Latest news with #GrowingNativeForestsChampionsAwards
Scoop
2 days ago
- General
- Scoop
Backing New Zealand's Native Forest Champions
Press Release – New Zealand Government With 59 entries this year, the awards show whats possible when innovation meets local knowledge from farmers and lifestyle block owners to iwi and forestry companies. Minister of Forestry Forestry Minister Todd McClay today congratulated the winners of the inaugural Growing Native Forests Champions Awards for driving real progress in native forest establishment and land use innovation. 'This is what good land management looks like — native forests that support both the environment and the rural economy,' Mr McClay says. 'This is practical, long-term investment in our land that delivers environmental and economic benefits while supporting farm profitability.' With 59 entries this year, the awards show what's possible when innovation meets local knowledge — from farmers and lifestyle block owners to iwi and forestry companies. 'Native forests and farming go hand in hand. We can farm the best land and plant natives on the most vulnerable, stabilising hillsides and safeguarding waterways. 'These winners prove native planting can work alongside other productive land uses to deliver real results.' Award Winners: Lifestyle Block Owner: Paul and Katherina Quinlan, Northland — pioneers of sustainable tōtara timber management. Mana Whenua: Kapenga M Trust, Bay of Plenty — blending mātauranga Māori and science to grow native forests and create jobs. Trees on Farms: Ian Brennan, Waikato — integrating natives for ecosystem health and income through continuous cover forestry. Forestry Company: Tasman Pine Forests, Nelson/Tasman — restoring native forests, controlling wilding pines, and protecting native species. Catchment/Community: Wai Kōkopu, Bay of Plenty — retiring erodible land and improving estuary health while supporting profitable farming. Each winner received a handcrafted trophy made from native timbers — a symbol of their commitment to New Zealand's land and future.
Scoop
2 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
Backing New Zealand's Native Forest Champions
Minister of Forestry Forestry Minister Todd McClay today congratulated the winners of the inaugural Growing Native Forests Champions Awards for driving real progress in native forest establishment and land use innovation. 'This is what good land management looks like — native forests that support both the environment and the rural economy,' Mr McClay says. 'This is practical, long-term investment in our land that delivers environmental and economic benefits while supporting farm profitability.' With 59 entries this year, the awards show what's possible when innovation meets local knowledge — from farmers and lifestyle block owners to iwi and forestry companies. 'Native forests and farming go hand in hand. We can farm the best land and plant natives on the most vulnerable, stabilising hillsides and safeguarding waterways. 'These winners prove native planting can work alongside other productive land uses to deliver real results.' Award Winners: Lifestyle Block Owner: Paul and Katherina Quinlan, Northland — pioneers of sustainable tōtara timber management. Mana Whenua: Kapenga M Trust, Bay of Plenty — blending mātauranga Māori and science to grow native forests and create jobs. Trees on Farms: Ian Brennan, Waikato — integrating natives for ecosystem health and income through continuous cover forestry. Forestry Company: Tasman Pine Forests, Nelson/Tasman — restoring native forests, controlling wilding pines, and protecting native species. Catchment/Community: Wai Kōkopu, Bay of Plenty — retiring erodible land and improving estuary health while supporting profitable farming. Each winner received a handcrafted trophy made from native timbers — a symbol of their commitment to New Zealand's land and future.
NZ Herald
16-05-2025
- Business
- NZ Herald
Fieldays 2025: Forestry Hub returns to showcase the value of trees and wood
Nature enthusiasts can 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. The awards will celebrate individuals and groups planting native forests, sharing knowledge, and inspiring others in their regenerative forest efforts. Forest Growers Levy Trust chief executive Dr Elizabeth Heeg said the annual event celebrated the sector. 'As New Zealand's fourth largest primary export earner, forestry and wood processing are important cornerstones of rural communities,' Heeg said. '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.' Heeg said forestry's role in safeguarding New Zealand's future was set to become even more important, particularly with 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's director of forestry engagement and advice, Anna Gordon, said the Fieldays Forestry Hub was 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,' she said. '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 June 11–14 at Mystery Creek, Hamilton.
