15 May 2025

Fieldays® Forestry Hub returns to Fieldays 2025 — showcasing the value of trees and wood

The Fieldays Forestry Hub is returning to Fieldays 2025 for its fourth consecutive year this June. 

Bringing together forest growers and groups from across the forestry and wood processing sector, the hub is a space to tell forestry’s story. The Hub will highlight how trees produce vital fibre for communities, contribute to productive farms and resilient landscapes, and are paving the way to New Zealand’s low-emissions future.

Visitors can once again try their hand on the popular forestry simulator — a virtual reality experience that immerses users in the operator’s seat of real forestry machinery. Designed with job seekers and students in mind, the simulator is just one of several engaging exhibits aimed at showcasing the diverse careers forestry and wood processing offers.

Plenty will be on offer for families, too. Nature enthusiasts will be able to exercise their tree identification skills in the What Tree? challenge, while kids can get hands-on by taking home a native seedling to grow themselves.

A wide range of people from across the sector will be on hand to answer questions and share insights into forestry and wood processing in New Zealand, including forest growers, wood processors, farm foresters, scientists and not-for-profit groups.

The Growing Native Forests Champions Awards will also make an inaugural appearance during this year’s event, celebrating individuals and groups who are planting native forests, sharing knowledge and inspiring others to get involved in regenerative forest efforts.

Forest Growers Levy Trust chief executive Dr Elizabeth Heeg says the annual event is a celebration of the sector. 

“As New Zealand’s fourth largest primary export earner, forestry and wood processing are important cornerstones of rural communities,” Dr Heeg says. “This collaborative event shares the story of our forest growers and wood processors, and the generations before them, who work hard every day to support the vitality of the regions. 

“Forestry’s role in safeguarding our country’s future is set to become even more important, particularly in the context of climate change. The Hub provides a platform for talking about how forest innovations, like wood-based biofuels and added-value wood products, will support a greener way of living.”

Te Uru Rākau – New Zealand Forest Service Director Forestry Engagement and Advice, Anna Gordon, says the Fieldays Forestry Hub is a key opportunity to engage rural landowners and the wider public in conversations about the benefits of integrating trees into land use.

“Our forests generate important economic income for the regions, support biodiversity and help in mitigating the effects of climate change. At Fieldays, we’re excited to show how planting trees — whether native or commercial — can strengthen farms, landscapes and local economies.

“Fieldays is a great place for us to share what’s happening and have real conversations about where the sector is heading.”

Visit this year’s Fieldays Forestry Hub at Site G80, from 11–14 June at Mystery Creek, Hamilton.