Two Outstanding Forestry Innovations Awarded $10,000 Development Funding
After an impressive field of entries from across New Zealand’s forestry sector, we are excited to announce the winners of the 2026 Youth Micro Innovation Challenge. The judging panel was tasked with evaluating innovations based on their potential industry impact, practicality, technical feasibility, and ability to be developed into working prototypes. Following a highly competitive assessment process, two innovations stood out for their ability to solve real, on-the-ground forestry challenges.
Sophie Cusack
Field Mixer for E-Thinning Operations
Sophie’s innovation tackles a common challenge faced by forestry contractors during chemical thinning operations: safely and efficiently mixing chemicals in the field. The proposed field mixer is a robust, portable 40-litre unit designed specifically for harsh forestry environments. It uses the same drill already carried by contractors for e-thinning work, driving an integrated mixing shaft that reduces chemical spillage and improves mixing efficiency. Importantly, Sophie has already completed detailed drawings and specifications, meaning the concept is ready for fabrication and field testing. Judges praised the innovation as a practical, low-complexity solution to a widespread operational issue, with strong potential to improve safety, reduce waste, and deliver immediate value to contractors.
Blake Singleton
UAV Basal Bark Spray Arm: Precision Wilding Control from the Ground Up
Blake’s innovation addresses one of New Zealand’s most significant environmental and operational challenges: controlling invasive wilding conifers safely and effectively. The concept involves an articulated spray arm mounted on an agricultural drone. A specially designed V-shaped contact applicator would allow herbicide to be delivered directly to the base of wilding trees without requiring helicopters or ground crews to operate in hazardous terrain. By adapting a proven treatment method to an unmanned aerial platform, the innovation aims to reduce risk, improve efficiency, and expand access to difficult treatment sites. Judges recognised the innovation’s strong safety benefits, practical development pathway, and potential to transform how wilding conifer control is undertaken across New Zealand.
Investing in the Future of Forestry Innovation
The Youth Micro Innovation Challenge was created to encourage young people working, studying, and building careers in forestry to identify real-world problems and develop practical solutions. This year’s entries demonstrated the depth of talent, creativity, and innovation emerging across New Zealand’s forestry sector. The winning projects will now receive support to progress from concept to prototype, creating opportunities to test and validate their ideas in real operational environments. Congratulations to Sophie and Blake on their outstanding innovations and commitment to improving the future of forestry.
