Celebrating the Mid-Year Achievements of WIDE Trust Grant Recipients.

At the WIDE Trust, we are proud to support dedicated students pursuing studies in forestry, environmental science, and related fields. This mid-year update highlights the progress and experiences of four grant recipients who are making significant strides in their studies and practical work. Their stories demonstrate passion, resilience, and a strong commitment to advancing New Zealand’s forestry and environmental future.

Phylli JasonSmith: Advancing Forest Health Research

Phylli JasonSmith, a third-year Ecology and Environmental Studies student at Victoria University, is exploring how forests can be better protected from disease. This semester, she focused on *Phytophthora*, a group of soilborne pathogens responsible for serious plant diseases, including Kauri Dieback.

Her research examined how these pathogens are distributed in native forest soils, involving field sample collection and lab-based DNA testing using qPCR techniques.

Alongside this, Phylli’s studies covered topics like forest succession, climate change impacts on plant communities, and how mātauranga Māori can guide sustainable, culturally grounded forest management.

Rakairoa Joyce: Gaining Engineering Experience in Forest Recovery

Rakairoa spent the 2024-2026 summer as a construction engineering intern with the Transport Recovery East Coast Alliance, working on the vital roading repairs on State Highway 2 after Cyclone Gabrielle. This hands-on experience introduced her to quality assurance, health and safety, iwi engagement, earth stabilisation, erosion control, and daily site management.

Following this, she has engaged in forestry engineering courses including Geotechnical Engineering, Environmental Impact Modelling, Geospatial Science, and Forest Harvest Planning. She particularly enjoyed field trips and applying ArcGIS skills to forestry spatial data.

During the semester break, Rakairoa interned with Aratu Forest Limited, learning about lime stabilisation, harvest planning, culvert calculations, water control, and rehabilitation in cyclone-affected forests. She looks forward to continuing this internship next summer.

Louis Upton: Embracing Forestry with Academic and Sporting Success

Louis, a first-year Bachelor of Forestry Science student at the University of Canterbury, has thoroughly enjoyed his initial semester, which included courses on forest-environment interactions and the commercial aspects of forestry.

Field trips to Hamner Springs gave him practical experience identifying trees and observing forestry operations from planting through to harvesting.

He has gained valuable insights into the forestry sector’s role in New Zealand’s economy and market trends, and excelled in preparing detailed forestry reports with real-world data. Outside of study, Louis has represented his rowing club with distinction, winning medals at national competitions and participating actively in university social life.

Louis is grateful for the WIDE Trust’s support, which has been instrumental in enabling him to focus on his studies and university community.

Heidi Allan: Preparing for Field Research and Community Outreach

Heidi has made great strides this semester in her Master’s research, completing coursework and conducting extensive site inspections from Kaikōura to Punakaiki. She has confirmed multiple study sites and is collaborating with DOC and university staff to secure permissions and resources.

Her technical skills are expanding as she programs and builds climate sensors for her project, learning coding and embedded systems with support from industry partners. Heidi is also actively engaged in environmental outreach, volunteering with Christchurch Envirokids and Children’s University to develop science communication skills.

Coordinating with a broad network of scientists, government agencies, and businesses has strengthened her project management and communication abilities, key for her future career in environmental research and education.

Supporting Tomorrow’s Forestry and Environmental Leaders

The WIDE Trust is proud to contribute to the education and development of students like Phylli, Rakairoa, Louis, and Heidi. Their hard work and passion for forestry, engineering, and environmental science inspire confidence in the future of New Zealand’s natural resource management.

We look forward to sharing more updates as they continue to grow their knowledge and skills, preparing to make meaningful contributions to our forests and communities.

Inspired by these students’ journeys?

If you’re studying or planning a future in forestry, environmental science, or wood-related industries, the WIDE Trust offers grants and scholarships to support your goals. Take a look at the funding opportunities available through the WIDE Trust.