Based in Wellington, I work for Te Uru Rākau- New Zealand Forest Service as a senior analyst on the Sector Strategy team. I identify pathways for the Minister of Forestry to deliver impacts and overcome barriers within the forestry supply chain. I love forestry because of its ability to address so many complex problems we’re facing. The impact of forestry decisions may not be felt for multiple generations: for this reason, I’m constantly honoured and humbled by the responsibility and opportunity to be involved with national-level decision making.

When I’m away from work, you can find me mountain biking…or at least trying to do something fun in the mountains. I also spend a significant amount of time wrangling my two daughters and teaching them about how wonderful trees are.


Email: evan.powell@mpi.govt.nz

I work in Hawkes Bay as a Technical Forester and Assistant Forester for FMNZ (Forest Management New Zealand). This is a varied role that sees me making maps one day and using them out in the field the next! My path into the forestry industry started off with studying Forestry Science at Canterbury Uni and graduated at the end of 2022.

I chose forestry as I have a passion for the outdoors and the challenges that it offered. I am passionate about doing something that I believe has economic and environmental benefits so coming into forestry ticked all the right boxes for me. I love the industry and am passionate about it.

I am excited to see where this journey as a forester will take me in the future as there is a lot of space for technological development going forward. Joining Future Foresters has allows me to be a part of a great group of young foresters that share the same passion for the industry I have, and solve and work through future challenges as a group.

Email: harry.dinneen@fmnz.co.nz

Based in Wellington, I’m a Director and the General Manager of Carbon Forest Services Ltd. I oversee the company's operations and staff and lead on technical forestry advice relating to the ETS. I have a background in economics and sustainable development, and I fell into the wonderful and complex forestry world when I arrived in New Zealand five years ago.

I am originally from France, and graduated with two Masters in Amsterdam and St Andrews, Scotland. I am passionate about anything relating to the climate and I love working in forestry with the huge potential that this sector can bring to New Zealand and beyond. In that respect, joining Future Foresters’ executive committee is an exciting new step, and I am hoping to contribute to supporting and enabling the foresters of today and tomorrow.

Email:
mathilde@carbonforestservices.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 Tor Drummond and work as a Forest Development Manager (soon to be Production & Engineering Manager) in the mighty Wairarapa. I’m the new Regional Manager for the Southern North Island. I’m also the black sheep of my family, as everyone else is a farmer. Forestry is never boring for me as each day can consist of a mixture of office and/or fieldwork, working alone or with my colleagues or contractors. I love being able to plan each day as new challenges comes along, this definitely isn’t a 9 to 5 job (sorry Dolly). My favourite tree is the beautiful coastal redwood, so let me know where all the good stands are! I look forward to being able to kick-start some catch ups with the rest of the Southern North Island Future Foresters.
I didn’t choose forestry, forestry choose me!


Email: tor.drummond@jnl.co.nz

Kia Ora, I’m Grace, and I just graduated from the University of Canterbury with a Forestry degree. 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

Based in the beautiful Bay of Plenty, I am studying towards a Diploma in Forest Management at Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology in Rotorua. I also work as a contractor for New Zealand Carbon Farming across their North Island estate.

I have a Business Degree from AUT and had worked for the aerospace company Rocket Lab for several years. I knew that being parked indoors from dawn till dusk was never going to be my cup of tea, and as a keen mountain biker and all-round outdoorsman, it didn’t take much convincing to find my way into the industry.

I’ve met some incredible people along the way, and I’m excited about the future of forestry and to be around those who make it a great industry to work in.

If you’re thinking of a career change to forestry, sing out, and I’d be more than happy to chat through the different pathways to make it happen. Once you take the leap, the opportunities are endless!

Email:
jacob.emmens@nzcarbonfarming.co.nz

Based in Nelson, working for Tasman Pine Forests as a Silvicultural Forester since early 2023. Working in the forestry industry is such an awesome and rewarding career path. I aim to raise awareness about forestry careers to those who may not have considered it, and share inspiring industry stories with the community.

