Attuides towards forestry in the East Coast region

Authors: Melanie Wall, Chris Cocklin
Publication: New Zealand Journal of Forestry, Volume N.Z.J.For. 1996, Issue N.Z.J.For. 41(3) 1996, pp 21-27, Nov 1996
Publisher: New Zealand Institute of Forestry

---

Abstract: The expansion of plantation forestry has often been a matter of concern to local communities. This concern is founded on the expectation of rural social change, including depopulation, declines in services, reduced employment, and loss of quality of life. Concerns like these have been expressed in regard to the planting programmes under the East Coast Forestry Project, which commenced in 1993. This paper reports on a survey of the attitudes of East Coast residents towards economic development in general, and forestry in particular. The survey reveals that many of the widely recognised social effects of land-use change are of concern to people in the region. The survey also reveals, though, that there is a high level of support for forestry development. This support is based on expectations in regard to employment opportunities and long-term regional economic benefits.

---