Growing opportunities in forestry and wood processing in New Zealand
The Forest and Wood Foundation supports forest and wood related research, education, professional development and training through scholarships and awards
Established in 2011 by the New Zealand Institute of Forestry.
Supporting career ambition and advancement in the
forest and wood industry
Forest and Wood Foundation awards and scholarships recognise potential, celebrate achievement, and help remove financial barriers for study and professional development. Through targeted support, the Foundation helps students and early career professionals build skills, gain experience, and connect with the wider forestry community. We also acknowledge excellence across the sector by recognising leadership, innovation, and contribution to sustainable forest and wood utilisation. Explore current opportunities and how to apply via our Scholarships and Awards page.
Donate now to make a difference
Donations are essential to enable the Foundation to grow the next generation of forest and wood processing professionals and support learning across the sector. Every contribution helps fund scholarships, training, research, and practical development opportunities that strengthen forestry and wood processing capability in New Zealand. Since 2011, the Forestry Education Foundation has offered clear, reliable support to learners, donors, and the wider community. Our team of Trustees manage every request with care and transparency, so you know how your contribution makes a difference.
Scholarships and Awards
We offer a range of scholarships and awards, providing financial support to those studying or working in the forest and wood sector.
Applications are available annually for:
Frank Hutchison Post Graduate
Mary Sutherland Scholarship
University Undergraduate Scholarship
Otago/Southland Award
Chavasse Travel Award
Pocknall Professional Development Award
Student Poster Award
Our People, Our Impact
“The scholarship from NZIF enabled me to complete a Diploma in Forest Operations and Forest Management and helped with travel costs to study full time. This led to other opportunities working for a Forest Management company, and then completing a Degree in Occupational Health & Safety. I am now a HS consultant specialising in Forestry with over 10 years of experience. This has now helped me achieve my own business LA Safety Ltd, where I work with other contractors and organisations to achieve their HS goals and help create a good working culture.”
Larissa Alofa, LA Safety Ltd
“Receiving the scholarship was an important early step in enabling my PhD research on the construction of operator stress and wellbeing in logging. The grant funded initial fees, transition costs and travel costs to present my research. With an emphasis on adding to industry knowledge, the scholarship was a degree of vindication from the profession that the outcome of the research would add value. Completing my PhD has given me the opportunity to continue pursuing greater understanding of the industry and work conditions that will enhance the wellbeing of operators within the industry as both a researcher and consultant.”
Trevor Best, University of Canterbury / Consultant
"Paul received the Chavasse Travel Award in 2016, which funded a trip to Eureka, California, to attend the Redwood Symposium. During the symposium, Paul presented two papers and established key industry contacts. He also spent time in the field with forest managers across the United States, gaining firsthand experience of redwood forest operations.
Paul brought these learnings and connections back to New Zealand, where he manages the Kingheim Redwood Estate. In addition, Paul is a strong advocate for redwoods in New Zealand, particularly through his work with the Sequoia Action Group."
Paul Silcock, Forest Manager, Kingheim – Chavasse Travel Award 2016
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