026 Financial
Health Survey was the level of interest in wellbeing and mental health
support. 40% of respondents said they would be interested in
wellbeing initiatives, while a further 27% said they might be
interested. Combined, that means more than two-thirds of respondents are
open to some form of support.At first glance, this result may seem surprising. In previous FICA member surveys, mental health and wellbeing have generally ranked below other priorities such as profitability, costs, workforce shortages, regulation, and market conditions. However, when viewed alongside the financial health survey findings, the result begins to make more sense. Contractors are operating in an environment where cost pressures remain intense, profitability has declined for many businesses, debt servicing remains a challenge, and uncertainty around future work continues to weigh heavily on decision-making. Half of survey respondents reported profitability had decreased compared with the previous year, while 48% indicated they were under financial pressure that was affecting them either often or to some degree. Many also identified profitability and debt servicing as among the most significant challenges facing their businesses. What the survey highlights is that financial pressure does not just impact balance sheets. It impacts people. Unlike many wellbeing programmes across the sector which have traditionally focused on forestry workers and crews, the survey suggests principal contractors themselves may be carrying some of the greatest pressures. Contractors are not only responsible for their own livelihood, but also for their employees, equipment finance, compliance obligations, tax commitments, cashflow management, and maintaining sufficient work pipelines to keep their businesses operating. Many of the comments received through the survey reflected the personal toll that ongoing financial pressure, uncertainty, and responsibility are having on business owners. Beneath discussions about rates, costs, markets, and regulation is a clear message that many contractors are feeling the strain. For FICA, this information is valuable because it helps identify where support may be needed most. The association cannot solve every issue affecting contractor businesses, but it can help ensure that contractors are not facing challenges alone. More >> Source & image credit: Forest Industry Contractors Association (FICA)  Study shows forest soils help offset methane emissions [NZ]
Run over two years, the
research looked at the methane uptake of soils in three planted
forests – Orton Bradley Park and McLeans Island in Canterbury and
Kaingaroa (New Zealand’s largest commercial pine
plantation, in the Bay of Plenty) – that represent
‘typical’ New Zealand forests. This is the first time
methane uptake in soils has been measured at multiple sites with
sampling spanning all four seasons.Supported by Lincoln University and funded by the Ministry for Primary Industries, the study aimed to help the agricultural sector addressing the continued challenge of reducing emissions. Planted forest soils are good habitats for the types of bacteria that absorb methane (CH4) as a source of carbon and energy. By quantifying how much methane is consumed by the bacteria at field sites, researchers can better understand the role planted forest soils play in New Zealand’s drive to meet emission-reduction goals. Methane flux chambers were installed at each site and samples were taken every month for a year to measure methane exchange between the soil and the atmosphere. Research lead Dr Kathryn Walker says the work is timely as New Zealand works toward meeting its emissions reductions targets. Monitoring showed soils absorbed 2.5 - 2.8kg CH4 per hectare each year, with uptake reaching up to 15g CH4 per hectare per day. There was variation in uptake rates across sites and seasons. “Considering New Zealand has 1.8 million hectares of planted forests, that’s a significant amount of methane being removed by forests each year,” Dr Walker says. “The research has helped us learn more about forestry’s capability to offset methane emissions and can be used to paint a more accurate picture of New Zealand’s total net carbon budget. For example, it shows the amount of methane uptake could offset almost all CO2 from all liquid fuels used for rail in New Zealand in 2022, or about 80 percent of CH4 emissions from natural gas production. “This study has provided a strong background to support future research,” she says. “We’ve shown New Zealand’s planted forest soils are significant methane sinks and are a promising resource that could be managed to help meet emissions reduction targets. However, there are still a lot of unknowns about methane cycling in our planted forests. There are other parts of the forest such as the tree litter on the forest floor, tree stems and needles that could influence or be involved in methane flux in the forest. “These other components need to be considered and measured before methane uptake by forest soils is included in national greenhouse gas budgeting.” The research team now has further funding from the Strategic Science Investment Fund (SSIF) to look at whether methane uptake in forests could be increased through nutrient addition or litter layer management.“There is little understanding of the role of the litter layer in methane cycling, yet it sits right on the soil-atmosphere interface where methane uptake is occurring,” Dr Walker says. “We want to find out whether there is potential to manage this to increase methane uptake.” Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, 28–35 times stronger than CO₂ and responsible for about 30 percent of global warming. Its strong warming influence but short-lived nature means tackling methane emissions offers an immediate opportunity to slow climate change. More >> Source & image credit: Bioeconomy Science Institute Maiangi Taiao --(2022)2.jpg) TMS report released for June Quarter 2026 [AU]
The TMS (Timber Market Survey) collects price data through
quarterly surveys of a representative sample of timber market
participants in eastern Australia. All quarterly TMS reports
contain price movement information for softwood timber, panels and
engineered wood products. The June and December quarter editions also
include price movement information for hardwood timber products surveyed
over a six-month period. Price movement data are presented in nominal
terms unless otherwise stated.Softwood timber products – Quarterly price movements:
Further information and the latest TMS report are available here: Download the June quarter 2026 TMS report Source & image credit: Indufor As compact as reinforced concrete, but more sustainable [Int]
Reinforced concrete floor slabs account for about 40% of
buildings' embodied carbon emissions. However, until now, there has been
no practical alternative for complex, multi-story buildings.
