Grown with
intention. Managed for
generations.

Port Blakely is proud to celebrate South Island Regional Manager Barry Wells, who was named a runner-up in the 2025 Most Valuable Coach (MVC) Awards presented by Competenz, New Zealand’s industry training organization. The MVC Awards recognize outstanding workplace coaches and mentors across the country who are making a meaningful impact in workforce training and skills development. With more than 220 nominations nationwide, the competition was strong, and Barry’s leadership in the South Island stood out. 

Andrew Cocking has been named Managing Director of Port Blakely Ltd., New Zealand Forestry, effective July 1, 2026, succeeding Phil Taylor upon his retirement after 20 years of leadership. A 28-year company veteran, Andrew brings deep operational expertise and strong industry relationships to guide the next chapter of the New Zealand business.

Port Blakely CEO Mike Warjone was featured in the January/February issue of the Puget Sound Business Journal, where he shared his perspective on forestry, leadership, and the future of working forests. That early connection to the woods shaped his career and continues to influence how he leads today.

Family Business Magazine highlights Port Blakely’s CEO transition and the strong governance and stewardship values guiding the company into its sixth generation.

On September 24, 2025, Port Blakely had the honor of seeing two scholarships awarded at Grays Harbor College’s annual Scholarship Social. The Chris Lunde Forest Resource Management Scholarship and the Port Blakely / Cascade Family Motorcycle Club Scholarship reflect our commitment to education, sustainability, and the next generation of forestry leaders.

Port Blakely announced its plan to appoint Mike Warjone as Chief Executive Officer, effective January 1, 2026. He will succeed René Ancinas, who will remain Board Chair. As a family-owned company, this transition continues Port Blakely’s legacy of family leadership, stewardship, and sustainability.

Christchurch, New Zealand — Port Blakely’s restoration efforts at the Robinson Kakahu Wetland were featured in a recent Environment Canterbury article (June 26, 2025), which features a $5,000 contribution from the Ōrāri Temuka Ōpihi Pareora (OTOP) Water Zone Committee. This funding will enhance the ongoing restoration of the 16-hectare inland wetland in the Geraldine region, a project that Port Blakely has been leading since 2020.

At Port Blakely, we’re constantly seeking new ways to make forestry safer, smarter, and more sustainable. That’s why we were excited to pilot an innovative technology in our Geraldine forests in New Zealand: heavy-lifting drones that can deliver seedling loads directly to planting crews working in steep, rugged terrain. Recently featured in the Timaru Herald, this pioneering work is the result of a collaboration between Port Blakely and ProVision Ltd., a South Canterbury-based company led by drone innovator Khan Adam.

This past spring, Port Blakely welcomed fifth-grade classes from Molalla Elementary School to our forest near Molalla as part of our Environmental Education Program. This experience was highlighted in the Molalla River School District Newsletter (June 2025). For the past five years, Port Blakely has hosted students from the Molalla River School District. These forest field trips provide hands-on lessons in forest ecology, the importance of trees, and the diverse wildlife that thrives in our working forests.

René Ancinas, Chairman and CEO of Port Blakely, was featured in the April 2025 edition of Family Business Magazine. The article offers a thoughtful look into René’s leadership journey, insights on sustaining a multigenerational family business, and the values that continue to guide Port Blakely’s mission.

Recent coverage about the Department of Natural Resources’ “legacy forests” suggests that DNR is the only landowner managing extended rotation forests. As a fourth-generation owner of Port Blakely — a family-owned company that has managed long-rotation forests for generations — I am concerned by this assumption.

Christchurch, New Zealand -- Port Blakely New Zealand Essential Oils (PBNZEO), a global leader in sustainable essential oil production, is among the first essential oil producers worldwide to attain the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) certification. This milestone validates the company’s commitment to environmental stewardship and recognizes its sustainable practices for customers who maintain chain-of-custody.