The WIDE Trust is helping advance the future of sustainable construction through its support of a new academic appointment at the University of Waikato.
Dr Gary Raftery has been appointed WIDE Trust Associate Professor in the University’s School of Engineering, bringing extensive experience in civil engineering, teaching and research leadership.
Funded by WIDE Trust, the appointment will strengthen New Zealand’s expertise in advanced wood engineering and low-carbon construction, connecting education, research and industry to explore new opportunities for timber in the built environment.
Advancing Wood Engineering and Innovation
As the construction sector explores more sustainable building solutions, engineered timber is becoming an increasingly important area of research and development.
In his new role, Dr Raftery will lead initiatives focused on the use of wood and engineered timber in high-performance construction. His work will bring together academic research and practical industry needs, supporting the development of innovative approaches to building design and engineering.
The University of Waikato already demonstrates the potential of engineered timber through The Pā, its award-winning campus facility, which incorporates timber within a space designed for learning, events and community connection.
Through this appointment, the University aims to build on that foundation and strengthen its contribution to the future of timber construction.
Preparing the Next Generation of Engineers
A key focus of the WIDE Trust-funded position is developing the skills and knowledge needed by future engineering professionals.
Dr Raftery will help students build expertise in sustainable wood materials, emerging technologies and modern construction methods, preparing them to work confidently with timber in real-world applications.
By connecting teaching with research and industry experience, the appointment will also create opportunities for students to engage with the challenges and possibilities shaping New Zealand’s construction sector.
This investment reflects WIDE Trust’s commitment to supporting education that builds long-term industry capability.
Connecting Research with Industry
The University of Waikato’s location in the central North Island places it close to established forestry, wood manufacturing, engineering and construction industries.
This creates valuable opportunities for collaboration, allowing research and technical expertise to connect with industry challenges and practical applications.
Through partnerships across these sectors, Dr Raftery’s work will help explore how timber can be designed, engineered and used more effectively throughout the life of a building.
These connections are important for ensuring that advances in wood engineering move beyond research and contribute to meaningful industry development.
Investing in New Zealand’s Timber Future
The appointment represents another step in WIDE Trust’s ongoing commitment to advancing education, research and innovation across New Zealand’s forestry and wood sectors.
By supporting specialist academic expertise, the Trust is helping strengthen the connection between forestry, wood manufacturing and construction, while creating new opportunities for industry collaboration and professional development.
As interest in sustainable building materials and modern construction methods continues to grow, developing the people, knowledge and research capabilities behind timber engineering will be essential.
WIDE Trust is proud to support Dr Raftery and the University of Waikato in building the expertise needed to unlock new possibilities for New Zealand wood and the future of sustainable construction.