Using a construction demonstrator, researchers at the University of
Stuttgart have now shown for the first time how floor slabs can be built
sustainably from an innovative timber-concrete composite system.The demonstrator, which was tested in June as part of the Future Cleantech Festival in Remscheid, showcases “UniversalTimberSlab” – the first point-supported timber-concrete composite flat slab for two-way long spans. “With the UniversalTimberSlab, we aim to make multi-story timber-concrete composite construction significantly more flexible, performative, and adaptable. The demonstrator is the result of several years of research at the University of Stuttgart and is based on innovative digital design and manufacturing methods,” says Professor Achim Menges, director of the Institute for Computational Design and Construction (ICD). A timber-concrete composite flat slab for multi-story mixed-use buildings “UniversalTimberSlab” is as slender and performative as a reinforced concrete slab, but significantly more sustainable. This system largely relies on wood, a renewable resource, material-efficient construction, and circular design. Compared to conventional post-and-beam timber floor slab systems, which require deep beams for larger two-way spans, the compact “UniversalTimberSlab” reduces the structural height by 30 to 70 centimeters – a significant cost advantage: With the same floor-to-ceiling height, a building can accommodate more stories, and the facade area is reduced by up to 20 percent. “UniversalTimberSlab” also sets entirely new standards for design possibilities in timber construction. The structural system is based on point supports, meaning that the building loads are transferred through columns that can be spaced relatively far apart. Load-bearing partition walls are not required; walls can be arranged freely as needed. In mixed-use buildings, this allows for flexible layouts tailored to retail, dining, offices, and residential spaces. In addition, floor plans can be easily reconfigured at a later date, if the building is to be repurposed. The novel floor slab could thus help promote the further spread of timber construction in inner-city areas. The game-changers: new slab segmentation, digital design methods In timber construction, larger slabs are divided into individual prefabricated elements. The principle is based on a new, patent-pending segmentation method. Glued-laminated timber segments with straight laminations that are easy to prefabricate ensure cost efficiency. The fibers in the floor slab are arranged to follow the force flow to optimize the system's load-bearing capacity. The project also developed new digital design methods for timber buildings: During the planning phase, AI-powered tools generate detailed models for numerous floor plan and building variations and assist with design optimization. For example, if a planner moves a column, the impact of that action on costs, slab height, and sustainability can be immediately shown. More >> Source & image credit: University of Stuttgart  Debate surrounds timber outputs from WA thinning trial [AU]
More than half of the timber harvested under Western
Australia’s ecological thinning trial is being chipped or burned,
according to details recently tabled in state parliament.The trial was introduced by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) following WA's 2024 ban on native forest logging, which led to widespread mill closures and regional job losses. Designed to remove select trees to reduce water stress and restore balance in dense regrowth forests, the initiative was framed as an environmental management tool. However, the parliamentary revelations have drawn sharp criticism from environmental advocates and independent researchers, who argue the program operates as a commercial exercise rather than a genuine conservation effort. More >> Source: ABC News Sarah Bellman is the new CEO for Timberlink [AU]
Timberlink Australia & New Zealand is delighted to announce
the appointment of Ms Sarah Bellman as Chief Executive Officer.
