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Restore the Forest Service?
Authors: Chris GouldingPublication: New Zealand Journal of Forestry, Volume N.Z.J.For. 2009, Issue N.Z.J.For. 54(2) 2009, pp 40, Aug 2009
Publisher: New Zealand Institute of Forestry
Abstract: Sir, I must comment on Hamish Levack’s article on the NZ forestry League and his calls to resurrect an independent forestry agency. I share his views that the disestablishment of the Forest Service has had a damaging effect on forest policy and practice, allowing both Chile and most recently Australia to overtake us in terms of area of managed planted forests and value of wood product exports. In the mid 1980’s, neither Ronald Reagan nor Margaret Thatcher sold their state forests, only the labour governments of New Zealand and Sweden. (Thatcher tried and the Forestry Commission even sold a few woodlots before a revolt by the ladies who supported the Conservative Party persuaded their local MP’s with threats of boycotts of the afternoon teas and “bring and buys”. Particularly in England, the ladies used the forests for walks and privatisation would restrict access - the power of the non timber values of forests). Sweden realised its mistake and re-nationalised much of its former state forests that are now managed by Sveaskog (4.2 million ha, net profit NZ$275 million).