News

We value staying connected to our neighbors, customers, and the communities where we all live and work. See below for the latest news & updates:

New Funding Boost Supports Restoration of Robinson Kakahu Wetland

Jun 26, 2025

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...

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How Drones Are Lightening the Load for Forestry Crews

Jun 20, 2025

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...

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Molalla Fifth Graders Explore Forest Science with Port Blakely

Jun 05, 2025

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). Read the story For the past five years, Port Blakely has hosted students...

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A Legacy of Leadership
René Ancinas Featured in Family Business Magazine

Apr 04, 2025

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. Read the full story

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New Zealand Essential Oils earns FSC® Certification
New Zealand Essential Oils earns prestigious Forest Stewardship Council® Certification for sustainable Douglas-fir production.

Aug 15, 2024

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...

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Port Blakely Receives Leadership Award
The University of Washington Tacoma’s Milgard School of Business hosted a ceremony honoring the seven recipients of this year’s Business Leadership Awards.

May 21, 2024

7 Local Leaders Honored at UW Tacoma’s Business Leadership Awards

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Port Blakely New Zealand Project Wins Sustainability Award
Wood residue – slash – that used to be left in forests and slopes is now being processed into wood chips and used as biofuel

Dec 06, 2023

Port Blakely has implemented an “in-forest” storage and supply chain to recover wood residue (offcuts) from its forests in South Canterbury. What used to be considered waste is now being processed into wood chips and used as biofuel at the Washdyke Energy Centre. This initiative along with other projects has...

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