Thriving environments & resilient
communities
Representing forestry & the wood processing interests in Te Tau Ihu, the Top of the South Island.
The Top of the South Wood Council (TOTSWC) is an incorporated society that acts as a voice for the forest and wood processing industries in Te Tau Ihu, the top of the South Island. We are the oldest and largest forest industry representative group in the county with a diverse membership; representing the collective interests of forest growers, sawmillers, contractor service suppliers, wood processing and forestry related businesses in Marlborough, Nelson and Tasman.
Our forests, our future
Top of the South Wood Council is the “voice of forestry” in the top of the South Island and is the main contact for media enquiries, and media articles relating to the sector.
TONNES OF CARBON
SEQUESTERED
calculated estimate of carbon sequestered in the Top of the South region to date
Our Kaupapa is to advance the opportunities OF the forest & wood processing industries in Te Tau Ihu, The Top of the South Island, by ensuring our industry is vibrant & respected; regionally, nationally & globally.
NEWS / EVENTS
TOTSWC Newsletter – Issue #6 – December 2025
TOTSWC Newsletter December 2025 #6 The 2025 year has brought some significant challenges to the TOTS forest industry with mid-year floods across the region followed by a significant windthrow event in the Tasman district. This coupled with closure of the CHH sawmill in the region and declining log export prices, has certainly made it a…
Top of the South Wood Council Forestry Awards 2026
Following the departure of Public Impressions, who successfully delivered the Top of the South Forestry Awards over the past few years, TOTSWC is pleased to announce it has now taken over the management of this important industry event. We’ve appointed Julia Brown as our new event coordinator and are currently working to bring all aspects…
Read on.. Top of the South Wood Council Forestry Awards 2026
TOTSWC Newsletter – Issue # 5 – June 2025
In addition to log export and domestic prices being in the doldrums our industry remains very busy dealing with continuing changes to environmental and carbon legislation and public perception relating to these. Recently I attended the annual NZ Institute of Forestry conference in Napier where 280 foresters listened to a wide range of presentations on…
Winner of the 2025 Port Marlborough – Marlborough Environment Awards
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EDUCATION & CAREERS
There are hundreds of opportunities when it comes to careers in the forestry or wood processing sectors. We are proud to be associated with many education providers setting the foundations for these careers, as well as key industry players.
ENVIRONMENT
Not only do forests help us to mitigate the impacts of climate change; they also provide many environmental benefits throughout their lifetime. These include: supporting healthy ecosystems, soil stabilisation and providing important habitats for many species.
RECREATION
Forests not only create a calm place of solace for our beloved native species, they’re also a fantastic playground for our communities; mountain biking, hiking and forest bathing to name a few. Check out some of the amazing recreational opportunities in the forest of Te Tau Ihu.
For Members
TOTSWC plays an important role in supporting the forestry industry, along with both industry members and workers. If you are interested in becoming a member or finding out more about membership benefits, check out our membership page.