Realistic alternatives to radiata pine in New Zealand - a critical review

Authors: P. Maclaren
Publication: New Zealand Journal of Forestry, Volume N.Z.J.For. 2005, Issue N.Z.J.For. 50(1) 2005, pp 3-10, May 2005
Publisher: New Zealand Institute of Forestry

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Abstract: Radiata pine comprises 90% of the 1.81 million hectares of plantation resource in New Zealand. There are a number of reasons for unease at this dominance of a single species. To alleviate this concern, several hundred thousand hectares of one or more alternatives must be established. Although there may be thousands of candidate species on the planet, the choice is severely restricted by practical considerations including lack of knowledge and perceived profitability. A profitable species must be cheap to grow, must yield large quantities of valuable wood in a short time, and must be low risk, where risk is a composite of biological, climatic and socio-economic considerations.
There are only two proven choices that, given our current knowledge, can be planted at a profit in New Zealand on any substantial scale: radiata pine and Douglas-fir. In addition there are a number of likely contenders: certain cypresses, certain eucalypts and redwoods.
Despite enthusiastic supporters, there is insufficient hard evidence for any other species (including natives) to suggest that they are capable of substituting for radiata pine on a large scale, and/or achieving the same levels of profitability.

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