Currently based in Napier working as a Technical Operations Coordinator for Pan Pac Forest Products. I graduated from UC in 2022 with a degree in forestry science.

Forestry is such an eclectic industry and you never know where you will end up which is exciting! There's lots of open doors in this industry and I would encourage everyone to step through as many as they can.

Since uni I have led a study on woody debris deposition after Cyclone Gabrielle, presented our findings at the Enviro Forestry conference, and led major land clearance projects across Hawke's Bay as the Woody Debris Recovery Manager for the Sediment and Debris Recovery Taskforce.

I am excited to be a part of a fine group of passionate young people who will be there to help solve the future challenges we will face, no matter how hard.

Email:
hamish.scown@panpac.co.nz

Based in Tairawhiti Gisborne, I work as a graduate forest engineer at Ernslaw One, balancing harvest planning and engineering between the bush and the office. Outside of work, you’ll likely find me swimming at the beach, snowboarding on the mountain, or tramping in the bush.

My forestry journey started with a passion for the environment and problem-solving. Growing up, I didn't know much about forestry until I attended a Women in Engineering camp at Canterbury University that showcased the different types of engineering. Forest Engineering sparked my interest as it applies engineering knowledge to the natural environment, focusing on sustainable resource management and operational efficiency.

It's an exciting time in the industry with many opportunities. I'm passionate about encouraging new people into the industry and supporting those already working in forestry, so get in touch!

Email:
anna.manning@ernslaw.co.nz

I'm currently the Forest Planner for Matariki Forests, responsible for estate planning and resource description for growth and yield. Based in Auckland, I'm not out in the field as much as I imagined, but I'm enjoying understanding what drives our business at an estate level.

Forestry has always been part of my life. I grew up in and around my parents' nursery in North Canterbury and spent plenty of time travelling the South Island with my dad, a forest consultant. It’s taken me to amazing places around New Zealand and even to Canada – twice! I'm passionate about connecting with others in the sector, especially young people, and love making the most of the platform Future Foresters provides.

I'm excited to keep growing the Future Foresters community and shining a light on all the good the industry has to offer as Regional Leader for the north. I’d love to connect – please get in touch!

Email:
phoebe.milne@matarikiforests.co.nz

I work in Tūrangi as a Supervisor for NZ Forest Managers, overseeing spraying and mechanical land preparation operations. It’s a hands-on, dynamic role where no two days are the same. Highlights of the job include adaptive problem solving and daily character building.

I got into forestry because I’ve always loved the outdoors and was drawn to the variety and challenge the industry brings. It’s rewarding to be part of something that creates economic value while also supporting environmental stewardship- forestry ticks both those boxes for me.

Outside of work, I enjoy chasing trout, exploring trails, and tackling rock faces. I’m excited to see where this career leads as the industry continues to evolve. Being part of Future Foresters has connected me with a solid network of like-minded young professionals all working together to shape the future of forestry.

Email:
mitchell@nzfm.co.nz

A dedicated Forest Manager at Forest360 in Hawke's Bay, I’ve always had a strong passion for the forestry industry. What I enjoy most about the role is the variety and excitement that each day brings. In this role, I get to engage with many different aspects of forest management, from operations through to long-term planning. No two days are the same, and the job constantly offers new challenges and opportunities to grow. A big part of the work is ensuring sustainable practices, which adds meaning and purpose to everything I do.

Forestry is an industry full of opportunity and unexpected paths. It’s hands-on, dynamic and always evolving. For anyone considering a career in forestry, I highly encourage diving in and exploring the many open doors it offers. Feel free to get in touch!

Email:
flynn@forest360.nz

Hi guys! I’m Ryan, based in Nelson, working as a Forest and Carbon Analyst with Mosaic Aotearoa. I love forestry for the people, the variety, and the chance to work on meaningful projects.

Forestry offers a lot of opportunity. Since graduating, I’ve worked for a large forestry company and independently as a contractor. During that time, I developed tools such as a GIS-based slash volume assessment, which I provided as a service locally. While it felt like I was just getting started, an exciting opportunity came up with Mosaic, and I couldn’t be more stoked to join their team.

It’s great to be part of Future Foresters. I remember going to a quiz night before starting uni and realising how strong and welcoming the forestry community is. I’m looking forward to helping organise events and supporting other young foresters along the way.

Email: ryandoyle@outlook.co.nz

Growing up in Otago, forestry has always played a big role in my life. My parents were involved in logging, owning their own crews, and now running health and safety systems used in the industry. Their passion for the bush rubbed off on me early and helped shape my path.

I’ve worked in forestry for over 11 years, gaining practical experience and a strong understanding of forest harvesting. I started out painting logs and learning the ropes, eventually co-owning a logging crew with my brother. I’m now a Felling Machine Operator at Dave Paul Logging, continuing to develop my skills and knowledge on the job.

I’m passionate about the future of forestry in New Zealand and proud to be part of an industry that’s both rewarding and challenging. I am hoping to help promote the opportunities forestry offers and support the next generation of foresters finding their way into the industry.

