February 2026
| 9.50
ISSN 2703-6251
of a machine
True horsepower in the bush
New developments in forestry
One is good. Six is awesome.
Jensen Logging knew they were onto a good thing with their first Woodsman Pro 560. That's why it's no surprise they keep coming back for more — they’re now running their sixth 560. “We have been so impressed with the capabilities, reliability, and production improvements. From the intelligence and innovation of the designers to the excellent and thorough service of the field technicians, we are well supported and always listened to.” See how the 560 keeps earning its place in crews across NZ.
SALES 07 348 1286 // INFO@ENSIGN.CO.NZ WOODSMANPRO.CO.NZ 73 Biak St, Waterford Park, Rotorua, New Zealand.
DESIGNED AND MANUFACTURED BY
contents
FEBRUARY 2026
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4
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FOREST TALK Creating a forestry management giant; Forestry export revenue set to hit $6.3 billion by mid-2026; Opening the door to India; Strong results despite challenges; Time to crack down on Facebook ‘firewood cowboys’; Unlocking the mystery of wood petrification; Building forestry and fire safety through connection; E-thinning changing industry practice; Big-timber harvesting; Boots on the ground; A tough year for forestry in the NZ ETS (and why the scheme still matters).
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SHAW’S WIRE ROPES IRON TEST Subritzky Clark Logging’s new TimberPro TF840D is a giant of a forwarder. Our Iron Test team soon found out that it’s not only big but strong and speedy too.
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LOOKING BACK A decade before his passing, Jim Spiers looked back on a lifetime’s impressions and experiences in the bush, with his time horse logging being one of the most memorable.
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NEW DEVELOPMENTS This industry is always innovating. This month we take a look at new developments in automation and robotics, and a long overdue certificate for forestry earthworks excavator operators.
DEPARTMENTS 2 editorial 42 fica 46 top spot 50 Greenlight New Iron 54 classifieds
February 2026 | NZ LOGGER 1
from the editor February 2026
| 9.50
ISSN 1176-0397
PHOTO: TIM BENSEMAN
of a machine
New developments in forestry
True horsepower in the bush
Subritzky Clark Logging’s Cale Subritzky Clark heads into the stacks with another load on the giant TimberPro TF840D.
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2 NZ LOGGER | February 2026
How lucky I am “YOU CAN’T STAY IN YOUR CORNER OF THE FOREST WAITING FOR OTHERS to come to you. You have to go to them sometimes.” Wise words from A.A. Milne’s iconic forest dweller, Winnie-the-Pooh. With that in mind, thank you for embracing me in your corner of the forest as I took up the role of Editor of NZ Logger, new to New Zealand from South Africa and new to forestry. I may have had a lot to learn when I started but diving into a magazine like this one quickly earns you your stripes (and then some). As I prepare to make yet another big move across the ditch, while I’m not sorry to be going just in time to avoid the yellow-legged hornets, I will treasure all the knowledge and joy I take with me from your beautiful ngāhere – not only the trees that put the butter on your bread but the many people who have crossed my path that I am all the better for knowing. While I may be leaving, NZ Logger magazine is here to stay and I’ll have a hand in for a few months yet, with stories already lined up for you including a look at winch-assist skidder logging and its potential, a date with the Log Transport Safety Council as it celebrates 30 years, an innovative large-scale grapple developed by a local contractor being used in cut-to-length yarding, our usual journeys back in history taking what we can learn from the past, as well as interviews with long-serving loggers and those new to the industry already making their mark… just to name a few. And going forward, you’ll be in the capable hands of another seasoned editor, Stuart Whitaker. I’ll leave him to make his introductions in the next edition… In the meantime, turn the page and enjoy what we have lined up for you this month because, as Winnie-the-Pooh also said, “How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard”. I can’t say it better than he did, so for the last time from me, until next time, stay safe.
