The quality of the present harvest is the result of early management decisions

Authors: W. R. J. (Wink) Sutton
Publication: New Zealand Journal of Forestry, Volume N.Z.J.For. 2006, Issue N.Z.J.For. 51(4) 2007, pp 38-39, Jan 2007
Publisher: New Zealand Institute of Forestry

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Abstract: [First paragraphs...]
As a contribution to the current debate about the quality of trees now being harvested I want to record my understanding of the last 40 years.

In the 1960s Britain’s proposal to join the European Economic Community (now the European Commission) led indirectly to an export focussed plantation forestry industry. Prior to the 1960’s plantation forestry, especially that of the New Zealand Forest Service (NZFS), was generally regarded as a strategic resource - to provide New Zealand with an alternative wood source as the supply of indigenous wood diminished.

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