Why we need a national forest policy

Authors: Andrew McEwen
Publication: New Zealand Journal of Forestry, Volume N.Z.J.For. 2013, Issue N.Z.J.For. 58(1) 2013, pp 18-23, May 2013
Publisher: New Zealand Institute of Forestry

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Abstract: New Zealand has greater need for a national forest policy than at any time since the 1913 Royal Commission on Forestry, 100 years ago this year. At the same time, the probability of developing one is quite low. Forests, more than most land uses, are long-lived and provide many benefits, not just to the owners of the forests but to the economy, environment and society. It is in the interests of any country to ensure that these benefits are maximised in a way which encourages participation by the private sector. This requires a clearly stated forest policy which is acceptable to affected parties and which provides a framework within which other policies can be developed. Development, promulgation and support for the policy must be led by government with input from experienced and qualified staff at senior levels. Over the last three decades the way forests are owned, administered and managed in New Zealand has undergone considerable change. Examples are in the table below.

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