John Halkett
The timber industry is mourning the sudden passing of industry leader John Halkett at his home in Sydney this week. Source: Timberbiz
The New Zealand-born professional forester and business entrepreneur was general manager of the Australian Timber Importers Federation, co-publisher of Timber and Forestry enews and Timber Trader, and author of five books that reflected his love of trees.
He also held senior positions in government forest and conservation agencies in Australia and New Zealand and worked in the US, Canada, Papua New Guinea, southeast Asia, Myanmar, China and Africa and was a board member of the Global Timber Forum.
His early career was as a forester in New Zealand, focusing on resource management with a focus on resource management. This in turn led to working with industry bodies and communicating his work to a bigger audience.
He published his first book, The World of Kauri, in 1986, the same year he joined the editorial board of the New Zealand Journal of Forestry.
While he held senior forestry roles within the NZ Department of Conservation and also in Australia, John knew that the Australasian timber sector was never going to be self-supporting.
He advocated for a well-regulated but accessible international trade in timber and spent much of his career focused on the issues of importing, which he believed was a route to not only address supply needs in wealthy Western nations but to improve employment and social prospects in their poorer, tree-rich neighbours.
Australian Timber Importers Federation chair Jacinta Colley said Mr Halkett wasn’t just the face of ATIF.
“Her was a force, a beacon of dedication and passion within the forest and wood products industry,” she said.
“He was a man whose love for his work was palpable, a man who didn’t just work to live but lived to work.
“John’s exceptional networking skills and vast political connections painted a global canvas of influence and respect. John had a remarkable knack for juggling multiple projects, his drive and energy seemingly boundless. Yet it was his unwavering support for the industry that truly set him apart. He departed from this world as he lived in it, his phone in his hand, immersed in the industry he loved. His passing on the 10th of October 2023 has left an irreplaceable void. His memory, however, will continue to inspire and guide us. John leaves an important legacy for his contribution to the required imported space.”
John is survived by his partner Maxeine McKeon, daughter Jonelle, granddaughters Hana and Cailin, grandson Eban and four siblings Lawrie, Bob, Peter and Sue.
Details of John Halkett’s funeral service will be advised.