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forest talk
Creating a forestry management giant TWO OF NEW ZEALAND’S LEADING FORESTRY BUSINESSES – PF Olsen and Forest360 – are merging to create the largest independent forest management company in Australasia. PF Olsen and Forest360 will also bring on private investor Adamantem Capital as an investment partner, alongside existing PF Olsen cornerstone shareholder Quayside Holdings to support the group’s next stage of growth. Together, the group will manage approximately 480,000 hectares of forest and support more than 1000 clients, from major institutional investors to family-run businesses and private landowners. Combining decades of experience, complementary services and deep regional roots, the merger will make for a stronger, more resilient business for forestry clients across New Zealand and Australia. The merged group will be guided by shared values, technical excellence, environmental stewardship and supporting the longterm productivity of New Zealand and Australian forests. These principles will underpin a platform focused on sustainable forestry solutions designed to help landowners realise the full potential and value of their land. Existing executives will lead the merged entity, with Forest360’s Managing Director, Dan Gaddum, being appointed Group CEO, PF Olsen’s CEO, Ross Larcombe, appointed Group Chief Commercial Officer and Forest360’s Marcus Musson appointed Group Chief Operating Officer. Mr Gaddum says, “We are looking forward to partnering with the experienced teams at PF Olsen. These businesses are about people – and by combining our skills and services, we can better service clients across the entire forest management value chain – from seed orchards and nurseries through to harvest management, forest management and consulting services. “We are excited to be part of the leadership team for the combined group and continue to pursue our joint ambition of being the management provider of choice for forest owners across New Zealand and Australia, whether they be large institutional owners or farm foresters.” 4 NZ LOGGER | February 2026
Mr Larcombe adds, “We are a trusted provider to our clients, having provided forestry services in Australia and New Zealand for over 50 years. We are excited to combine forces with the team at Forest360 and establish a more resilient business with diversified services, a larger scale footprint and shared customer-led values. “I’m genuinely excited about the opportunity to bring our team at PF Olsen into a newly merged business with the talented people at Forest 360. Together, both groups share a deep commitment to sustainable forestry, operational excellence and supporting the communities we work in. This merger brings together complementary strengths, and I’m confident it will create a stronger, more resilient business for our clients and the industry.” With Adamantem Capital as an investment partner, the merged group will have a capital partner aligned on values and which has extensive experience supporting New Zealand-based businesses achieve their next stage of growth. Adamantem is investing through its Environmental Opportunities Fund, which aims to invest in companies that support the transition to a net-zero economy. Adamantem Capital Director Callum Morrison says, “We can’t wait to partner with Dan, Ross, Marcus and their teams, all experienced forestry industry veterans who are highly committed to the success of the combined business. “More broadly, Adamantem is a strong believer in the role the combined business can play in improving the environmental and natural capital outcomes for New Zealand and landholders across the country.” Quayside Holdings invested in PF Olsen in 2022. Chief Executive Officer Lyndon Settle says, “We are excited to support two marketleading businesses, alongside an experienced capital partner to help shape a resilient, future focused forestry sector that delivers sustainable value for all stakeholders.” The combined group will continue to operate from all current locations across New Zealand and Australia, ensuring continuity for clients and stability for teams. The integration will be backed by an ongoing focus on safety, professional development and maintaining strong local relationships in every community. NZL
forest talk
Forestry export revenue set to hit $6.3 billion by mid-2026 FOOD AND FIBRE EXPORTS ARE SET TO REACH A RECORD $62 billion this year according to the latest Situation and Outlook for Primary Industries (SOPI) report. New Zealand forestry export revenue is forecast to rise 2% to $6.3 billion in the year to 30 June 2026. Revenue growth is forecast to continue, but at a slower pace than in 2024-25 due to subdued construction activity overseas and ongoing trade uncertainty. Mill closures driven by high operating costs remain a concern, while some industry consolidation continues. Uncertainty remains due to the instability of global economic recovery, potential trade barriers and continued high input costs. “The projection builds on this year’s record-setting $60.4 billion – from meat and wool to kiwifruit and cherries, our producers are remarkable. The world wants New Zealand’s high-quality, sustainable, safe food and fibre,” says Forestry Minister, Todd McClay. Exports are forecast to rise 3% from the previous year, and to be 16% higher than two years before. Exports are expected to climb to more than $63 billion in the year to 30 June 2027. “The sector is well positioned to capitalise on robust demand and strong prices, supported by good growing conditions and higher production in most areas. “It’s an outstanding result, especially considering a tough year with challenging global conditions and extreme weather impacting producers,” says the Minister.
“The Government is backing the sector’s success, and the growth reflects a lot of on-the-ground hard work. The food and fibre sectors now account for 83% of all New Zealand goods exports.” Key forecasts for the year ending 30 June 2026 include: • forestry export revenue lifting 2% to $6.3 billion, • meat and wool export revenue lifting 7% to $13.2 billion, • horticulture export revenue lifting 5% to $9.2 billion, • dairy export revenue lifting 1% to $27.4 billion. “We’re cutting red tape through significant reforms, building trade, driving higher producer returns, delivering tools and technology to tackle agricultural emissions, and investing in the health of rural New Zealand,” says Mr McClay. “Farmer confidence is back up, farm profitability is improving for many producers and New Zealand is turning the corner out of recession thanks to our export-led economic recovery. We’re also taking steps to boost productive and sustainable growth through more flexible land use. “Farmers and growers should be able to choose what they do behind the farm gate if they can show it will have a lower or no greater environmental impact. “One in every seven people works in food and fibre – a successful sector means thriving communities, a growing economy and a prosperous New Zealand.” The December 2025 SOPI report is available at: www.mpi.govt. nz/sopi NZL
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