Originally from the isolated West Coast of New Zealand's South Island, forestry wasn't on my radar growing up, but my passion for natural sciences and the outdoors led me here. Getting to see crisp sunrises, being a part of a team that establishes thriving forests in a challenging part of the country, and liaising with characters, often like myself, in the industry makes every new day exciting and different! My favourite native trees are Nikau Palms; and Redwoods are my favourite exotic due to their sheer impressive size.

Since early 2024, I've been part of the Future Foresters Team, bringing my energy to support young professionals in our field.

Email:
gracie.perkins@tasmanpine.co.nz

Based in Te Tairāwhiti (Gisborne), I’m currently working as Operations Manager/Environmental Coordinator for Logic Forest Solutions Ltd. I was the Regional Leader for Future Foresters in Hawkes Bay for 2022 but have since moved into to the Executive Committee and am now in my second year on the team. I have a background in Environmental Planning and fell into the industry by accident.

No day in forestry is the same. You are constantly working in new areas whether that be in different places altogether or new settings within a forest.

I love seeing how operations unfold and enjoy navigating challenges as they arise throughout the block or project. You also get to see some amazing places you would never get to see otherwise - there aren't many other industries where work can feel like one big adventure.

Email: kendra@logicfsl.co.nz

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

Gidday! I'm a Harvest Operations Coordinator for Rayonier Matariki Forests based up in the winterless north. I’m originally from Christchurch but forestry has taken me up north!

You can find me out on the water or up in the mountains in my spare time. I’m deeply passionate about sustainability and managing harvesting in such a way that reduces environmental impacts.

I’ve always wanted a career with a mix of the outdoors and forestry was the perfect route for that. It’s such a diverse industry with plenty of opportunities and you’ll meet plenty of cool people on the way!

Email:
Lewis.Barker-McMillan@rayonier.com

G’day! Originally from Nelson, I migrated to Hawke's Bay after completing my studies at the School of Forestry. My current role is managing silviculture operations across the region for Forest360.

Growing up, many of my hobbies were outdoors-based, and with family and friends within the industry, I felt connected to forestry. Therefore, it felt like the perfect career choice, and it has not disappointed yet! I enjoy creating relationships with the diverse range of people that the industry attracts. My role allows me to engage with various aspects of forestry management, connecting people and the environment to achieve desired outcomes whilst embracing the unique challenges of the job.

Forestry is a field full of endless opportunities and unexpected paths, making each day an adventure. I strongly encourage anyone interested in forestry to dive in and explore the many open doors this industry offers.

Email:
flynn@forest360.nz

I am a graduate resource forester for OneFortyOne and New Zealand Forests based in Nelson/Tasman. I work as a Regional Leader for Top of the South for Future Foresters.

I started off studying environmental science and law but made the switch to forestry because it combines a lot of skills/subjects which I enjoyed - it’s like a management, science, geography, economics, political science and engineering degree all in one! The numerous job opportunities available and the potential to be involved in some real meaningful work was also a plus!

Within forestry, I’m passionate about the fact that it’s an industry that has the potential to do a lot of good for the environment, being a part of an industry that is a carbon sink is pretty cool! I’m also excited to see all the future developments to current technologies within the industry- there really is something for everyone!

Email: jamila.milne@onefortyone.co.nz

After graduating university with a degree in Forest Engineering in 2022, I moved to the deep south to work for Rayonier Matariki Forests as a graduate harvest forester. Currently I work in a split role doing both Forest Establishment and Roading/Harvest Planning work.

There are plenty of great reasons to get into forestry. The jobs provide variety with no day being the same, new challenges pop up all the time, the people involved in the industry are all great to work with and have a lot of knowledge to share, and of course getting 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 if you want to know more about the various exciting opportunities forestry has to offer!

Email:
liam.mackay@rayonier.com

I am currently in my 3rd year studying forestry science at the University of Canterbury. My role at Future Foresters is UC student rep.

I grew up around forestry. Dad dragged me out to the forest in the morning to "help" drive a log loader at age four (some would call that child labour). Although, I didn't really consider forestry as a career until year 13 when looking at different options.

I chose forestry because of the many opportunities and the lifestyle of working in the industry. I enjoy spending lots of time in the outdoors and having no two days the same.

Email:
sophiecusack@xtra.co.nz