The Forest Growers Research Conference, The Science of What’s Next, was held between 14–16 October 2025 in Auckland, attracting over 120 delegates from across the forestry sector.
The three-day event combined technical innovation with strategic thinking, celebrating achievements in forestry research while underscoring its value amid New Zealand’s science reforms. Showcasing the levy’s $5 million annual research investment, the conference highlighted innovation, resilience and industry-research collaboration — from biosecurity and advanced tree breeding to digital automation and practical field applications.
With over 40 speakers, panel Q&A sessions and a field trip to West Auckland forests, this three-day conference brought together research, industry, and government stakeholders from across the forestry sector. This showcased the latest highlights in forestry innovation and technology from FGR’s collaborative research programmes.
The Annual Dinner on the evening of Day 1 included the presentation of eight prestigious Science Awards that acknowledge the achievements of those who contribute to research and forestry science. Two new awards were presented this year, recognising inspiring leadership in forestry science and the importance of research support.
Check out the highlights of the conference including speaker presentations and photos, and click on the links below.
FGR Conference Presentations
- Day 1 – Tuesday 14th October 2025
Session 1 – Welcome and Overview
Forest Growers Levy Trust – Stephen Franks
Session 2 – Scene setting: from reaction to resilience
Industry Perspectives – Alistair Brown
Government Perspective – Sam Keenan
Forces Shaping our Future – Grace Villamor
Session 3 – Adapting Radiata’s Future
Forest Shield Proposal – Elizabeth Heeg
Government Initiatives – Micah Scholer
Farm Forestry and Land Use – Peter Davies-Colley
Tree improvement for the future – Jude Sise
Session 4 – Next Breeding and Deployment
Scaling Success: Choosing the right propagation strategy
Dryland Forestry Eucalypt breeding programme
Optimising Nursery Growing Conditions
Beyond the Petri Dish: Ex vitro challenges & opportunities in Conifer Tissue Culture
- Day 2 – Wednesday 15th October
Session 5 – Tree and Ecosystem Interactions
Productivity and Nutrition – Simeon Smaill
Tree Root Microbiome Programme – Sarah Addison
Section 6 – Next Digital Tech: Part 1
A World First: Adapting PlantMax for NZ conditions – Sean Wright
Capturing data from harvesting operations – Patrick Humphrey
Session 7 – Next Digital Tech: Part 2
Precision GPS: Realising a smart spade – Brian Russell
Is a robotic arm the answer to mechanical pruning? – Caleb Westbury
Development of Slash Grapples for Residue Removal – Ian Brown
Shredded Wood for Roading: Innovative use of harvesting residues – Hamish Scown
A safer & healthier workforce builds sector resilience – Brionny Hooper
Session 8 – So, What Next?
The long & winding road to successful innovation – Claire Stewart
Contractor Experience – Nick Tombleson
FGR Conference Pictures
Day 1 – 14th October 2025 (Photos by SuperGibo Photography
Science Awards Dinner & Award Presentations – 14th October 2025 (Photos by SuperGibo Photography
Day 2 – 15th October 2025 (Photos by SuperGibo Photography
Wahine in Forestry Networking Breakfast – Wed 15th October 2025 (Photos by Vanessa McWilliams, BSI)
Field Trip – 16th October 2025 (Photos by Vanessa McWilliams, BSI)
