Kia ora, I'm Nathan. I work at Kaingaroa Tipu as a Production Thinning Forester based in Taupō. I am grateful and excited to build on this community where uni students and early career professionals can thrive and feel comfortable in this dynamic and booming industry. Feel free to reach out, I’m always down for a chat!

My passion for forestry is deep rooted. I grew up hiking, running and mountain biking from a young age in all kinds of beautiful exotic and native forest. The immersion with nature is what I loved and still love today.

On top of this role and the day job, I am a co-opt FF member on the NZIF Council, committee member on the NZIF Early Career Development Program, and Rural Firefighter at the Lake Taupo Volunteer Fire Brigade.

Email: nathan.wright@kt.co.nz

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 work in Hawkes Bay as a Forest Engineer for Pan Pac Forest Products. 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 and forestry ticks both those boxes for me.

Outside of work, I enjoy heading bush, exploring trails, and chasing deer. 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.jones@panpac.co.nz

My name is Tayla, and I work as part of the specialist in-house legal team at Nateva. Based in Auckland, my day to day involves helping our team navigate the complex web of land-use regulation and environmental planning across the organisation's conservation estate. I work across a broad spectrum of resource management, land and commercial law, as well as working closely with local government.

Forestry wasn't on my radar until I'd spent a few months practising law generally in Hawke's Bay. From there, I was introduced to the challenging, innovative, and highly rewarding forestry industry, which quickly turned into a great passion of mine. It's a path I never expected, but one I'm glad I found — and I'd love to see this industry thrive for generations to come.

I'm thrilled to be a part of the Future Foresters team, working to connect all sorts of forestry professionals across Auckland. So, whatever your pathway looks like, get in touch — I'd love to meet you!

Email: tayla.westman@nateva.co.nz

I stumbled into a Forestry Science degree after a blundered attempt at engineering left me searching for a place in the world. An enjoyable first uni summer job of FMA plotting truly got me hooked. From then on, I devoted my efforts to completing my degree and found myself a forester role at NZ Carbon Farming. I've now turned to the dark side, deep in the Ngahere, co-ordinating harvest operations across Matariki Forests Northland estate.

Throughout the years I have loved the connections made within the forestry industry; classmates and coworkers have all merged into a great group of mates spread across NZ. I've been fortunate with mahi to have had experiences across every region in NZ, and from what I've seen, I honestly reckon we all have the best jobs in the world.

I'm excited to bring together Future Foresters in Northland.

He tangata, he tangata, he tangata.

Email: flint.rogers@matarikiforests.co.nz

Working at Matariki Forests’ office in Invercargill in a forester, environmental coordinator role has given me a fantastic opportunity to kickstart my career and explore an amazing region.

I stumbled across a career in forestry by accident. Sitting in the back seat on a hunting trip, I was fascinated to overhear someone describe the ‘Emissions Trading Scheme.’ I decided I needed to find out more. Several years later, and I couldn’t recommend the Forestry Science more highly. I feel incredibly lucky to have landed a job which combines sustainable land use with my appreciation for timber products and the hard edge of business economics.

Outside of work, I love to chuck on my trail shoes and go exploring. If I’m not out running, you’ll find me swimming laps, surfing, or chasing Southland’s incredible views with a sketchpad and paintbrush.

If you’re keen for a catchup or have ideas for a social event, get in touch and let’s make it happen!

Email: Mia.gordon@matarikiforests.co.nz

Kia Ora, I’m Grace, and I currently work for Forever Forests. This job includes a mixed bag of native, exotic and carbon forestry. I have recently moved to Perth where I am embarking on a new journey combining sustainable land management and forestry.

Growing up in a forestry family (or cult!) meant forestry was always around me. This created a deep appreciation for all things outdoors and the people in our industry who put in the hard mahi on the daily. 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

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

Having completed my forestry degree at the end of 2025, I am now working as a graduate for Matariki Forests in the Bay of Plenty. I started off in the forestry team and have since moved into the harvesting team. When I'm not at work, you'll likely find me out mountain biking in the forest or on the netball court.

I grew up around forestry, with Dad being involved in harvesting. Dad would drag me out to the forest in the early hours of the morning to "help" drive a log loader at the age of four (some would call that child labour!). I chose forestry because of the many opportunities and the lifestyle that comes with working in the industry.

I'm super excited to be a part of the Future Foresters team! Joining the Future Foresters is an awesome way to connect with like-minded people, so feel free to get in touch!

Email: sophie.cusack@matarikiforests.co.nz

Hi everyone! I’m Jacob. I graduated with a Bachelor of Forestry Science in 2025 and have been working for Stand Forestry (Previously Forest360) as a GIS Analyst ever since.

My work allows me to be involved in a wide range of forest operations, from establishment to harvesting, and everything in between, which has been great for my learning and development. After working for a couple of years in a timber yard, my interest was piqued in the sustainable nature of the forestry industry, and I have never looked back! I love getting outdoors when work allows, and being a part of an ever-changing environment helps keep work exciting.

Future Foresters is an awesome group, and I am looking forward to catching up with as many people around the Canterbury/West Coast region as possible. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out at jacob@forest360.nz

Kia Ora,

I’m Molly and I currently work as a Graduate Forester for Kaingaroa Tipu based in Rotorua, my hometown. In my role I have the opportunity to have a go in all areas of the business, and as of recently I have worked in Sustainability, Operations, Health & Safety and as of currently a mini cut and bare-root supervisor at the nursery. Outside of work you will find me running, swimming, cycling, and gyming or on some fun adventure.

My Forestry Journey started with the love for the outdoors and spending weekends walking and Mountain Biking in local forests. Growing up, I was unaware of the opportunities involved in forestry until I was introduced to it in late high school years by my brother-in-law. Forestry attracted my attention because of the indoor and outdoor work life and the endless opportunities.

Feel free to reach out or keep in touch.

Email: Molly.Sinclair@kt.co.nz

Kia Ora, I'm Jack, a Forest Engineering student at the New Zealand School of Forestry, originally from
Hamilton, and the President of the University of Canterbury Forestry Society (FORSOC) for
2026.

I chose to study Forest Engineering because it involves my passion for the outdoors, problem-solving, and working with people. What I enjoy most about forestry is the variety it offers and the opportunity to be part of an industry that plays such an important role in New
Zealand in so many ways.

As the Future Foresters Student Representative, I'm excited to help connect students with the
forestry industry, encourage more young people to consider forestry as a career, and make it easier for students to build relationships and confidence before entering the workforce.
If you'd like to chat about studying forestry or getting involved in the industry, feel free to get in touch!

Email:
jackorobbo3@icloud.com