This month I have two significant events to comment on. The Independent Forestry Safety Review (IFRS) panel has released its initial report for public consultation, and we have witnessed a massive decline in export log prices, arising from oversupply to China.
READ MOREJune saw another significant fall in export logs prices. This downturn, which is more severe than initially expected, is having a big impact on forest harvesting.
READ MOREWelcome to Kelly Norton who began work for PF Olsen in June as Receptionist and Admin Support in Rotorua.
READ MOREIn support of children's education and safety, PF Olsen continues its sponsorship of Homework & Communications Books for the children of Rotorua, Rotokawa and Whakarewarewa Schools.
READ MOREWith more focus recently on responsibilities around health and safety in forest operations, PF Olsen recently wrote to its clients. The purpose of the letter was to inform forest owners of their obligations (as Principals) with respect to health and safety.
READ MOREBeaudine Harris was nominated for his excellent attitude towards health and safety. He has very good understanding of the requirements for safe work in the tasks he undertakes and consistently demonstrates this understanding every day.
READ MOREThis ambitious programme, aiming to double forest productivity, was launched by Scion researchers to the research scientists and industry representatives in Rotorua on 10 – 11 June with a field trip on the 12th.
READ MOREForestry in the New Zealand ETS has had a tumultuous month.
READ MOREThe Green Triangle region of Victoria and South Australia is home to large and expanding populations of koalas. In the last few years, koala populations have expanded beyond their traditional native forest habitats to exploit the substantial feeding resources presented by the hundreds of thousands of hectares of blue gum plantations.
READ MOREI'm not one to normally get too alarmist but I think a particular aspect of the proposed new Health and Safety Act does warrant that sort of reaction.
READ MOREApril's relatively small reduction in export log prices was followed by much larger reductions in May – some prices down as much as $25/JAS m³. In just two months, export log prices lost 14 months of prior month–on–month gains.
READ MOREPF Olsen is seeing many examples of blocks of forest land being harvested and not replanted. There are also many areas in New Zealand where widespread soil erosion could be mitigated, and/or catchment water quality could be improved with forest cover. This, along with increased conversion of forest to dairy land use, means New Zealand's plantation forest area is in decline.
READ MOREThanks to all those people that took the time to complete and return the PF Olsen Customer Satisfaction Survey.
READ MOREAaron Bashnick joined PF Olsen's Gisborne team as a harvest supervisor on 28 April. Campbell Harvey has rejoined PF Olsen's Christchurch team after a brief OE in the southwest U.S. Gavin Hurford commenced with PF Olsen (Greymouth) on 5th May after returning to New Zealand from North Queensland where he worked for Elders Forestry managing its high-value tropical timber estate. Michael Smith started with PF Olsen on 12 May as the Logistic Coordinator, based in Rotorua.
READ MOREMany involved in the forest industry will be acutely aware of the difficulties in keeping abreast of constant plan changes as they affect forestry operations under the RMA. A multi-stakeholder group, of which PF Olsen is a participating member, has been convened by the Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) to try and achieve a rationalisation of rules affecting forestry under the RMA.
READ MOREAndrew was nominated by Supervisor Brett Vincent, for taking ownership of the safety for crew 97. Apart from his regular work duties, Andrew runs the morning tailgate safety meetings and coordinates the Safe Behaviour Observations (audits).
READ MORELate last year Kevin had a client enquire on what measures we took to ensure our containerised treestocks and surrounding nursery environment had a 'clean bill of health'.
READ MOREThe ETS remains very quiet. NZUs continue to trade in the range of $2.95 - $3.10 per NZU. With ERUs valid in the New Zealand ETS until May 2015, there is currently not a lot of demand for NZUs to encourage higher prices.
READ MOREI have been building a deck of Radiata pine during the past few weekends. Although there is nothing newsworthy about that, it has reminded me of what every NZ builder is acutely aware – the variability of dressed Radiata pine in both dimension and stability.
READ MOREIt was just over a month ago that Southern Cross Forest Products went into receivership. Thames Timber is still operating and taking a steady supply of logs from a variety of suppliers.
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