We are Rare. We are Brave.

Wāhine in Forestry Conference 2026

in partnership with Te Uru Rākau – New Zealand Forest Service.

Sunday 8 – Tuesday 10 March 2026

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: Students from the School of Forestry, University of Canterbury Industry professionals (optional – welcome to join all or part of the day)
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: Industry professionals and students from the School of Forestry
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: Women in Wine Women in Dairy Women in Geothermal Women in Horticulture 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: Industry professionals only
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: Students from the School of Forestry, University of Canterbury Industry professionals (optional – welcome to join all or part of the day)
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: Industry professionals and students from the School of Forestry
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: Women in Wine Women in Dairy Women in Geothermal Women in Horticulture 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: Industry professionals only
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

Dr Denise QuinlanFounder – New Zealand Institute of Wellbeing & Resilience

Dr Denise Quinlan’s work is dedicated to preventing burnout, protecting wellbeing and enabling sustainability for people, performance, and planet.

Denise’s Making Work Better research, Future-Focused Leadership and Hopeful Futures workshops share practical tools and insights, enabling Hope and a Plan.
Denise is the Founder of the New Zealand Institute of Wellbeing & Resilience (NZIWR), Associate Lecturer at the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland (RCSI), and a published academic researcher.

Maria McKenzieOrganisational Development Consultant & Coach

Maria McKenzie is a dynamic force in the world of education, neuroscience, and psychology, blending these fields to create transformative coaching experiences. With a Master’s in Educational Psychology, Maria helps people and organizations navigate transitions with confidence and success.
Maria’s passion lies in guiding businesses to boost employee productivity and happiness. She’s known for her ability to develop practical strategies that align with the evolving needs and strengths of the workforce.

Phil TaylorManaging Director at Port Blakely

Phil Taylor brings more than 40 years of leadership across the forestry value chain, from hands-on operations to national governance. As Managing Director of Port Blakely’s New Zealand Forestry Division, he leads forestry, essential oils, barge and
carbon operations across the country.

A former CEO of City Forests and past President of the New Zealand Forest Owners Association, Phil is a respected voice on forestry strategy, climate resilience and research investment. A NZIF Fellow and 2013 Forester of the Year, Phil is passionate about growing a resilient, future-focused forestry sector. Outside of work, he enjoys
photography and travel — often combining both.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Inspiring and practical workshops
Mentorship and career development opportunities
Purpose-built networking sessions
A relaxed, inclusive environment that encourages genuine kōrero
Shared learning between students and professionals

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

Download now

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.

spencerbeachtop10.co.nz

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.

About us

We represent and support women in the Forestry Sector of New Zealand. Read more about our vision, mission, purpose, the steering group and regional groups here.