Around 90% of New Zealand’s planted forests contain just one species – radiata pine – which is a significant risk to the future of the forestry sector, a Forest Growers Research (FGR) report has found.
“Radiata pine has served New Zealand well, but the risks of relying so heavily on one species are growing,” says Marco Lausberg, report co-author and Programme Manager of the Specialty Wood Products Partnership at FGR.
“Over-reliance on a single species leaves the forestry industry highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, biosecurity threats, volatile markets and geopolitical pressures.”
Forest Growers Research recently led a nationwide consultation project involving over 60 stakeholders, including forest growers, Māori forestry representatives, government agencies, researchers, building practitioners, international investors and technical specialists to consider the long-term resilience of the industry.
“The consultation confirmed that radiata pine will remain a cornerstone of the New Zealand forestry industry due to its established strong economic position, but urgent action is needed to diversify,” says Alison Slade, report co-author and Innovation Manager at FGR.
“The message is clear – critical, coordinated action across government, industry and communities is essential to overcome institutional, economic, biosecurity and technical barriers”, Alison says.
The report identifies three priority issues: sustainability, investment and central leadership.
The Forest Research Committee, which is responsible for the forest growers’ Forest Science and Innovation Strategy, has adopted a five-pillar resilience framework – economic, ecological, technological, social/cultural and political/regulatory – to guide future strategy.
The report recommends an interim research programme to maintain momentum towards diversification while the industry develops a long-term strategy. Focus areas include an analysis of megatrends, expanded spatial mapping and continued funding support for alternative species with existing strategies (eucalypts, cypresses and redwoods).
Longer-term opportunities include: developing additional contingency species (such as grand fir, pine hybrids and Norfolk Island pine); trialling mixed-species and continuous-cover forestry systems; a review of the extensive research already undertaken in New Zealand on alternative species; optimising radiata pine rotations; supporting high-value fibre product innovation; and creating market aggregation initiatives to connect growers with specialty timber markets.
Success will involve everyone connected with New Zealand’s forestry working together to achieve long-term resilience and sustainability so that the sector can continue to thrive and contribute to the national economy.
The Case for Change project was funded by the Forest Growers Levy Trust and the Ministry for Primary Industries’ Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures fund.
