FGR & University of Canterbury student intern Summer 2022/2023

Over the last three years Forest Growers Research (FGR) has been hosting students from the University of Canterbury studying towards the Bachelor of Forestry Science degree, as part of the Te Uru Rākau – New Zealand Forest Service internship programme. Over the 2022/23 Summer, between November to January, FGR hosted intern Stephen Thompson as a Research Assistant in the Harvesting & Logistics programme.

During his ten weeks with FGR, Stephen completed the design and preparation of a survey of forestry companies throughout New Zealand to determine their use of data from mechanised harvesters / processors and the future benefits of individual log identification. Stephen researched the contacts across the forest industry, identifying as many contact details of forestry companies in New Zealand as possible. He then conducted the survey of forestry companies, including forestry and harvesting managers, and wrote up the results, which will be published as a FGR Technical Report.

The team at FGR wish Stephen all the best in the continuation of his studies towards the Bachelor of Forestry Science and a successful career in the forestry sector. We would also like to acknowledge the support of the Te Uru Rākau – New Zealand Forest Service internship programme. Participating in an internship programme with students from the University of Canterbury has been successful and rewarding for all involved. The students have gained valuable “hands on” experience in research methods, knowledge of the forest industry, and skills in report writing. The FGR research project leaders have had valuable assistance from the interns in their respective research projects. We look forward to inviting another student to work at FGR in the coming 2023/24 Summer.

(Keith Raymond, Research Programme Manager (L) and Stephen Thompson UC student intern
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