Sarah joins Timberlink with extensive strategic, customer and operational leadership experience across the manufacturing, mining, and quarrying sectors. Throughout her career, she has earned a reputation for strengthening operational capability, delivering sustainable commercial growth, and leading high-performing teams. With more than a decade of executive leadership experience at Hanson Australia and Heidelberg Materials Australia, most recently as General Manager, Southern Region, she brings a proven track record of leading complex operations and achieving strong commercial results. Sarah has also made a significant contribution to the broader construction materials industry through leadership, governance and industry advocacy roles, as Chair of the Cement Concrete and Aggregates Association in Victoria and South Australia and Director of the Institute of Quarrying Australia. Ken Boundy, Chairman of Timberlink Australia & New Zealand said, “The Board is confident that Ms Bellman’s combination of manufacturing and heavy industry experience together with her proven ability to lead customer delivery, operational excellence and drive organisational performance, supports Timberlink’s strategy and growth ambitions”. Ms Bellman said, “I am honoured to be joining Timberlink who play a vital role in the use of sustainable building materials and supporting Australian manufacturing in regional communities. I look forward to working with our dedicated team, customers and partners to build on the company’s strong legacy and drive future growth”. Ms Bellman will be based in Timberlink’s National office in Scoresby, Victoria and will commence on 16 November 2026. Mr Paul O’Keefe will remain with Timberlink to support an effective transition until he retires as planned in mid – December 2026. Source & image credit: Timberlink Australia & New Zealand Six years of supporting kea conservation [NZ]
Since 2020, OneFortyOne NZ Forests has supported kea
conservation projects through its partnership with the Kea
Conservation Trust. During that time, the focus of the work
has evolved from understanding how kea use plantation forests to
investigating the threats they face within those landscapes and
exploring practical ways to improve their long-term survival.Over six years, the work has covered:
Why kea matter Kea are one of New Zealand’s most recognisable native birds, known for their intelligence, curiosity and adaptability. However, they are also nationally endangered, with populations facing ongoing pressure from introduced predators, habitat change and interactions with people. While kea are often associated with alpine and native forest environments, relatively little was known about their use of plantation forests when OneFortyOne first partnered with the Kea Conservation Trust. Forestry workers regularly reported sightings, but there was limited scientific evidence showing how these landscapes fitted into the birds’ wider ecology. Understanding kea in plantation forests Research led by Lincoln University researcher Jodanne Aitken began in 2020 and sought to better understand how kea use plantation forests in the Nelson Tasman region. Using GPS tracking, field observations and diet analysis, the research showed that kea were regular users of plantation forests rather than occasional visitors. The study found that kea used plantation forests for feeding and movement throughout the forest landscape. Researchers observed birds feeding on pine seed, huhu grubs and other invertebrates, demonstrating that plantation forests provide resources that kea actively utilise. The research also showed how plantation and native forests function together as part of a wider habitat network used by kea. These findings challenged assumptions about kea habitat use and confirmed that plantation forests can play an important role within the landscapes occupied by kea. Alongside the ecological research, the programme also helped improve understanding of how forestry operations and kea can coexist. Kea are notorious for investigating machinery, vehicles and equipment, which can sometimes create challenges on operational sites. Over the years, researchers worked alongside forestry staff and contractors, sharing information about kea behaviour and providing practical advice to help reduce interactions. While conflict management was never the focus of a dedicated research project, it remained an important part of the partnership. According to Jodanne, one of the positive outcomes has been the willingness of forestry crews to support conservation efforts despite the challenges that can arise when kea are present on site. More >> Source & image credit: OneFortyOne  KEITH showcases faster unloading with new RX2 drive [AU/NZ]
At this week's Residues2Revenues 2026 conference in Brisbane, material handling specialist KEITH Manufacturing Co. showcased its updated two-cylinder RX2 WALKING FLOOR® drive unit, designed to improve unloading and turnaround times for the wood-products sector.With truck turnaround times directly affecting mill production flows, the system demonstrated how a re-engineered hydraulic sequence can discharge a 14.6-metre trailer in about four minutes. The lighter two-cylinder configuration also reduces drive weight, potentially creating additional payload capacity for fleets operating close to legal limits over thousands of wood-chip, sawdust and biomass loads. For demanding, high-dust mill environments, the platform features an adjustment-free design, cartridge-style check valves for easier field maintenance, and integrated heat sensors and automatic over-temperature switches that shut the system down if hydraulic oil temperatures become too high, helping protect critical components. More >> Source & image credit: KEITH Manufacturing Co. Māori forestry opportunities in the ETS Webinar [NZ]
Landowners, trustees, and iwi representatives considering
entering forestry into the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) are being
invited to an upcoming practical briefing hosted by Te Uru
Rākau – New Zealand Forest Service.Advisers from the agency will walk participants through eligible forest scenarios, explaining how carbon forestry can generate financial returns for whenua. Event Details:
Registration is now open online via Connect NZ. Source & image credit: Te Uru Rākau – New Zealand Forest Service Jobs
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And one to end the week on... A funeral for an Irish summer
Go on -- take 2 1/2 minutes to watch this video - it's hilarious... Also, if you're in New Zealand... a reminder that Daylight Savings starts this weekend, so don't forget to put your clocks forward one hour (2am Sunday 27 September). For our Aussie mates -- you'll know if your state observes this or not.  And on that note, enjoy your weekend. Cheers.  Brand PartnersOur Partners & Sponsors Friday Offcuts is made possible through the generous support of the following companies.
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