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ChatGPT and AI will disrupt these industries

In Issue65, Video by FIEALeave a Comment

ChatGPT is the world’s most powerful AI chatbot. It offers a human-like alternative to search engines and can do everything from compile a menu to writing a TV script to explaining quantum physics.In a local NZ newspaper last week, Universities were stressing out on how they’re going to resolve the issue of assignments or essays being produced on demand. Students …

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Autonomous planting machine runs for first time

In Issue65, Video by FIEALeave a Comment

The autonomous planting machine project Autoplant is getting closer to reality. In September 2022 the first test of a complete machine was made in Bräcke, mid-Sweden, close to the Bracke factory where the planting head has been developed and manufactured. The machine works, as you can see in the video below. But it will take a while before it hits …

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Remote sensing supporting future smart decision making

In Issue65 by FIEALeave a Comment

Australian researchers have proposed a holistic approach to provide meaningful insights to support smart decision making for the future. Contemporary forest and wood products companies face a significant challenge around effective planning, as traditional resource management models and systems become outdated in the wake of ongoing technological advancements. Thanks to the recently published findings of the FWPA-supported project ‘Next Generation …

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Pilotless planes to fight bushfires

In Issue65 by FIEALeave a Comment

A New Zealand aviation technology company is developing pilotless planes to fight bushfires from the skies. Canterbury-based Skybase is converting aircraft to fly remotely in a world-leading move designed to revolutionise firefighting. It involves putting high-tech artificial-intelligence computer systems inside Kiwi-made Fletcher top-dressing planes and keeping pilots safely behind computer screens on the ground. The move will mean when conditions …

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Gaia AI raises US$3M for forest data collection service

In Issue65 by FIEALeave a Comment

Gaia AI has secured a US$3M Pre-Seed to automate the collection of forestry data, verify carbon credits, and build a data platform that empowers foresters to make the best financial andecological decisions for their forests. This round was led by E14 with participation fromUbiquity Ventures, Space Capital, and SOSV’s HAX. Gaia AI is adapting LiDAR and computer vision hardware/software from …

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HQPlantations CEO appointed

In Issue65 by FIEALeave a Comment

Following an extensive domestic and international executive search, HQPlantations Board of Directors are pleased to announce the appointment of Jason Wilson as new Chief Executive Officer following previous CEO Jeremy Callachor’s resignation late last year and departure in December for family reasons. “Jeremy’s leadership saw HQPlantations successfully navigate the Covid-19 pandemic, the cessation of log exports to China, the 2019/20 …

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Taranaki region’s 3D landscape unveiled

In Issue65 by FIEALeave a Comment

Anew, high-tech aerial laser survey project has been completed in the New Zealand region of Taranaki, producing an exact 3D map of the region’s land surface. The survey, conducted by Toitu Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) in partnership with the Taranaki Regional Council, will provide valuable data for a variety of uses. The data is set to be …

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FSC publish new forest management standard

In Issue65 by FIEALeave a Comment

FSC ANZ has announced the launch of a new standard for responsible forest management in New Zealand. After a comprehensive process of rigorous consultation with industry, environment, and social stakeholders and Indigenous groups, the FSC Forest Stewardship Standard for New Zealand (NZ FSS) targets the most pressing issues in New Zealand forestry today. This includes living wage requirements, better protection …

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Opinion Piece – A tale of two fires

In Issue65 by FIEALeave a Comment

Two separate fires that started from lightning strikes earlier this month reinforce the need to increase the resources available for prescribed burning and plantation protection in Australia’s south-west forests. During just one storm, the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) responded to more than twenty fires resulting from over 300,000 lightning strikes across the south-west. Fire one started in …