The legacy of Rudolf Hohneck: ‘A lover of trees: A forester unique’

Authors: Ian Barton
Publication: New Zealand Journal of Forestry, Volume N.Z.J.For. 2007, Issue N.Z.J.For. 52(2) 2007, pp 41-46, Aug 2007
Publisher: New Zealand Institute of Forestry

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Abstract: Born in California, Rudolph Hohneck came to New Zealand as a five year old in 1899. His early working life was spent gum-digging and climbing for kauri gum but he soon became involved in timber milling. In 1926 he began purchasing areas of cutover forest on the southern edge if the Hunua Ranges and over the next 30 years developed this into a productive forest.

Using Sir David Hutchins 1919 report -”New Zealand Forestry; Part 1: Kauri forests and forests of the North” as his guide he developed a selection system of managing the regenerating forest. His methods were much further ahead than New Zealand practice at the time where, contrary to the advice of professionals like Hutchins, the indigenous forests were largely ignored in favour of developing exotic monocultures.

In the late 1940’s he took part in the debate on the future of the Waipoua kauri forest and his methods of management were outlined in a series of some 20 letters published by Auckland newspapers.

Rudolph Hohneck was the first forest land owner to see the real potential of New Zealand’s indigenous forests and, although lacking any formal forestry education, he developed a management system which today falls squarely under the umbrella of Continuous Cover forestry. His legacy is only now coming to be recognized.

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