Forestry Awards 2026
Recognising and celebrating excellence amongst the skilled workforce of our region.
The Canterbury West Coast Wood Council Forestry Awards provides a collective voice for the forestry and wood sector in Canterbury and the West Coast of the South Island. The next Awards night is to be celebrated on Friday 7 August 2026 at Te Pae Convention Centre in Christchurch.
CWCWC Awards 2026 – Key Dates
The key objectives in having these awards are to benefit the region’s forestry industry in several exciting ways, namely:
We encourage businesses within the industry to become involved in this exciting event. It is important that we all share the vision to recognise skilled professionals, applaud them and create a desire to continue to lift the profile of forestry in the Canterbury and West Coast region.
- To attract skilled employees to the region as valued forest industry players
- To up skill and lift the standard of the skill base of the forestry workforce
- To provide an opportunity for the CWCWC’s forest industry to celebrate its skilled professionals
- To unite industry players
- To create a healthy and challenging competition amongst the industry
Our Sponsors
Categories
Business Innovation
Forestry Excellence
Harvesting Excellence
Distribution Excellence
Wood Processing Excellence
Contractor of the Year
Emerging Talent of the Year
Outstanding Health & Safety Management
Excellence in Environmental and Sustainably Management
Outstanding Contribution to the Forestry Industry
Customer Service Excellence
Learn More
Meet the MC
Doug Kamo
Get ready for an event that’s polished, high-energy, and impossible to forget. With over 25 years in entertainment, Doug Kamo brings unmatched charisma, professionalism, and humour to every stage he steps onto. Known across New Zealand as “Mr Entertainment,” Doug’s career spans theatre, television, live events, and production — a background that shines through in his effortless ability to engage any audience.
As your MC, Doug doesn’t just host — he creates an experience. His lively, inclusive style keeps the energy up and the crowd connected from start to finish. Whether it’s a conference, awards night, or gala dinner, Doug’s quick wit, showmanship, and genuine warmth make every moment memorable. If you’re attending an event with Doug at the helm, expect laughter, seamless flow, and a night that feels as entertaining as it is professional.
Meet the Judges
Dr Elizabeth Heeg
Chief Executive of the New Zealand Forest Owners Association
Elizabeth has a strong background in forest systems and the regulatory and policy frameworks supporting them, including climate, biodiversity and water policy. Elizabeth has worked for MPI, DoC and the QEII Trust.
She is passionate about forestry’s role in the bioeconomy and the potential for forests to provide social, environmental and economic benefits.
“I’m looking forward to participating in the 2026 CWCWC Awards to recognise the awesome people involved in the forest industry in Canterbury and the West Coast and the great work they do.”
– Elizabeth Heeg
Mark Grover
I’m the former General Manager of Operations for Rayonier Matariki Forests NZ. I’ve spent most of my 48 years of my forestry career in the Canterbury Region along with a five year stint in the Southland /Otago region. Over that time, I’ve worked for the NZ Forest Service, The Forestry Corporation, Carter Holt Harvey Forests and Rayonier Matariki where I spent 18 years in management roles. I’m looking forward to being part of the 2026 CWCWC Awards judging panel.
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