forestry

The 25% plunge in international log prices foreshadows tough times ahead for southern forestry contract crews as smaller forestry lots are held back from sale.

Otago and Southland forest owners are expected to reap the benefits of China's demand for logs this year, in the face of record prices and following last year's 50% boost in overall log exports.

A proposed industry-wide forest levy has gained the backing of the New Zealand Farm Forestry Association's executive, representing 2000 small-farm foresters.

Big business forestry owners and farmers with small forestry interests are on a collision course over a proposal for an industry-wide compulsory levy order.

Timber industry export losses of $70 million during the past four months and an almost 50% downturn in the domestic house building market has left the sector "absolutely hammered," according to the New Zealand Timber Industry Federation.

Manufacturing data has revealed more declines in the ailing timber industry.

A dramatic surge in Chinese demand for New Zealand logs appears to be stalling as China has amassed vast stockpiles and prices have fallen almost 20%.

The Southern Wood Council has provided a new scholarship alongside its annual apprentice of the year award this year, both to young forestry workers of Otago.

Neil and Pam Cullen have left a lasting legacy on their Glenomaru Valley farm. The South Otago couple's passion for trees was recognised when they were awarded the New Zealand Farm Forestry Association's Husqvarna South Island farm forester of the year award.

The Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, Jan Wright, is no friend of the establishment. She made herself unpopular with the Government in her vocal opposition to mining of the conservation estate; she has raised the red flag over Solid Energy's plans for lignite extraction; she opposed the former Labour-led government's policies on biofuels.