Phone: 03 577 2395
C/- Marlborough Research Centre Trust, PO Box 875, Blenheim 7201
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- Home
- About NZDFI
- Our Science
- For Growers
- For Wood Users
- Library
- Contact
Our People
The NZDFI relies on two closely integrated teams to achieve its objectives, along with the landowners who are hosting our eucalypt trials.
The Management Committe
The Management Committee manages and administers NZ Dryland Forests Innovation. Project Manager Paul Millen Project Chairman Shaf van Ballekom, Proseed NZ Deputy Chairman/Finance Manager John Patterson, Marlborough Research Centre Trust University of Canterbury Representative Professor Bruce Manley, University of Canterbury School of Forestry Science Team Leader Associate Professor Clemens Altaner, University of Canterbury School of Forestry Executive Administrator Susan Foster, Marlborough Research Centre Trust Secretary/Data Manager Kevan Buck, Marlborough Research Centre Trust The NZDFI’s home base is the Marlborough Research Centre in Blenheim.
The Science Team
The Science Team ensures rigorous science is applied to our tree breeding work and to the novel techniques being developed for testing wood quality. Science Team Leader/Wood Scientist Associate Professor Clemens Altaner, University of Canterbury School of Forestry Productivity and Growth Modelling Professor Euan Mason, University of Canterbury School of Forestry Database Management and Wood Science Dr Monica Sharma, University of Canterbury School of Forestry Remote Sensing Dr Vega Xu, University of Canterbury School of Forestry Eucalypt Health Associate Professor Steve Pawson, University of Canterbury School of Forestry Tree Geneticist Associate Professor Luis Apiolaza, University of Canterbury School of Forestry Tree Breeder and Field Specialist Ruth McConnochie, consultant Propagation Specialist Paul Schroeder, Proseed NZ GIS and Geodatabase Specialist Roger May, consultant Science Communication Harriet Palmer, consultant The Science Team is supported by Shaf van Ballekom, Paul Millen and Kevan Buck (all Management Committee members).
The Landowners
The landowners hosting our network of over 40 trials are the cornerstone upon which the success of NZDFI vision depends. Their properties are spread across our target north-eastern dryland area and beyond. These landowners and other trial managers are guardians to the trees that are the foundation of New Zealand’s new hardwood industry.