Expansion to the Forestry and Wood Industries’ Educational Resources

It goes without saying that the forestry and wood industries are an intrinsic part of New Zealand’s history. But it’s one thing to say it, and another to educate ourselves as to its massive significance.

That is one of the key objectives of the New Zealand Timber Museum (NZTM). Born from the passion of the Timber Museum society in the 1970s, the NZTM seeks to celebrate and preserve the history of the timber industry in New Zealand and for the site to become a major educational resource and must see attraction.

The WIDE Trust shares the Museum’s vision for growth; to transform the site into a major historic destination for all to enjoy.

To support the development of the site the WIDE Trust has approved a grant, over three years, that provides funding for development of a comprehensive plan for the Museum site including the engagement of project management and museum curatorial skills. The WIDE Trust is keen to support any individual or entity undertaking study, research or initiatives to advance the forestry and wood industry sectors and the NZTM’s plans certainly ticked the box.

Included in the development plan for the Museum is the establishment of a Radiata Pine Story exhibit and an upgrade to the original sawmill village houses to accommodate further exhibits, and refurbishment of an old native forest grove. The Museum will also house harvest training simulator pods for on-site training and a major model railway system.

It’s a very exciting time for the forestry and wood industries with new technologies, projects and discoveries making things more streamlined. With all that is going on, it’s important to see where it all came from, and the WIDE Trust are proud to be involved in NZTM’s preservation of the past.