WoodTECH Update – Issue 35

Welcome to the latest issue of WoodTECH.News.

Last month we mentioned that the programme for WoodTECH 2021 was in development. Every two years, this technology event focuses on sawmilling and saws. It’s one that we’re really excited about and one that will be quite different to past events. While WoodTECH is well known for bringing down 20 to 30 international equipment and technology companies into New Zealand and Australia, Covid-19 restrictions has forced us to be even more creative.

The first big change to WoodTECH 2021 will be that the Rotorua, New Zealand and Melbourne, Australia venues will be run at the exact same time (3-4 August 2021). This is the first time that sawmillers and saw-doctors from both countries will meet up. Speakers on both sides of the Tasman will present live and presenters from outside Australasia, will be beamed into the events in both countries. All presentations will also be live-streamed online to an international audience and will be accessible on-demand post-event.

There will still be tech updates from international sawmill equipment suppliers, however, the core of the programme will be delivered by local industry experts and wood processing leaders. More practical workshops for production and operational staff are also being built in. The programme is expected to be put on -line in the next few weeks.

With virtually all forestry shows around the world being postponed until late 2021, or even deep into 2022, we are delighted that New Zealand and Australia are in the fortunate and unique position of being the current world leader in offering face-to-face industry events.

In this month’s newsletter, a major spotlight is put on the New Zealand wood processing sector. The new report, ‘International Manufacturing Policy and Programme Responses to Covid-19’, shows that the economic support other countries are pumping into their manufacturing sectors has created a massive surge in R&D and technology investments.

We also have a bit of background and coverage on the “timber shortages” issue that recently arose in New Zealand, where Carter Holt Harvey cut their supply to major retailers, including Mitre 10, ITM and Bunnings. The recent closure of the Whakatane Mill, which supplies paper and packaging, is another sign that the industry needs to act to attract further investment into domestic wood processing. David Turner, the Executive Director of Sequal, sums up with the quote, “There’s no lack of capital, there’s a lack of environment to make that capital efficient and successful.”

Read all the above stories and more in this month’s issue. Remember, you can also send through any contributions, stories or links that we can pass onto the wider community.