Forestry is the New Zealand's third largest exporter, accounts for 4% of GDP and 26,000 jobs. The wood processing sector on its own delivers export earnings of $2.5 billion and accounts for investment in plant of $5 billion.

The net stocked area of planted production forests in New Zealand as at 1 April 2005 was estimated to be 1 811 000 hectares. Of this total, 1 611 000 hectares (89 percent) were in radiata pine and 115 100 hectares
(6 percent) were in Douglas fir. Other planted softwood species totalled
28 000 hectares (2 percent), while planted hardwood species totalled 51 000 hectares (3 percent) of the net stocked area.

A very good overview of the New Zealand forestry industry is provided through an annual "New Zealand Facts and Figures" booklet. This booklet, and an extensive range of other forestry information, can be found on the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry website. For link CLICK HERE

The New Zealand Forest Owners website also provides valuable information on the forest industry. For link CLICK HERE