Email:
scottythomas223@gmail.com

Kia ora,
My name is Maggie, I am currently a third-year forestry student at the New Zealand School of Forestry and the President of the University of Canterbury Forestry Society for 2025!

I chose to study forestry because I want to be a part of an industry that impacts the lives of everyday New Zealanders, has pragmatic solutions to global problems, and has a fantastic range of careers. I am excited about this industry and would love to help young people develop a passion for forestry.

I enjoy being social, getting into the outdoors and meeting different people from a variety of backgrounds.

I aim to bridge the gap between those currently studying forestry and those already in the industry. Keeping the students involved with industry events aides to helps them find a community of foresters once they get into the workplace.

Email: forsoc.canterbury@gmail.com

Kia Ora, I’m Grace, and I currently work for Forever Forests based out of Christchurch, Canterbury. This job includes a mixed bag of native, exotic and carbon forestry.

Growing up in a forestry family immersed me in Aotearoa's stunning landscapes, creating deep appreciation for the outdoors. My passion for science, the environment, and hands-on work naturally led me to forestry, where no two days are alike. Interacting with awesome people and tackling diverse challenges keeps me inspired.

I’m excited for the future of forestry and love to share my passion for the industry. There is something for everyone in forestry and never a dull moment so I would encourage anyone who wants to know more to get in touch!


Email:
grace@foreverforests.co.nz

I work at Timberlands in Rotorua as a graduate forester but based in chilly Taupō! They’ve got me doing all sorts from planting, pruning, land prep and most recently roading.

My passion for forestry is deep rooted. I grew up in Auckland (I know, jafa!) mountain biking from a young age in all of the forests around there and the surrounding North Island. The immersion with nature is what I loved and still love today.

I’m stoked to help build a community where uni students, young contractors and early career professionals can thrive and feel comfortable in this dynamic and thriving industry. Feel free to reach out, I’m always down for a yarn if it means improving outcomes for young foresters!

Email:
nathan.wright@tll.co.nz

Currently based in Rotorua working as an Environmental forester in the Timberlands Roading team, tackling a range of operations like post-harvest, road construction, maintenance and environmental ops.

I found out about forestry when we had some people from the industry come and speak at our high school, and from then it was a no brainer. There is such a broad range of opportunities within the industry, with new challenges around every corner.

Outside of work, I love watching and playing sport, smacking some golf balls and socialising with mates. Future Foresters is a great way to stay and make new connections with people not only in your region but all across the country.

Email: stanley.archibald@tll.co.nz

I’m currently a Land Use and ETS Consultant for Forest360, based in the Manawatū. After graduating with a Bachelor of Forestry Science from the University of Canterbury in 2023, I’ve been fortunate to work with a wide range of landowners, assisting with land use planning and navigating the Emissions Trading Scheme.

I’ve always loved the outdoors and had a strong interest in the environment, which naturally led me to a career in forestry.

I’m excited to be a part of Future Foresters—it's a great opportunity to connect with like-minded young professionals in the region and continue building a strong network of young foresters.

Email:

Based in Masterton in the heart of the Wairarapa, I work as a Forester for Forest Enterprises. After growing up in Christchurch and completing a forestry science degree at the School of Forestry, I couldn’t wait to swap the city streets for metalled forest roads.

My role as a forester combines a mix of harvesting, engineering, and silviculture across the Wairarapa and Manawatu regions. It allows me to combine my love of the outdoors with an interesting mix of problem solving, planning, coordination, and relationship building.

The forest industry is facing a range of challenges; each one creating opportunities for innovative solutions. It’s an exciting time to be a part of the industry, and an even more exciting time to join Future Foresters! So, if you want to connect with other young, like-minded people ready to shape the future of forestry, get in touch!

Email:
lwalker@forestenterprises.co.nz

I'm in the woodlot management field based in Canterbury working for Laurie Forestry. I graduated the UC school of forestry with a forest engineering degree in 2023 and have been working as an establishment and silviculture manager since.

Forestry has been a great life choice for me. It was quite an unknown coming from a family/community that didn't have any involvement with the industry. The variety of work I have found myself doing all with the intension of getting some trees growing has been incredible and rewarding.

Getting the chance to be part of future foresters I see as a great opportunity to build a great community of foresters in canterbury and foster lifelong connections. If you're in Canterbury and like the look of what we're about, please flick me an email!

Email: lewis@laurieforestry.co.nz

After graduating university with a degree in Forest Engineering in 2022, I moved to the deep south to work for Matariki Forests where I gained experience working in the harvesting, silviculture and roading teams. Currently I work as the Forest Engineer for Southland/Otago. In this role I manage the roading program including planning, building and maintaining roads, managing roading contractors and managing budgets.

I got into forestry because of the variety the job provides. Every day brings new challenges and work sites are changing all the time. The people involved in the industry are also all great to work with and have plenty of knowledge to share. And of course there is the benefit of being able to work outdoors!

I am excited to be a part of the Future Foresters team going forward and look forward to being able to help encourage new people into our industry. Feel free to get in touch!

Email:
liam.mackay@matarikiforests.co.nz