Connecting science and technical research with Maori interests in forestry: Ka tangi hoki ahau

Authors: Lania Holt, Peter Bennett
Publication: New Zealand Journal of Forestry, Volume N.Z.J.For. 2013, Issue N.Z.J.For. 58(4) 2014, pp 13-18, Jan 2014
Publisher: New Zealand Institute of Forestry

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Abstract: Maori interests in forestry With $2 billion in forestry assets that include land, trees and energy options, Maori are set to become major stakeholders in the future of forestry. The fundamental aspirations of Maori are to protect and enhance their assets, and to ensure they are being used in the best possible way. In the context of these assets: • Maori currently control 520,000 hectares (30 per cent) of New Zealand’s exotic forest land and this could increase to 785,000 hectares within the next 10 years as other Treaty settlements are completed • Maori have commercial (stumpage) and/or management interests in 10 to 15 per cent of their exotic forest lands • Maori own or control, fully or in part, over 600,000 hectares of indigenous forests • An estimated 500,000 hectares of Maori land is currently non-productive and forestry could be a value proposition for some of this land • There are geothermal assets underneath forests, particularly in the central North Island, and these can be used for bioenergy options that can be integrated with forest processing options. The ability of Maori to sustain and realise the potential of their assets is significant to New Zealand. A forestry strategy that fosters action and innovation can help their success. To underpin these processes will be technical research, economic models and quality science that will come from research organisations such as Scion. This article describes some of the challenges and opportunities of connecting science and research with Maori interests in forestry. In this paper we also summarise the feedback from the capacity (200 plus) attendees at a recent Maori forestry forum on priorities for Maori forestry and we explore how this could influence future forestry research.

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