The New Zealand forest industry has been called on to move away from its boom-and bust export log trade and to avoid destructive behaviour in international markets. Source: Timber and Design International
A new cross-sector plan has been developed by the Wood Council of NZ (Woodco). The report estimates NZʼs log and wood products exports could rise in value from $4.6 billion (March 2012) to $12 billion within 10 years – but only if there is a huge increase in high-value manufacturing.
Woodco board member Lees Seymour said the strategy was hugely important for the industry and has received wide support.
“We think thereʼs a lot of opportunity thatʼs available for the industry if we take the right strategic actions,” he said.
But with New Zealandʼs log trade so heavily dependent on Chinese demand, which was down 17 per cent for the first quarter of 2012 and showing no sign of recovery, depressed domestic building and almost no investment capital (government or private) floating around, achieving this goal will require a incredible effort.
Woodco intends to hire a manager to help the industry implement the strategy – and with a 40 per cent increase in harvestable wood supply coming available in the next decade, there is no time to lose.
