The Wide-Encompassing Nature of the Wood Industry

When a student applies to do a Bachelor of Forestry science, many of them look forward to spending a lot of time around trees in both their studies and beyond.

This is great for outdoorsy types like Phoebe, who’s tells the WIDE Trust her new graduate role at Rayonier Matariki Forests gets her out “ experiencing some of the best landscapes and natural environments that New Zealand has to offer.”

Phoebe made the last-minute decision to study Forestry in part because of exposure to her parents’ forestry nursery and consultancy work. She approached the WIDE Trust and earnt a scholarship to help her achieve her Bachelor, and now confidently says she made the right decision.

However, like many Forestry Alumni, she has gained a more holistic understanding of the wood industry through her new role. She has “been integrated into a wide range of teams including production, engineering, research & development, and forestry.” 

Forestry students quickly learn that there are many different roles in the wood industry. Phoebe realises that many important Forestry-decisions are made in regular old offices. She witnesses the “complex logistical operations and asset management decisions” that occur. Plus, of course, “responsible stewardship of the land for future generations.” 

From Phoebe’s office, she can see the logs being sent off to their next destination. In the coming blogs, the WIDE Trust will catch up with some of their scholarship holders who are involved in the wood processing side of the industry.