The Latest News from the Canterbury West Coast Wood Council June 2024

NEWSLETTER JUNE 2024

Canterbury West Coast Wood Council

Message from the Board

It’s hard not to feel gloomy in the forest industry currently. Our economy is in recession however inflation has remained too high for the Reserve Bank so they remain firm in holding the cash rate at current levels. This and other factors are contributing to a slowdown in construction. This is also not uncommon heading into Winter. The crucial China market is going through a significant correction leading to poor pricing at wharf gate. Carbon prices have dipped significantly and there continues to be negative sentiment about forestry's role in the ETS.

Despite all of this crud I was heartened to read the latest report by the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment (PCE), “Going with the Grain: Changing Land Uses to Fit a Changing Landscape”. This report underscores the valuable role of all types of forest in addressing climate change and enhancing environmental resilience, while also highlighting the critical role of our production forests in the circular bio-economy. The sustainable production from these forests reduces emissions through timber production and the growing use of biomass for energy, all of which is essential for transitioning away from a fossil fuels and towards more sustainable practices.

Glenn Moir
Chair - Canterbury West Coast Wood Council

Rangiora Landscapes converting forest residues into garden bark chip on site at one of Rayonier's forests in North Canterbury.

2024 Forestry Awards

Nominations

We are calling for Nominations! The closing date has been extended to 7 July 2024. So spread the word and get people filling out the easy online form https://www.cwcwc.co.nz/nominations/
Nominate a colleague, a crew or a business that you think is worthy of some well deserved recognition.

There are 10 Awards Categories to choose from. Check them out here https://www.cwcwc.co.nz/awards-home/award-categories/

Tickets
Tickets are selling fast and there are not many tables left. We recommend you get in quick if you want to take this opportunity to connect with industry colleagues and celebrate our successes together. Go to https://www.cwcwc.co.nz/awards-tickets/ to order tickets for you and your team. The winners of each category will be announced at the Awards Dinner.

Event Details
Date: Friday, 2 August 2024.
Time: Doors open at 5pm.
Venue: Te Pae Convention Centre, Christchurch.

Tickets $100 each. Tables seat 10 people but individual tickets can also be purchased. Tickets will include a complimentary drink on arrival and dinner that will be prepared and served by the culinary team at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre.

Sponsors
Special thanks goes to all our sponsors for their support. Their commitment to the forestry industry is invaluable. We look forward to celebrating with you all on the night.

CWCWC AWARDS WEBSITE

MC - Jackie Clarke

The entertainer of the night is comedian and music personality Jackie Clarke. We look forward to her returning to the stage as MC after wowing the audience at the first CWCWC awards night in 2022.

Economic Update with Cameron Bagrie

“Thud. Here comes the hard landing for the economy. While hardly an endorsement for positivity, often you require pain before change unlocks gain”
(https://www.chubb.com/nz-en/adviser/cameron-bagrie-090524.html)

On the 8th May CWCWC hosted an event with independent economist Cameron Bagrie. He spoke in depth on the difficult economic times we are facing, and that the situation might get worse before it gets better.

Bagrie suggests that we need to get back to basics. For example:

Well run businesses will get market share.
Focus on capital investment and making returns.
We need to get better at taking and managing risks to make real money.
Education is key for productivity to grow.
We must drive innovation, automation, robotics and digital transformation.
Cheap abundant energy will become a competitive advantage.

For more from Cameron Bagrie you can go to https://www.bagrieeconomics.co.nz/

Thanks to all the CWCWC members and industry colleagues that came along to the event.

Eduction Programmes in our Regions

Discover Forestry

The team recently attended the Christchurch Girls and Boys High School Mini Career Expo. They spent the day talking with students about the wide range opportunities on offer in the forestry sector.

Upcoming trips and how to get involved

The Canterbury West Coast Wood Council are seeking support from members to attend local careers days or school education programmes. Please check out the schedule below and let us know if you have any keen people in your team that might like to share their knowledge with local students.

Discover Forestry

Christchurch Girls High School - July 30 (TBC) - Science Class
Rangiora High School - August 1 confirmed - Primary ITO Class

Wood is Good for Primary Schools
Little River 23rd July
Amberley School 24th July
Amuri Area School 25th July
Hanmer Springs School 26th July

FIND OUT MORE HERE

Key Dates & Upcoming Events

Sun 28 July and Mon 29 July 2024 - Wahine in Forestry Conference

Fri 2 August 2024, 5pm - CWCWC Forestry Awards Night

If you are a CWCWC member with an exciting announcement or business interest story that you want to share then we want to hear from you. Please contact us at info@cwcwc.co.nz