The forestry sector is preparing for another major industry gathering as Innovatek officially launches the programme for Carbon Forestry 2026. The conference will take place in Rotorua on 4-5 August 2026 and is expected to attract forest managers, investors, landowners, policymakers, and carbon market specialists from across New Zealand and overseas.
The event follows a highly attended conference in 2025, where more than 300 industry figures gathered to examine the challenges and opportunities facing forestry markets. Organisers believe the 2026 conference arrives at a decisive moment for the sector.
Attention is now shifting towards the concept of Natural Capital. Industry participants are increasingly examining forests not only as timber resources but also as long-term environmental and financial assets.
Climate policy developments and changing global investment trends are influencing land-use decisions worldwide. As a result, the forestry industry is being pushed into a more complex operating environment. Greater focus is also being placed on carbon sequestration, emissions reduction, biodiversity, and sustainable investment strategies.
Carbon Forestry 2026 is expected to provide practical guidance for businesses navigating this transition. Discussions will focus on carbon markets, environmental policy, forestry economics, and future investment planning.
John Stulen, Director at Innovatek and programme manager for the event, stated that forestry discussions are evolving rapidly. According to him, the industry is moving beyond traditional carbon sequestration models and towards a broader Natural Capital framework.
He explained that forestry and climate policy are now being assessed within the context of a global asset class. Long-term land management decisions are therefore becoming more closely connected to international finance and sustainability targets.
The conference programme features several well-known local and international speakers. Senior policymakers, forestry specialists, climate advisors, and market analysts are expected to share insights during the two-day event.
New Zealand’s Minister of Climate Change, Hon Simon Watts, will provide updates on government climate policy and future regulatory directions. Industry participants are expected to closely monitor these discussions because policy stability remains a major concern across the forestry sector.
David Brand, Chair of the International Sustainable Forestry Coalition, will deliver a keynote address focusing on the growing role of Natural Capital in global investment markets. Forestry assets are increasingly being evaluated for both environmental and financial performance.
Special attention will also be given to developments within New Zealand’s Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS). Climate Change Commission representative Eva Murray and Te Uru Rākau official John Saunders will provide analysis of the latest ETS regulations and policy developments.
The ETS remains central to many forestry investment decisions. Market volatility and changing regulations continue to create uncertainty for forest owners and carbon investors.
Carbon trading trends will also be discussed during a specialised breakfast session led by Nigel Brunel from MAREX. Market dynamics, pricing pressures, and future trading activity are expected to be reviewed in detail.
Operational and investment planning will form another important part of the conference agenda. Felix Brandt and David Crawley from PF Olsen and Forest360 will present strategies designed to balance commercial forestry operations with carbon value forecasting.
Industry leaders are increasingly searching for ways to maintain profitability while adapting to changing environmental expectations. Long-term planning models are therefore receiving greater attention across the sector.
The conference has also introduced an initiative aimed at supporting younger forestry professionals. With backing from the WIDE Trust, a limited number of complimentary registrations will be offered to industry participants under the age of 35.
This initiative has been designed to encourage emerging professionals to engage directly with senior decision-makers and technical experts. Young participants will have opportunities to connect with forestry companies, investors, Iwi organisations, and major carbon emitters attending the conference.
Sector succession planning remains an important issue for the industry. Skills development and leadership transition are increasingly viewed as essential for maintaining long-term sector growth.
Rotorua continues to strengthen its position as a major hub for forestry and wood processing activities in New Zealand. The city regularly hosts important industry conferences and technical events linked to forestry innovation and sustainable land management.
Natural Capital discussions are expected to remain central throughout Carbon Forestry 2026. Forestry assets are increasingly being recognised for their contribution to climate resilience, environmental protection, and economic performance.
The conference is also expected to highlight how international climate policies are reshaping forestry investment strategies. Investors are placing greater emphasis on sustainability-linked assets and carbon reduction outcomes.
As market conditions evolve, forestry businesses are being required to adapt quickly. Regulatory frameworks, trading systems, and environmental expectations continue to change across global markets.
Carbon Forestry 2026 is therefore expected to serve as an important platform for industry collaboration and strategic planning. Delegates will be offered opportunities to exchange insights, examine market trends, and discuss the future direction of forestry investment within an increasingly climate-focused economy.
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