100 (or so) years on - the development and contribution of NZFS to forestry and forestry practice in New Zealand (Part 2 - 1940 to 1987)

Authors: Peter Berg
Publication: New Zealand Journal of Forestry, Volume N.Z.J.For. 2023, Issue N.Z.J.For. 68(3) 2023 , pp Pages 22 - 29, Nov 2023
Publisher: New Zealand Institute of Forestry

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Abstract: In Part 1 (NZJF, 68(2): 27–33), we saw the New Zealand State Forest Service focused first on establishing an administration appropriate to the tasks allocated it and supported by robust procedures, policies and regulations. Secondly, it looked at bringing about some control of the excessive clearance of the county’s remaining forests and implementing bold plans to provide for New Zealand’s future wood needs, which was important in shaping the Department and the location of its staff. Part 2 deals with the consolidation of the New Zealand Forest Service as a capable and contributing part of the forestry sector and the widening of its roles as this capability was recognised. Working with other parts of the forestry community, this new forest industry was able to capitalise on the growing domestic and export markets for New Zealand’s wood products and lift earnings until they were second only to agriculture. This success, however, may have contributed to the Department’s demise. The Government found running commercial enterprises uncomfortable, particularly when buried among other social and environmental goals which blurred any sort of economic accounting, and in 1987 the Department was broken up and closed.

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