30,287 copies distributed monthly – to every rural mailbox in Canterbury and the West Coast for over 25 years
February 2026 Edition
INSIDE
THIS EDITION Stubble burning
p5 RMA reform
p13 Organic expansion
p29 Renewing consents
p35
Legends: The Canterbury West Coast Wood Council’s three new inductees into its Hall of Fame are (from left) Jeanette Allen, Leith Christie and Allan Laurie.
Legends of the logs The Canterbury West Coast Wood Council has inducted three industry legends into its Hall of Fame including Canterbury Farming columnist Allan Laurie.
] by Kent Caddick Laurie was joined by senior school coordinator at the School of Forestry at the University of Canterbury Jeanette Allen, and Forest Management Group procurement and harvest manager Leith Christie, in the recent Canterbury West Coast Wood Council (CWCWC) induction. Laurie began his forestry career as a woodsman in Golden Downs in 1973. Since then, he has earned a reputation as a respected industry leader, admired for his dedication and hard work. The CWCWC said Laurie’s experience spans forests across the
country, and he is always generous in sharing his knowledge. “Allan takes pride in bringing out the best in people, recognising their strengths and helping them build upon them.” Laurie said he was very humbled by the recognition. “My immediate reaction was ‘why me?’ While I have always worked to ensure I support the forest Industry through representations on groups and committees, I see so many people doing great things.” While there have been ups and downs in his over 50-year forestry career Laurie said even some of the lowlights turned into highlights.
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“A significant highlight has been to work within professional, vibrant and energetic teams who love what they do whilst being proud of what they can achieve for their families, communities and the New Zealand economy. “A historic lowlight was a high fatality rate in harvesting operations which motivated me to contribute to the NZ Forest Industry Safety Council and its conduit SAFETREE. “This lowlight has now been turned into a highlight with a very significant reduction in fatalities and serious harm accidents.”
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