Tōtara’s qualities shape assessment of potential markets for the timber

 

The first of two business advice reports was presented by Spring, an Auckland-based business consultancy, at the TIP Project’s Steering Group meeting in September.

This Phase One report comprised a high-level market overview.

First project harvest complete:

Stage One – 100 m³ logs

 

In May, 75 tōtara trees were harvested from a farm in Kaeo, in the Far North, using continuous cover forestry principles so that the stand is managed sustainably. This means that each tree to be extracted is selected carefully, with the health and growth potential of the remaining trees...

Second project harvest complete:

Stage Two – 200 m³ logs

 

The Stage 2 harvest of 200 m³ of

farm-tōtara was completed 23 April. The harvest crew took trees from two farm sites near Kawakawa. The team was pleased with how the tree selection aligned with the TIP project’s long-term sustainable forest management ideals. 

Northland TIP officially underway

 

The Northland Tōtara Industry Pilot is now underway. Its purpose is to test the business case for a new regional industry based on the sustainable management of regenerating forests of totara. This is not just about timber production. It is about encouraging an appropriate and sustainable land...

Giving back: Samuel Marsden Memorial Church in Matauri Bay

 

When John McGee saw the particleboard floor in the Samuel Marsden Memorial Church, he offered to donate some tōtara trees from his farm to replace the floor.  John’s family has a connection to the small rural church - his grandfather’s wife lies at rest there.