THE WĀHINE IN FORESTRY CONFERENCE 2026
The Wāhine in Forestry Conference 2026 brought women from across the forestry sector together in Christchurch. For many in the room, it was a chance to step away from the day-to-day and spend time with other women working across the sector. Events like this play an important role in supporting and growing the number of women choosing forestry as a career.
Over Monday and Tuesday, wāhine from across the sector came together alongside forestry students from the School of Forestry at the University of Canterbury to hear from guest speakers such as Dr Denise Quinlan, Maria McKenzie and Phil Taylor.
A highlight was the cross-sector panel with women from forestry, wine, dairy, horticulture and geothermal. Hearing about the similarities and differences between industries led to some really interesting discussion.
It was also a great opportunity for forestry students to meet women already working across the sector and hear first-hand about different career pathways. It was a valuable couple of days and we would like to thank our sponsors Te Uru Rakau | New Zealand Forest Service, PF Olsens, and Prime Forest Management.
ABOUT THE CONFERENCE
The Wāhine in Forestry Conference is New Zealand’s premier national event celebrating and empowering women across all areas of the forestry sector.
Set on the beautiful Spencer Beach coastline, this three-day gathering blends professional development, connection, and adventure. It’s where future leaders meet today’s change makers – from students to experienced professionals.
At a glance
- Three days: Sunday to Tuesday (finishing 3pm Tuesday)
- Venue: Spencer Beach Surf Club, Christchurch
- Accommodation: Spencer Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park (2-minute walk)
- Just 20 minutes from Christchurch Airport
-
Cost $300+GST Monday and Tuesday.This includes all catering, workshops, and networking event.
-
Optional Sunday Funday at an additional $80+GST
PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS
SUNDAY – Sunday Funday (Students and Professionals)
OPTIONAL
Kick off the conference with a day of connection and challenge at Adrenalin Forest, followed by an evening quiz night — a chance to relax, meet others, and start building networks.
MONDAY – Workshops and Luau (Students and Professionals)
Start the morning with an uplifting session designed to bring focus and energy to the day, then dive into a full programme of interactive workshops built around leadership, communication, and problem-solving.
Networking hour begins at 5pm, followed by a Luau-style BBQ dinner with food trucks, music, and great company under the sun.
TUESDAY – Professional Pathways (Working Wāhine Only)
A focused day for women currently working in the sector.
Sessions run from 8am–3pm and include advanced workshops, strategic discussions, and peer networking to drive long-term impact and sector growth.
FULL PROGRAMME
| Sunday 8th March 2026 – Sunday Funday! | |
|---|---|
Who:
|
|
| 12.30pm | Bus departs Christchurch from the School of Forestry to Spencer Beach Top 10 Holiday Park |
| 1.00pm | Check in and get settled at Spencer Beach Top 10 Holiday Park |
| 2.00pm | Team building at Adrenalin Forest (multi-level aerial obstacle course)
A challenge-by-choice experience that builds confidence, communication, and teamwork. |
| 5.00pm | Explore Spencer Beach or relax before dinner |
| 6.00pm | BBQ Dinner |
| 7.00pm | Quiz Night
Who will be crowned the 2026 Conference Quiz Champions? A bit of light-hearted fun to end Sunday Funday. |
| Monday 9th March 2026 | |
|---|---|
Who:
|
|
| 6.30am | Kanikani with Kat Haerewa
An optional morning movement session to energise the body, build connection, and start the day grounded and focused. |
| 7.30am | Breakfast at Spencer Beach Top 10 Holiday Park |
| 9.00am | Welcome and Introduction to the 2026 Wāhine in Forestry Conference from Erica Kinder |
| 9.20am | Introductions & Speed Networking
Led by conference facilitator Maria McKenzie, providing a structured way to meet others and start the conference well connected. Group photo |
| 10.00am | Morning Tea |
| 10.30am | Panel Discussion with representatives from the following women’s groups:
The kōrero will centre on their career journeys, the challenges and opportunities they have navigated, and the role their organisations play in supporting and connecting wāhine across Aotearoa. |
| 12.00pm | Lunch |
| 1.00pm | Learning from other industries
A facilitated workshop with Maria McKenzie exploring approaches used by other sector groups and how these could inform the next phase of Wāhine in Forestry. |
| 2.30pm | Afternoon Tea |
| 3.00pm | Practical tools from Dr Denise Quinlan
Dr Denise Quinlan facilitates a session sharing evidence-based tools to prevent burnout, strengthen wellbeing, and lead effectively by understanding and using personal strengths. |
| 5.00pm | Networking Drinks & Nibbles |
| 6.00pm | Walk to Spencer Beach Top 10 Holiday Park and get ready for our Luau Conference Dinner |
| 7.00pm | Luau Conference Dinner Party
You are encouraged to wear your best luau-inspired outfit, with prizes awarded on the night! |
| Tuesday 10th March 2026 | |
|---|---|
Who:
|
|
| 7.30am | Students check out of Spencer Beach Top 10 Holiday Park
Breakfast available |
| 8.00am | Bus for students departs Spencer Beach Top 10 Holiday Park and arrives at the School of Forestry at 8.30am |
| 9.00am | People Leadership: Communication, Challenge & Clarity
Led by Maria McKenzie, this practical session focuses on effective communication, navigating difficult conversations, and building confidence in workplace discussions, including employment and people-management contexts. |
| 10.00am | Morning Tea |
| 11.00am | Industry keynote: Women in forestry – past, present, and future
