The case for native timber

Currently New Zealand is dominated by two forest management systems:

• permanent, protected indigenous old growth forests e.g. DOC managed reserves and parks

• exotic plantation forestry operating under a clear-fell rotation system e.g. pine plantations

In this way a distinction has been made in the minds of New Zealanders between native forests (protected) and exotic forests (productive). Unfortunately, this mindset ignores the possibilities of creating:

• new native forests which are intentionally productive and profitable

• managing forests by alternative harvesting systems which don’t involve clear felling

While the growth rates of native timber trees are slower than pine they are not slow by international standards. Their timber continues to be sought after and in short supply.