New Zealand wood products industry in the 1980's and beyond

Authors: D. Evison
Publication: New Zealand Journal of Forestry, Volume N.Z.J.For. 1990, Issue N.Z.J.For. 35(1) 1990, pp 22-27, May 1990
Publisher: New Zealand Institute of Forestry

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Abstract: This paper examines production, employment, investment, profitability and competitiveness in the New Zealand wood products industry over the 1980s. The measures taken to restructure the New Zealand economy, and their effects, are described. While there is evidence of increased efficiency (particularly in the use of labour) and profitability, there has been no sustained increase in total output, or total exports over the last 10 years. The recent recession in the New Zealand economy, and the lack of additional mature timber from the New Zealand forest resource may have prevented the industry increasing output. Major issues facing the industry in the future are the need to increase competitiveness in export markets, increased competition for sawlogs from log exports, the outcome of privatisation of the Crown forest resource and the changing nature of this resource

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