One billion trees - it’s a vision, not a dream

Authors: Hon Shane Jones, Minister of Forestry
Publication: New Zealand Journal of Forestry, Volume N.Z.J.For. 2018, Issue N.Z.J.For. 63(2) 2018, pp 3-5, Aug 2018
Publisher: New Zealand Institute of Forestry

Abstract: The forestry sector saw 16% export growth in the last year. This flourish in forestry exports was the result of trees established in decades past, however, I’m excited about seeing that number grow even further, driven by a change in the value and nature of our exports in the future. Forestry is still our third largest export sector. Our opportunity with the Government’s One Billion Trees Programme is to shift gear. Forestry need not be a once-in-a-generation log-shipping event. I have a vision for a strong and confident sector, sustainable and well-managed, enjoying steady supply and filling demand for world leading products. A sector that our trading partners can quietly envy, and all kiwis can be loudly proud of.