Wood Watch

THE NZ WOOD UPDATE ABOUT FOR DIYERS and HOMEMAKERS

Latest quarterly stats – MAF

MAF’s latest quarterly harvesting, production and export statistics were released recently with the total value of forestry exports for the 31 March year increasing by NZ$0.8 billion to NZ$4.4 billion. Log exports for the quarter accounted for half the roundwood harvest removal for the first time since
the series began in 1986, up from 42.1 percent in the March 2010 quarter. Log exports for the year contributed NZ$1.5 billion (33.7 percent) to the total value of forestry exports. Read full report.

Chairman of NZ Wood appointed

Lees Seymour, managing director of Nelson Forests, has recently been appointed as the chair of NZ Wood in a revamp of NZ Wood’s governance structure. Further new additions on the revamped management board are Tim Rigter from Red Stag and Peter Berg from Pentarch Forest Products – both members of the Woodco board.

Woodco industry study

The forest and wood processing sector urgently needs a pan-industry strategy and an industry governance group needs to be set up to oversee its development, according to the findings of a project group commissioned by the Woodco board late last year. Read full strategic study.

Reaching new heights with wood

Aimed at architects and engineers, a series of seminars are being hosted by NZ Wood Design around New Zealand in September on the advantages of multi-storey construction in wood. Key international speakers include structural engineer Paolo Lavisci from Italy who was involved in the reconstruction after 2009’s quake in L’Aquila and architect Andrew Waugh from England, whose firm designed the world’s current tallest wooden building in Hackney, London.

Seminars are being held in Christchurch, Dunedin, Nelson, Wellington and Auckland. More details…

Timber seen as winner in Christchurch reconstruction

Other material suppliers are crying foul, saying timber is being shown favour by the Government in the scramble to rebuild Christchurch.
Read the full article.

BNZ Forest Industries Conference

On the back of the devastating earthquake in Christchurch, the timber industry will be hosting a one-day forum as part of the PF Olsen Forest Industries Expo 2011 in Rotorua on 7 September. This one-day industry conference will be showcasing “Innovative Products, Designs & New Developments for Timber Building”. Political, local Government and building experts have been advocating wood take on a much more prominent role in rebuilding the city. More information…
Download a copy of the brochure here.

FITEC National Training Awards - finalists and ceremony

At 6pm, September 7th, the FITEC National Training Awards conclude the Forest Industries 2011 expo at the Energy Events Centre, Rotorua.
Read about the finalists here.

"The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The next best time is now." ~Chinese Proverb