The Best Practice Study Tour grant of up to NZ$30,000 is to enable enthusiastic individuals to expand their horizons by exploring cutting-edge innovations and best practices, in the forest and wood industries, from around the world as well as interacting with like-minded professionals and gaining insights into emerging technologies and sustainable approaches. The knowledge gained will not only enhance their own expertise but also contribute to the growth and sustainability of New Zealand’s forestry and wood industries.
Applicants can design their own immersive study tour lasting a minimum of two weeks. This extended duration will provide ample time to explore multiple locations, delve into diverse practices, and engage with industry experts, all in pursuit of identifying best practices.
To embark on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, interested individuals can submit an online application via the WIDE Trust’s web site. The opportunity to apply remains open year-round.Embracing this transformative journey will empower individuals to bring back invaluable insights and contribute to the growth and sustainability of the forestry and wood industries in New Zealand.
So, if you’re ready to embark on a remarkable adventure, don’t miss the chance to apply for the Best Practice Study Tour grant and witness the world’s finest in action!
Postgraduate Programme in Wood Processing
The Ministry of Primary Industries, Te Uru Rākau, has agreed to support the University of Canterbury School of Forestry (SoF) in developing a postgraduate programme in wood processing. Development of the programme is being led by Hyungsuk (Thomas) Lim, WIDE Trust Senior Lecturer in Timber Engineering and Engineered Wood Products at the University of Canterbury.
The School of Forestry will receive financial support for one year, through the Industrial Transformation Plan (ITP), to complete groundwork for establishing a world-class wood processing postgraduate programme that offers courses in manufacturing, performance evaluation, quality management, and application of wood-based products, as well as process optimisation and investment opportunities. The funding will also be used to establish the first training facility in the South Island that engages students in constructing prototypes and conducting essential product quality evaluations for the wood industry.
The curriculum of the new programme will be established in collaboration with the University of British Columbia (UBC) Department of Wood Science, one of the leading tertiary education providers in wood processing education. Professors Frank Lam (Senior Chair Professor Wood Building Design and Construction) and Julie Cool from the University of British Columbia visited the University of Canterbury in April to co-develop proposals for the courses tentatively titled “Advanced wood mechanics” and “Quality Control in Wood Manufacturing” and settle on their participation in delivering the proposed courses.
They also had a roundtable discussion with Te Uru Rakau and the programme development advisory board, which includes representatives from BRANZ and Scion, to share their views on the development of the new qualification. The market survey about the demands for wood processing education from the students and NZ timber industry will be conducted in the upcoming months before the new programme proposal gets submitted for approval rounds and discussed for further financial support from Te Uru Rakau.
Businesses, students and others involved in studies and work to enhance the forestry and wood industry sectors in New Zealand are invited to apply to the WIDE Trust for a grant to support their efforts. Apply Online
Source: WIDE Trust
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