The New Zealand Forest Owners Association (NZFOA) has announced new leadership following its Annual General Meeting on 19 March, with Dean Witehira elected as President – succeeding outgoing President, Matt Wakelin – and Sean McBride elected as Vice President. Currently chief operating officer at Kaingaroa Tipu, Dean holds more than 35 years’ expertise across the entire forest value chain. He has played a key role in managing one of the country’s largest forestry estates in the central North Island and is widely recognised for his leadership in large-scale forest operations, investment systems and high-risk operational environments. Forestry is at the heart of New Zealand’s economic and environmental future. While our forests already deliver jobs, support regional communities and provide climate solutions, Dean says there is still more we can do.