Discover Forestry, KJS Logtranz and Summit Forests NZ Ltd delivered Wood is Good to 350 students from Taipa, Kaingaroa and Awanui Schools in mid-October.
“Wood is Good” is a forestry and log transport industry outreach and education programme targeted at primary schools in New Zealand. It is developed by industry groups in the forestry and log transport sectors, funded in part by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and the forest growers’ levy. It is aimed at children aged roughly 5–10 years to raise awareness of why and how forests are grown, harvested, processed and transported and their environmental, social and economic value.
Activities include classroom sessions, videos, publications, demonstrations from forestry professionals and the highlight of visiting a log truck. Many children may not readily appreciate where timber comes from, how production forests are managed, or how wood is used in everyday life. “Wood is Good” helps fill that gap by providing real-life context, for example, meeting a log truck driver, seeing logs, and hearing about forest care. The program also focuses on road safety around large vehicles by developing an understanding of driver blind spots and increased stopping distance required with the “Be Safe Be Seen” messaging. For the forestry and wood‑products sector in New Zealand, building awareness among young people helps ensure future generations understand and value the industry. We would like to thank Taipa, Kaingaroa and Awanui Schools for being so inviting and engaged. We live and work in these communities, and it is great to be able to share some of what we do with the students and answer the many questions they have.