Innovative Timber Technology: The Future of Earthquake-Resilient Buildings
The WIDE Trust continues to be a vital enabler of innovation within New Zealand’s timber industry, providing essential support for emerging research and professional development. A prime example of this support is the groundbreaking research into earthquake-resilient mass timber structures, led by the University of Auckland, which has the potential to revolutionize timber construction in earthquake-prone regions like New Zealand.
Innovative Earthquake-Resilient Timber Technology
In March 2025, the University of Auckland unveiled an innovative new technology designed to enhance the earthquake resilience of timber buildings. This technology improves the way timber structures absorb seismic forces, helping them "bounce back" after an earthquake and minimize damage. By focusing on advanced engineering techniques and materials, such as innovative timber joint designs and connections, the research aims to make timber buildings safer and more flexible in the event of a quake.
This breakthrough is especially significant for New Zealand, where earthquake activity is a constant threat. With this new technology, timber buildings can now withstand seismic forces more effectively, offering a more sustainable alternative to traditional construction materials while ensuring safety and durability.
WIDE Trust’s Role in Supporting Research and Professional Development
The WIDE Trust plays a crucial role in fostering the next generation of innovators and leaders in the timber industry. One notable example of this support is Romain Meot, a Wood Process Engineer at Scion, who attended the WoodTECH 2025 Conference in Rotorua with funding from the WIDE Trust. The conference brought together industry experts, researchers, and innovators from around the world to share insights, innovations, and visions for the future of timber processing and engineering.
Romain's experience at the conference provided him with valuable perspectives on the timber industry’s future, particularly in the context of automation, digitalization, and the ongoing gap between small and large timber processors in New Zealand. His reflections, shared in his post-conference report, emphasized how events like WoodTECH 2025 showcase innovations and create opportunities for young professionals to engage, learn, and develop meaningful industry connections.
Key Takeaways from the WoodTECH 2025 Conference
At the WoodTECH 2025 Conference, Romain noted the increasing interest in automation and digitalization within the timber industry, alongside a clearer divide between small and large processors. While New Zealand’s flexibility and culture of innovation, or "Kiwi ingenuity,” were cited as strengths, Romain pointed out that many small processors are struggling to modernize. This highlights a need for continued support for smaller players in the industry to enable them to keep up with the rapid changes taking place.
Romain also highlighted François Barton's compelling presentation on "Key Strategies in Keeping Your Workplace Safe, Healthy, and Productive." Barton’s message that "Sometimes, a safety problem is the symptom of a business problem" resonated deeply with the audience. His talk emphasized the importance of prioritizing people and ensuring businesses are well-organized, in addition to investing in advanced machinery and technology.
The Future of Timber Construction in New Zealand
With the advancement of earthquake-resistant mass timber technology and the ongoing professional development supported by the WIDE Trust, the future of timber construction in New Zealand looks promising. These innovations not only provide a more sustainable and resilient building solution but also open the door to more widespread use of timber in construction projects, particularly in earthquake-prone areas.
The WIDE Trust’s continued support of young professionals and researchers like Romain Meot ensures that the timber industry remains at the forefront of technological advancement and sustainable practices. As New Zealand pushes forward with its environmental goals and the construction sector seeks more sustainable solutions, mass timber structures will play an increasingly important role.
Through initiatives like the WIDE Trust and conferences such as WoodTECH 2025, the wood and forestry industries in New Zealand are well-positioned to embrace innovation, meet future challenges, and create safer, more resilient, and sustainable buildings for generations to come.