An industry leader shares a wider perspective on the role of women in New Zealand forestry, reflecting on progress, leadership, and future direction for the sector. |
| 11.45am | Conference Debrief
A facilitated discussion focused on key learnings, future priorities, regional connections, and where Wāhine in Forestry goes next. |
| 1.00-2.00pm | Lunch & departure |
FULL PROGRAMME
| Sunday 8th March 2026 – Sunday Funday! | |
|---|---|
Who:
|
|
| 12.30pm | Bus departs Christchurch from the School of Forestry to Spencer Beach Top 10 Holiday Park |
| 1.00pm | Check in and get settled at Spencer Beach Top 10 Holiday Park |
| 2.00pm | Team building at Adrenalin Forest (multi-level aerial obstacle course)
A challenge-by-choice experience that builds confidence, communication, and teamwork. |
| 5.00pm | Explore Spencer Beach or relax before dinner |
| 6.00pm | BBQ Dinner |
| 7.00pm | Quiz Night
Who will be crowned the 2026 Conference Quiz Champions? A bit of light-hearted fun to end Sunday Funday. |
| Monday 9th March 2026 | |
|---|---|
Who:
|
|
| 6.30am | Kanikani with Kat Haerewa
An optional morning movement session to energise the body, build connection, and start the day grounded and focused. |
| 7.30am | Breakfast at Spencer Beach Top 10 Holiday Park |
| 9.00am | Welcome and Introduction to the 2026 Wāhine in Forestry Conference from Erica Kinder |
| 9.20am | Introductions & Speed Networking
Led by conference facilitator Maria McKenzie, providing a structured way to meet others and start the conference well connected. Group photo |
| 10.00am | Morning Tea |
| 10.30am | Panel Discussion with representatives from the following women’s groups:
The kōrero will centre on their career journeys, the challenges and opportunities they have navigated, and the role their organisations play in supporting and connecting wāhine across Aotearoa. |
| 12.00pm | Lunch |
| 1.00pm | Learning from other industries
A facilitated workshop with Maria McKenzie exploring approaches used by other sector groups and how these could inform the next phase of Wāhine in Forestry. |
| 2.30pm | Afternoon Tea |
| 3.00pm | Practical tools from Dr Denise Quinlan
Dr Denise Quinlan facilitates a session sharing evidence-based tools to prevent burnout, strengthen wellbeing, and lead effectively by understanding and using personal strengths. |
| 5.00pm | Networking Drinks & Nibbles |
| 6.00pm | Walk to Spencer Beach Top 10 Holiday Park and get ready for our Luau Conference Dinner |
| 7.00pm | Luau Conference Dinner Party
You are encouraged to wear your best luau-inspired outfit, with prizes awarded on the night! |
| Tuesday 10th March 2026 | |
|---|---|
Who:
|
|
| 7.30am | Students check out of Spencer Beach Top 10 Holiday Park
Breakfast available |
| 8.00am | Bus for students departs Spencer Beach Top 10 Holiday Park and arrives at the School of Forestry at 8.30am |
| 9.00am | People Leadership: Communication, Challenge & Clarity
Led by Maria McKenzie, this practical session focuses on effective communication, navigating difficult conversations, and building confidence in workplace discussions, including employment and people-management contexts. |
| 10.00am | Morning Tea |
| 11.00am | Industry keynote: Women in forestry – past, present, and future
An industry leader shares a wider perspective on the role of women in New Zealand forestry, reflecting on progress, leadership, and future direction for the sector. |
| 11.45am | Conference Debrief
A facilitated discussion focused on key learnings, future priorities, regional connections, and where Wāhine in Forestry goes next. |
| 1.00-2.00pm | Lunch & departure |
SPEAKERS
This event has been made possible by:
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Partner with us to empower wāhine in forestry.
Wāhine in Forestry represents a dynamic, inclusive community of women across New Zealand’s forestry sector.
The 2026 Conference offers a unique opportunity for sponsors to support this kaupapa while gaining visibility, connection, and influence across the industry.
Sponsorship benefits include:
- Logo placement on the conference website, e-newsletters, and printed programme
- Recognition across all Wāhine in Forestry communications
- Opportunity to share a short company video (under three minutes)
- “Sponsor Spotlight” feature on social media
- Verbal recognition at the event
Contact
discover@discoverforestry.co.nz
Erica Kinder – 027 329 0498
LOCATION & ACCOMMODATION
Spencer Beach Surf Club, Christchurch
Nestled in a 70-hectare forest reserve just steps from the ocean, Spencer Beach offers the ideal mix of inspiration and relaxation for our 2026 conference.
Accommodation – Spencer Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park
Spencer Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park has kindly reserved accommodation for our group until 14 February 2026.
- Students: Accommodation will be arranged for you – no action required.
- Wāhine from the sector: Please contact the Holiday Park directly on (03) 329 8721 to make your booking.
Feedback from a 2023 Conference participant
What an amazing opportunity for the students and all of us there. It really does give me solid hope that the world is a changing place and the importance of my own leadership from whatever position I am in relating to that.
Thanks for the inspiration for the young and all the generations represented there!
Being new to Forestry, though having 20 years in Fishing – It’s probably one of the most useful conferences I’ve ever been to in my professional life.
Who are Wāhine in Forestry?
Wahine in Forestry is a professional development group that combines women enrolled in the New Zealand School of Forestry and working in the forest sector of New Zealand to further connections, mentoring and skills for women entering the forestry workforce and within their careers.
When using the term ‘women’ in relation to this group, the term includes all those who identify as a women.
