A forestry industry-funded national education programme that visited three Tairāwhiti primary schools aims to demystify forestry and reinforce the importance of wood products in everyday life.
Erica Kinder and Vickie Humphries from Discover Forestry NZ chatted to hundreds of students at Makauri, Waerenga O Kuri and Manutuke schools about safety around logging trucks, and a different side to forestry as part of Wood is Good roadshows delivered to primary schools from Northland to Fiordland.
Local forester Daniel Newman took a day out from his day job as wood flow manager for Juken NZ to read a story about wood to a class at Manutuke School.
Newman’s day varies from the office to the forest and part of his work is flying a drone.
“We know how sensitive this issue is at the moment. The main reason we fly a drone is to identify that when our guys cut down the tree that it doesn’t end up in any waterway,” Newman said.
He said the drone flies over the waterways and riparian planting margins. If any wood is in the waterway or close to it a machine is sent to remove it.
“We’re working to keep our country clean and green,” he said.
“That’s why many people work in the industry because we love the environment and the outdoors.”
Discover Forestry NZ is a not-for-profit organisation that relies heavily on forest industry funding and local forestry volunteers.
Kinder said their mission is to try and normalise forestry again after some tough years and show the fun and passion their people have for the sector.
She said forestry was important to the economy, bringing in $7 billion a year with Tairāwhiti as the third biggest producing region in New Zealand
“One in five families here have work in forestry or that’s dependant on forestry - like mechanics and tyre fitters.”
When it comes to slash, Kinder explains to students how foresters aim to leave one-third of the tree behind after harvest – like the needles and very top of the tree – as it acts like mulch for the soil.
“Much like you would do for your garden but on a much bigger scale.”
Eastland Wood Council chair Julian Kohn said being able to educate children about the importance of wood helps them understand the bigger picture.
“We all want our region to thrive,” Kohn said.
“Forestry helps balance the social fabric of our region to ensure economically and environmentally we are sustainable into the future.”
Next month Discover Forestry NZ will be back in Tairāwhiti to take groups of Campion College students to the forest to see firsthand the work being done, and the changes being made.
Interested schools can contact info@eastlandwood.co.nz to participate in the free Wood is Good days, which include free books and resources for students to take home.
-Sophie Rishworth is a freelance writer, writing for Eastland Wood Council