Tony Ryall

National Timberlands Spokesman

1 October 2000

Timber industry job losses started - more to come

The Government's forestry policy has cut jobs and more are looming because of the major shortfall of suitable indigenous timber for furniture manufacturers, National's Timberlands spokesman Tony Ryall said today.

"Furniture manufacturers and their staff are paying the price for the Government's forestry policy on the West Coast.

"We have received a letter from one major manufacturer concerned at the major shortfall of suitable indigenous timber for furniture manufacturers.

"The Minister of Forestry Pete Hodgson was completely wrong and out-of-touch with his claim earlier this year that there wouldn't be job losses as a result of his forestry policy.

"Deputy Prime Minister Jim Anderton knows about the problem over timber supplies.

"His response has been to kick for touch.

"Mr Anderton is a great champion of New Zealand being self-sufficient yet he is forcing our manufacturers to either shut down or source timber from overseas.

"The job losses and timber shortfall has started - how many more New Zealanders have to lose their jobs before the Government listens?" Mr Ryall said.

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