New Zealand Forestry Gains Global Recognition

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23 September 2005

New Zealand Forestry Gains Global Recognition

A recent FAO publication has recognised a number of New Zealand forestry projects as exhibiting exemplary forest management. “In Search of Excellence: Exemplary forest management in Asia and the Pacific” details 28 examples of excellence, three of which are from New Zealand. A further 129 projects are summarised, including 13 from New Zealand.

“For New Zealand to have over 10% of the recognised projects is a remarkable achievement, and shows the enormously high international respect for our forest management, both plantation and natural forest” said NZIF President Jaquetta (Ket) Bradshaw.

Of the three examples of excellence, Lake Taupo Forest is a plantation forest, Woodside Forest is a mix of plantation forest and native forest, and Forever Beech manages native forest.

“The recognition of Woodside and Forever Beech in a situation where management of native forests has been facing strong criticism is of particular merit” says Ms Bradshaw, “and reaffirms that sustainable management of natural forests is achievable. At a time when New Zealand is importing increasing amounts of specialty timbers, particularly from unsustainably managed forests, then the ability to supply similar timbers from sustainably managed forests within New Zealand should be recognised and supported.”

Lake Taupo Forest is a joint venture between Ngati Tuwharetoa and the New Zealand government, and was recognised as an outstanding example of a joint venture between indigenous peoples and government. Here government funding has helped establish a commercial land-based venture with substantial and ongoing input from the landowner, while protecting the landowners land rights. Over time Ngati Tuwharetoa will assume total control of the project.

ENDS

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