The Office of the Consul General, Auckland conducted the first of many online meetings on timber with Dr. S. Sandeep from TEAKNET Association, one of the prominent timber associations of India, along with New Zealand stakeholders including Pita Tipene, Chair of Waitangi National Trust; Ngāti Hine Forestry; Manuka Charitable Trust; Graeme Morrell from Te Puna Topu o Hokianga; Michael Turner, Economic Development Facilitator from Whangārei District Council; Paul Linton, Chief Executive of Northland Inc Ltd; Tui Rutherford, Head of Investment of Northland Inc Ltd; Talia Rikihana from Whareki Te Tai Tokerau; Nick Jessop from the Health and Safety Department of New Zealand; and Bruce Larsen, General Manager of Northpine.

The meeting explored India's timber policy, investment opportunities and growth potential, generating strong interest and active engagement among participants. New Zealand stakeholders raised several questions for TEAKNET Association, reflecting enthusiasm for future collaboration. It was agreed to hold a larger follow-up event in July with wider participation from TEAKNET members and other timber associations to further refine and advance the initiative, with queries to be addressed in the next phase.