Growing future forest kaitiaki
Investing in the future of forestry means investing in our people — nurturing curiosity, capability and care for the land from the very beginning of their careers. That commitment is brought to life through the KT Kaitiaki o te Ngahere Scholarship, and through the experiences of its 2025 recipients, Stella Angus and Michael Fleet.
Both students have now spent several weeks working with Kaingaroa Tipu as Summer Students, gaining hands-on experience across the business and seeing first-hand what it means to manage one of the world’s largest plantation forests with care, collaboration and purpose.
From the classroom to the forest
Raised in Rotorua with the Whakarewarewa Forest as her backyard, Stella Angus says working with Kaingaroa Tipu has deepened her understanding of forestry in ways university alone could not.
Currently studying a Bachelor of Forestry Science at the University of Canterbury, Stella joined our Sustainability team over summer and quickly discovered the breadth of work involved in modern forest management.
“The people within KT are so generous with their knowledge,” she says. “They are always happy to share their skills and experience, which has been incredibly valuable for my development.”
She describes the business as ambitious and forward-thinking, with innovation embedded in day-to-day work, particularly in how tree crops are grown and managed over the long term.
“There are always new things on the go, yet people still take time out of busy schedules to support and welcome students like me. That’s something I’ll always appreciate.”
For Stella, the diversity of work has been a highlight.
“No day is the same. Every site visit and conversation adds something new, and it’s been a great way to discover where my interests really lie within forestry.”
Seeing the scale and the care
For Michael Fleet, the summer has been an eye-opening introduction to the scale and complexity of our operations.
A Rotorua local and second-year Environmental Science and Forestry Science student at the University of Canterbury, Michael says visiting the forest changed his perspective.
“I knew KT managed a large area, but until I was actually out there, I had no idea of the sheer scale,” he says. “What really stood out was the genuine care for both people and the land — it goes far beyond the bare minimum.”
Working primarily with our OHS team, Michael valued the opportunity to gain an overview of the entire business and understand how many teams and roles operate behind the scenes to keep people safe and forests productive.
“Being part of OHS has allowed me to work with people across the organisation. Site visits to crews and the KPP have been especially valuable, showing the important role forestry plays in New Zealand.”
He also appreciated the willingness of teams to support students and help bridge the gap between theory and practice. “Putting what we learn at university into practice has been invaluable, and I’m extremely grateful for the guidance and support I’ve received.”
Care in action, collaboration in practice
The KT Kaitiaki o te Ngahere Scholarship is designed to do more than fund study; it removes barriers, opens doors and creates space for learning, connection and growth. By covering tuition costs, the scholarship allows recipients to focus on their studies while gaining real-world experience alongside industry professionals.
Keith Fraser, General Manager People, Culture & Transformation, says Stella and Michael embody what the scholarship was created to support.
“The KT Kaitiaki o te Ngahere Scholarship is about growing people alongside our forests,” says Keith. “By backing students who are deeply connected to this place and curious about how forestry can be done better, we’re investing in capability that will benefit our people, our communities and the ngahere for generations.”
He says the summer student experience is just as important as the financial support.
“Learning happens best when people feel supported, included and encouraged to ask questions, and that’s exactly what we want Kaingaroa Tipu to be known for as we grow better every day.”
Looking ahead
While both Stella and Michael still have years of study ahead, their early experiences with Kaingaroa Tipu have already helped shape their understanding of forestry as a collaborative, values-driven profession.
For Stella, the summer has reinforced her desire to return. “It’s such a great place to work, and I’m really looking forward to coming back next summer.”
For Michael, it has been a chance to see what’s possible. “There are so many opportunities to try different things and learn from different people — it’s been incredibly motivating.”
Through the KT Kaitiaki o te Ngahere Scholarship, Kaingaroa Tipu is proud to walk alongside emerging forest professionals like Stella and Michael — growing knowledge, strengthening connections and caring for the future of forestry.
Investing in people for the long term
The KT Kaitiaki o te Ngahere Scholarship has a strong legacy within Kaingaroa Tipu and the wider forestry sector. Established in 2008, the scholarship has supported about 15 students to date, helping remove financial barriers and open pathways into forestry and related disciplines.
Importantly, its impact continues well beyond study. About 70 percent of scholarship recipients go on to work at Kaingaroa Tipu or build careers across the forestry sector, contributing their skills, values and lived experience back into the industry.
For Keith, this long-term impact is a key measure of success.
“When we look back at the scholarship’s history, what stands out is how many recipients continue into forestry and stay connected to the sector,” he says. “That tells us we’re backing the right people and creating meaningful opportunities — not just for individuals, but for the future resilience of forestry in Aotearoa.”
As Stella and Michael continue their studies, they join a growing group of scholarship recipients whose journeys reflect our commitment to care, collaboration and growth — for people, forests and communities, now and into the future.