Impacts on forestry of changes in society and corresponding land use

Authors: Peter Casey
Publication: New Zealand Journal of Forestry, Volume N.Z.J.For. 2018, Issue N.Z.J.For. 63(4) 2019, pp 9-12, Jan 2019
Publisher: New Zealand Institute of Forestry

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Abstract: Changing New Zealand land use This paper is about potential rates of change and, as part of that, how forests can play a greater role in enhancing and optimising New Zealand’s future social, environmental, cultural and economic future. The theme of the Nelson 2018 conference was collaboration, which can be defined as, ‘The action of working with someone to produce something.’ What is change? ‘Make or become different’ (Oxford Dictionary). So, in terms of working with others, how well prepared is our mindset for change and the potential pace of that change? Also where have we come from regarding forest coverage of New Zealand? Around 1000 AD, before humans arrived in this country, forest covered more than 80% of the land. The only areas without tall forests were the upper slopes of high mountains and the driest regions of Central Otago. Following the arrival of Maori around 1250 to 1300 AD, large tracts of forest were removed due to fire, mainly on the coasts and eastern sides of the two main islands.

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