WIDE Trust Empowers Young Talent at Residues2Revenues 2023
The Residues2Revenues 2023 event turned out to be a standout success for the forestry and wood industry in New Zealand, drawing approximately 250 delegates comprising forest owners, managers, contractors, and innovators exploring the vast potential of wood residues. The gathering was not limited to New Zealand companies alone, as a good number of attendees came from Australia, and international delegates were able to participate remotely. It was evident that the industry was eager to connect, share knowledge, and seek innovative solutions for utilising surplus wood residues and promoting renewable energy sources.
The Residues2Revenues 2023 conference, accompanied by pre- and post-conference workshops and exhibitions, offered an independent platform showcasing new innovations and smart operating practices employed both locally and internationally. This event presented the ideal opportunity for professionals to explore ways to harvest and process wood residues sustainably. With recent announcements from the New Zealand government about phasing out coal boilers and larger industrial heat and energy users switching to renewables, the timing of the conference and its workshops couldn't have been more perfect.
As part of our commitment to supporting students pursuing careers in forestry and wood science, the WIDE Trust sponsored seven young individuals to attend the Residues2Revenues 2023 event. Among them were six recent graduates, each holding vital roles in various organisations, and a forest engineering student from the University of Canterbury. Their ages ranged from 23 to 32 years, and they showcased immense enthusiasm for contributing to the industry's growth.
The sponsored participants were:
Katie Yallop: Graduate Forester at Rayonier Matariki Forests
Drew Wood: Graduate Harvest Planner at Rayonier Matariki Forests
Steven Bell: Graduate Forester at Timberlands
Amanda Landers-Murphy: Environmental Forester at Timberlands
Jim Walsh: Roading/Harvesting Manager at Timberlands
Milan Clarke: Harvesting Forester at NZ Forestry Group
Cameron Jones: Forest Engineering Student at the University of Canterbury
The event provided a dynamic platform for these young talents to engage with industry experts and explore cutting-edge innovations and practices. They were actively involved in engaging discussions, workshops, and case study sessions that shed light on successful aggregation of regional fuel supplies and maintaining consistent product quality and quantity.
As an independent charitable trust, WIDE remains dedicated to fostering the growth of the forestry and wood industry by empowering the next generation of professionals. We are proud to have enabled these seven promising individuals to participate in Residues2Revenues 2023, where they were able to network, learn, and contribute to the sector's sustainable future.
The success of Residues2Revenues 2023 further reinforces the importance of events like these in advancing research, development, and knowledge sharing within the forestry and wood science community. With ongoing support from the WIDE Trust, the industry is poised for continuous growth and innovation in New Zealand and beyond.
