Future Foresters quick-growing part of industry

Acacia Farmery readies her drone with its camera to fly over the recently planted stand of pines at Pebbly Hill Forest. Photos: Ken Muir

A group of young foresters is working to raise the profile of their industry and provide support for those looking to develop careers in the sector.

The Future Foresters group grew out of the NZ Institute of Forestry conference last September and has got off to a strong start, with some 200 members already on the books.

As well as raising awareness of the industry, the group aims to encourage people into the industry and make the wider community aware of the employment opportunities in forestry.

The group is unashamedly modelled on the Young Farmers organisation and hopes to achieve similar longevity and success.

Acacia Farmery prepares for a sweep over a stand of recently planted trees at Prebbly Hill Forest for a birds' eye view of the health of the new trees.

''Often there is not a lot of awareness about the range of opportunities available in forestry,'' says Acacia Farmery, an establishment forester with Rayonier in Southland.

Ms Farmery was part of the committee that set up the group with the aim to promote careers in forestry and to provide a voice for young foresters and others who are new to the sector.

Some of the early activities of the group have included promotions on social media and the setting up of a website (www.futureforesters.com) and they also have plans to carry out a schools programme and other educational activity.

''We've had excellent support from the industry to help us get under way,'' Acacia says. ''Besides the NZ Institute of Forestry, other groups such as Forest Owners have provided support and sponsorship.''

Ms Farmery was originally from Hawkes Bay and completed a bachelor of forestry science degree at Canterbury University.