Economics of New Zealand planted kauri forestry - a model exercise

Authors: Greg Steward, Lars Hansen, Heidi Dungey
Publication: New Zealand Journal of Forestry, Volume N.Z.J.For. 2014, Issue N.Z.J.For. 59(3) 2014, pp 31-36, Nov 2014
Publisher: New Zealand Institute of Forestry

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Abstract: This paper presents the development of a calculator for the estimation of productivity, yields and returns from kauri (Agathis australis (D Don) Lindl.) grown in even-aged planted forests. The calculator is based on models of height, basal area and volume developed from 25 planted stands of kauri throughout New Zealand. The calculator can determine potential returns from kauri forestry and through various scenarios suggests some regimes for its establishment and management. Returns on investment from kauri forestry will initially be strongly influenced by land ownership models and by the incorporation of non-timber benefits over rotations longer than for exotic forestry species. From this modelling study, the financial returns from kauri were influenced by the land ownership model, thinning regime, stand rotation age and discount rate.

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