Forestry accounts for 2.8% of New Zealand’s GDP and over 20,000 jobs. The sector delivered export earnings of $3.5 billion in the year ending December 2009.

The net stocked area of planted production forests in New Zealand as at 1 April 2009 was estimated to be 1,751,000 hectares. Of this total, 1,567,500 hectares (89%) were in radiata pine and 109,500 hectares (6%) were in Douglas fir.

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 under Other Forestry Releases. For link CLICK HERE

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