This dissertation investigates the workforce characteristics of the Canterbury/West Coast wood processing industry and explores potential scenarios forecasting future requirements. With 13% of New Zealand’s workforce in the region and a forecasted 58% reduction in wood supply over the next decade, the study highlights the importance of workforce planning. Demographic structure, productivity, and other trends affecting the workforce were explored, focusing on resource availability, technology adoption, and value-added production. The project analyses collected and public data to provide insights and recommendations for the sector’s future.

Data collection involved a survey of 14 processors, achieving a 79% response rate and capturing 741 full-time equivalents (FTE). With 510,000m³ captured, the investigation estimates 1,050 FTE in the Canterbury/West Coast workforce, a figure 10% lower than previous studies. A skewed age distribution was identified, with 50% of operations and 80% of management over 46. Gender disparities were present, with only 10% of employees being female. Productivity trends show that larger processors operate more efficiently (volume/FTE) compared to smaller ones.

Forecasting models explored scenarios, including business-as-usual, increased technology adoption, and a greater focus on value-added production. Workforce requirements were found to decline by 15% if 30% of the region’s annual harvest is exported. However, increasing value-added production from 41% to 60% of green sawn timber could offset job losses, creating new opportunities.

Recommendations include expanding value-added operations to mitigate job losses and addressing demographic imbalances to maintain sector stability. Although training was not fully addressed in the survey, the study emphasizes the need for robust training strategies due to a lack of prior research.