Restoration project galvanises community
A three-year project to support the restoration of a coastal estuary near Nelson is helping to accelerate other environmental projects.
Applications have opened for the Ngā Karahipi Uru Rākau (Forestry Scholarships) for study in 2023.
The nine scholarships are designed to give young people a foot in the door to a career in forestry and are open to those studying the Bachelor of Forestry Science or the Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in Forest Engineering through University of Canterbury, as well as the Diploma in Forest Management through Toi Ohomai.
“Forestry and wood processing is New Zealand’s third largest primary sector by export value and needs more qualified and skilled people joining its workforce,” says Marion Schrama, manager skills, training and workplace safety at Te Uru Rākau – New Zealand Forest Service.
"It is an exciting time to be studying and working in the sector, which is undergoing transformation, playing a leading role in our climate change response, driving economic growth and building environmental sustainability,” she says.
Schrama says the scholarships provide more opportunities for people to study and pursue a wide range of careers, and to ensure the forestry and wood processing sector is diverse and reflective of our local communities and regions.
"The knowledge people gain by studying forestry will help New Zealand grow our knowledge and skills base across forestry and wood processing, particularly in forestry science, forestry management, and forest engineering.
"Creating study and career opportunities and pathways also enables the sector and Te Uru Rākau – New Zealand Forest Service to continue driving advancements in science, technology, and transformation.
Te Uru Rākau – New Zealand Forest Service established the scholarship programme in 2018 to support people into higher-level study.
"I was very excited to receive the Scholarship and get into study,” says Phoebe Naske from Gisborne, a scholarship recipient and first year forestry science student this year.
She says the money has been a huge help and the opportunities the scholarship provides.
Applications for the 2023 scholarships opened 1 June 2022, and close 15 August 2022 for the Degree Scholarships and 16 December for the Diploma Scholarship.
Waikato dairy farmer Neil Bateup, made a companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) in the New Year 2026 Honours list, says he’s grateful for the award.
Another Australian state has given the green light to virtual fencing, opening another market for Kiwi company Halter.
Farmer interest continues to grow as a Massey University research project to determine the benefits or otherwise of the self-shedding Wiltshire sheep is underway. The project is five years in and has two more years to go. It was done mainly in the light of low wool prices and the cost of shearing. Peter Burke recently went along to the annual field day held Massey's Riverside farm in the Wairarapa.
Applications are now open for the 2026 NZI Rural Women Business Awards, set to be held at Parliament on 23 July.
Ravensdown has announced a collaboration with Kiwi icon, Footrot Flats in an effort to bring humour, heart, and connection to the forefront of the farming sector.
Forest & Bird's Kiwi Conservation Club is inviting New Zealanders of all ages to embrace the outdoors with its Summer Adventure Challenges.

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