In 2008, New Zealand Dryland Forests Innovation (NZDFI), formerly known as New Zealand Dryland Forests Initiative, was established. This collaborative public/private tree breeding and forestry research project has genetically improved drought-tolerant eucalypts that produce naturally ground-durable hardwood.

Research outcomes now provide a market- and science-based pathway for those who want to diversify. Seed orchards have been developed and commercial sale of improved seedlings commenced in 2021.

Sustainable durable eucalypt forestry is feasible for many North Island regions plus Marlborough, Nelson and North Canterbury. This field day is targeted at forest growers and farmers interested in the potential for durable hardwood forestry as a productive land use in areas where intense summer droughts are likely to become more frequent.

NZDFI has a vision for New Zealand to develop a future hardwood supply chain by strategically establishing a multi-regional durable eucalypt forest resource of 60,000 ha by 2050. One of the regions identified with excellent potential is Hawke’s Bay.

Significant research investment has been made in Hawke’s Bay with ten NZDFI trials established across the region from 2011 to 2021. The region therefore offers an excellent location for a national field day, to be held on Wednesday 17th February 2027. The Hawke’s Bay branch of the NZ Farm Forestry Association will help stage the event.

The day will include visits to two properties that host NZDFI trials and the opportunity to meet and hear from some of NZDFI’s science team who have been working to evaluate:

• the potential value of a new durable hardwood industry in New Zealand
• growth rates and biomass yields produced by durable eucalypt species in New Zealand
• options for utilising naturally durable hardwood for posts and poles and other products
• alternative potential markets, including bioenergy, for biomass residues.
• practical aspects of growing, harvesting, processing and utilising durable eucalypts.

Register to attend this field day no later than 5pm on Wednesday 10th February 2027.
Registration fees are as follows:

• NZFFA member – $30.00
• Non-member – $60.00
• Speaker/sponsor – No charge

To register: Please email Kevan Buck - kevan.b@bfsl.co.nz
NZFFA members need to state which branch they belong to for verification.
Multiple person registration is possible provided that full details of each person attending are provided.

Kevan will send an invoice for the registration fee for each person and ask for details of:

• dietary requirements – lunch will be provided
• your intended travel to the field day if from outside the region in order to co-ordinate transport from Napier Airport
• whether you have a 4WD vehicle or need 4WD transport for the field day.

We will travel to the field sites in private 4WD vehicles. Car-pooling is planned to visit the Saathof trial in Crown Thorpe Settlement Road.

Wet/windy weather and/or unsafe farm access due to wet ground may result in the visits to the NZDFI trials being restricted.
In these situations, the programme will be adjusted to include an indoor venue for some presentations and only one site maybe visited.
In the event of a natural disaster or an infectious disease outbreak NZDFIP Ltd reserve the right to cancel the field day.