The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is an international, non-governmental organisation dedicated to promoting responsible management of the world’s forests. Since its foundation in 1994, FSC has grown to become the world’s most respected and widespread forest certification system.

By the time forest products reach our everyday lives, it can be easy to lose sight of the forests, people, practices and decisions behind them. This year’s FSC Forest Walk brought those connections into focus for businesses that support FSC, giving them a firsthand view of what responsible forestry looks like in Australia. 

On Tuesday 1 September, Australia and New Zealand’s leading brands and retailers committed to responsible forestry will gather for the 2026 FSC Promotional Licence Holders' (PLH) Forum to hear the latest FSC updates, explore innovations shaping responsible sourcing, learn from industry leaders, and discover new ways to leverage their promotional licence to communicate sustainability commitments with credibility.

A new chapter for FSC in New Zealand is taking shape, with New Zealand-based members unanimously voting to join Australia under a shared Australia and New Zealand governance model.

FSC has launched the revised FSC Trademark Use Guide for Promotional Licence Holders, introducing updated requirements for how brands and retailers communicate about FSC-certified products and services using their FSC promotional licence.

Here, we take a closer look at FSC in action across Aotearoa New Zealand, through the voices of the people and organisations helping bring responsible forest management, trusted supply chains and forest stewardship to life every day.