The role of forestry in the development of the Northland region

Authors: R.C. Lloyd, D.W. Guild
Publication: New Zealand Journal of Forestry, Volume N.Z.J.For. 1976, Issue N.Z.J.For. 21(2) 1976, pp 175-194, Aug 1976
Publisher: New Zealand Institute of Forestry

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Abstract: Massive exploitation of kauri timber and gum played a dominant role in the early economic development of New Zealand. Northland, which held the greatest part of this resource, reaped little lasting benefit; by the 1920s it was left with a legacy of poorly developed farm land on difficult soils and a system of transport favouring rivers and the sea. With the aid of modern farming methods and fertilisers, however, agriculture has become a major industry of Northland, and there are also important contributions from a cement works, a fertiliser works, a freezing works, and assorted other industries. But despite all this activity there is a great amount of reverted problem-soil land, cleared of its original forest cover and now lying idle or being used to little advantage. With the addition of this area to- the current exotic estate (which has the potential to more than fulfil Northland's requirements of sawlogs) a large export industry would result, bringing much benefit in terms of employment and improved land use. The export potential of exotic wood is estimated as the equivalent of 2.5 million m /annum of sawlog material and 0.3 million nt /annum of smallwood arisings by the year 2012, jointly valued at $68.7 million f.o.b./annum on present-day prices. At the same time, conservation management of remaining kauri and other native forest would provide a continuing resource of special quality timber, and would ensure protection of erosion-prone land and river catchments.

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