New Zealand Institute of Forestry (NZIF) has recognised Dr John Wardle with its top award at its recent annual awards dinner in Christchurch.
Forestry, one of the country’s key sectors, has a crucial role in the Bay of Plenty’s economy. The NZIF has named Wardle its Forester of the Year.
The award recognises an institute member who has made an outstanding contribution to either the forestry profession, or the forestry sector.
It recognises leadership, excellence and personal integrity – particularly where this demonstrates the character and strength of the forestry profession.
It is one of the highest accolades the NZIF can bestow.
“The Forester of the Year Award is a fitting recognition of the contribution that Dr Wardle has made to the sector over a large number of years,” said president David Evison.
The NZIF represents forestry professionals, including those who work in all aspects of forestry, including forest management and utilisation, processing, research, education and consulting.
“The Forester of the Year Award is a fitting recognition of the contribution that Dr Wardle has made to the sector over a large number of years.”
– David Evison
The NZIF’s interests include forests that are used for timber production, as well as those used for conservation, recreation, biodiversity, carbon storage, erosion control and water quality.
“Dr Wardle’s earlier contribution to research included writing the authoritative text on the New Zealand beech species, and research into the effects of introduced wild animals on New Zealand’s native forests,” said Evison.
“More recently Dr Wardle, in partnership with his wife Rosalie, has developed and managed a unique forestry operation at their property “Woodside” in North Canterbury.
“They have pioneered innovative management of both indigenous and exotic forests for multiple uses including timber and honey production and conservation.
“The property is managed under an open space QEII covenant, which guarantees sustainable management into the future with emphasis on both education and research activities.
“The QEII covenant on Woodside is unusual, in that it provides for both conservation and sustainable timber harvesting.”
The Institute also celebrated the election of James Treadwell and Mike Marren as Fellows of the NZIF. The election to this special membership status is granted by a vote of members and also recognises outstanding contributions to the profession of forestry.
