Forestry Hub
Location: Site G80
Your place to grow
The Fieldays Forestry Hub returns in 2026, celebrating five years of showcasing the people, innovation and impact of forestry and wood processing in New Zealand. Step into the hub and explore the story of modern forestry, from growing and managing forests through to innovative wood processing and manufacturing. Discover the sector’s ongoing focus on innovation, workforce development, and environmental management.
The Forestry Hub is a collaboration between Fieldays, Te Uru Rākau - New Zealand Forest Service and the forestry and wood processing sector.
Learn about forestry and wood processing
There’s plenty to discover for visitors of all ages. Explore a dynamic mix of interactive exhibits and engaging sessions that showcase the full scope of modern forestry.
Discover key topics including forest growing, climate change, innovative wood products, engineered timber for mid-rise construction, emerging bioenergy opportunities, as well as biosecurity and biodiversity.
Families and young people can get hands-on with activities like tree identification challenges, trying on personal protective equipment, and exploring creative uses of wood, including surfboards made from timber.
Throughout the event, experts from across the sector will be on hand to share their knowledge and answer questions. Meet forest growers, wood processors, scientists, business leaders, researchers, and government representatives working across the forestry and wood processing landscape.
The Hub will also host the Growing Native Forests Champions Awards.
Engagement Sessions Timetable
Several engagement sessions and talks are held daily during the event and are popular with all ages.
Wednesday 10 June
| Time | Engagement session | About |
|---|---|---|
| 9:00am | Forestry Hub - Biomass Energy for Heat | Rob Mallinson from the BioEnergy Association of New Zealand discusses using biomass for heating and how the costs compare with other heating options. |
| 11:15am | Forestry Hub - Unlocking the Bioeconomy: More value from forestry, from seedling to solutions | A discussion on how the forestry sector can add value across the full value chain. |
| 1:30pm | Forestry Hub - A half century of forest change in Rakiura / Stewart Island | A conversation about how deer and possum influence forest composition and carbon stocks in New Zealand’s southernmost inhabited island. Presenters: Micah Scholer and Emily Telfer, Te Uru Rākau New Zealand Forest Service |
| 2:00pm | Development of Forestry-Specific Unmanned Aircraft Systems | This presentation by Scott Spooner explores the development of purpose-built unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) designed specifically for forestry release spraying. As forestry environments present unique operational challenges, including steep terrain, remote locations, variable weather, and hazardous manual tasks, traditional aviation and ground-based methods can be costly, limited, or high risk.
|
Thursday 11 June
| Time | Engagement session | About |
|---|---|---|
| 9:30am | Forestry Hub - Forestry in the Emissions Trading Scheme: an introduction | An introduction to forestry in the Emissions Trading Scheme, including the basics of the ETS and how it could apply to forest land. |
| 10:30am | Forestry Hub - Growing indigenous trees in changing climate | A conversation about establishing indigenous forests and the new challenges created by climate change. |
| 11:00am | Forestry Hub - Women in Leadership in the Primary Industries panel | Panel session on women in leadership across the primary industries. |
| 2:00pm | Forestry Hub - Plight of the falcon | Shannon Campion from Wingspan Birds of Prey Trust shares the Trust’s work, including its partnership with Kaingaroa Tipu monitoring kārearea in pine plantations. |
Friday 12 June
| Time | Engagement session | About |
|---|---|---|
| 9:15am | Forestry update from Hon. Todd McClay | Forestry update from Hon. Todd McClay |
| 9:30am | Forestry Sector Q&A Panel | Hon. Todd McClay, Elizabeth Heeg - NZFOA, Mark Kennedy - Pan Pac, Chris Barnes - Manulife |
| 11:15am | Forestry Hub - Growing Native Forests Champions Awards Ceremony | Announcement and presentation of the winners of the 2026 Growing Native Forests Champions Awards. |
| 1:30pm | Where can a forestry degree take you? | Recent graduates from the School of Forestry, University of Canterbury present their early careers, opportunities and experiences in the forestry industry. Hear about the life of a resource forester, forest supervisor, forest researcher and forester, and gain insight into the diverse pathways available after graduation. This session offers a chance to learn from emerging professionals, ask questions, and discover how forestry skills are being applied across the sector. Panelists: Patrick Humphrey from the University of Canterbury and Forest Growers Research Mitchell Jones from New Zealand Forest Managers Liam Walker from Forest Enterprises Phoebe Milne from Matariki Forests |
| 2:30pm | Forestry Hub - Woody Biomass Trials | An introduction to MPI’s experimental woody biomass trials on short rotation forestry and coppicing. |
| 3:00pm | Forestry Hub - Wood pellet and chip boilers | Marcus Baker from the BioEnergy Association of New Zealand discusses wood pellets, chip boilers, and using New Zealand fuel to support rural communities. |
Saturday 13 June
| Time | Engagement session | About |
|---|---|---|
| 10:00am | Forestry Hub - Forestry in the Emissions Trading Scheme: an introduction | An introduction to forestry in the Emissions Trading Scheme, including the basics of the ETS and how it could apply to forest land. |
| 11:00am | Forestry Hub - Woody Biomass Trials | An introduction to MPI’s experimental woody biomass trials on short rotation forestry and coppicing. |
Careers and job opportunities for all ages
Explore the wide range of career opportunities across forestry and wood processing, from hands-on roles to high-tech careers shaping the future of the sector.
Try the virtual reality forestry simulator, where you can step into the operator’s seat and experience modern forestry machinery in action — a hands-on way to see the technology and skills driving the industry.
MPI Director Forestry Engagement and Advice Ray Hook said “Fieldays offers us the chance to make the sector more visible, approachable and human, and to answer the public’s questions about forestry and wood processing”.
“The Forestry Hub showcases the quality and innovation of New Zealand timber, from forest to finished product. It helps people understand how wood supports low‑carbon construction, high‑value manufacturing and sustainable land use, while creating regional jobs and supporting thriving communities.”
“ “New Zealand timber remains a preferred building material in rural communities — valued for its flexibility, resilience, cost-effectiveness, and availability.” „
Mark Ross, Wood Processing and Manufacturers Association.
Fieldays Forestry Hub FAQs
Farmers, landowners, families, students, job seekers, and anyone interested in sustainable land use, innovation, and future careers. On the Fieldays App map, search Forestry Hub, and select 'Directions' or follow signage at the event.
Discover engaging experiences on forestry growing, climate change, wood products, timber construction, biosecurity and biodiversity at the Fieldays Forestry Hub. On the Fieldays App map, search Forestry Hub, and select 'Directions' or follow signage at the event.
Supporting communities and industry
Forestry continues to play a key role in supporting New Zealand communities and industries.
“Forestry plays a critical role in New Zealand’s economy and regional communities, supporting jobs, investment and the supply of renewable, low-carbon building materials.” — New Zealand Forest Owners Association chief executive Dr Elizabeth Heeg.
The sector reflects a diverse ownership landscape, including Māori landowners and farm foresters, who bring long-term perspectives on land use and stewardship.
“ “The Fieldays Forestry Hub highlights how forestry and wood processing sit alongside agriculture as a vital contributor to the country’s economy, innovation and sustainable land use” „
Fieldays Programme Manager, Steve Chappell
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