To date, Wenita and its contractors have successfully salvaged more than 85 hectares of windthrow, with an estimated 140-150 hectares remaining across the estate.
Following the October wind storm, all Wenita harvesting capacity was redirected to salvage operations. This remains the primary focus for the first quarter of the 2026 calendar year.
We anticipate that some harvesting capacity will return to standard clear-fell operations during the second quarter, with most salvage work scheduled for completion by mid-year.
Despite the additional complexity and operational challenges the windthrow presented, the response from our staff and contractors has been nothing short of impressive. Wenita’s experienced and highly mechanised contractor workforce enabled salvage operations to start without delay and, most importantly, without compromising safety.
Work quality has remained high, with recent monitoring inspections of our salvage operations by the Otago Regional Council confirming full compliance with regulatory standards.
We extend our sincere appreciation to all contractors and workers for their dedication and professionalism under challenging circumstances, and for maintaining high standards of safety, environmental performance, and operational discipline.
As we approach the halfway point of the salvage programme, continued vigilance and risk awareness remains critical – safety is always our top priority.