Forestry
Production forests occupy 20 per cent of the land in the Bay of Plenty region. There is significant capital invested in processing facilities, and a large number of people are employed in the forests or the processing facilities. Productions forests require land to be committed for a long term, but returns, under a commodity product production model, are ultimately dependent on international demand within the harvesting window. Currently, there are alternative uses being developed for land previously committed to production forests, and some regulatory uncertainty regarding carbon taxes.
Production forests are unlikely to provide dynamic economic growth in the short-term, but may be the optimal long-term use for significant areas of the region. Securing certainty about the future of forestry would provide greater confidence for investment in processing and training facilities and infrastructure. Also important, is a change to a market-led high value wood product industry model, to improve industry returns.
Forestry is a key focus area within the Globally Competitive Firms theme. Two forums have been held in 2011 to develop the strategy and action plan to support Forestry. The final strategy is expected to be complete by the end of 2011.
Bay of Plenty Forestry and Wood Processing strategy 
Launched 4 September 2011
Click on the link to view the High Level Assessment for Future Opportunities of Wood Products from New Zealand.
Click on the link to view the Report on Wood Processing Strategic Competitive Factors.
