With a ‘wall of wood’ available to harvest early next decade there is also the potential for  exports to increase by a staggering 40% over the next 20 years.

According to Doug Ducker, Chairman of Woodco “The forest  and wood value chain is on a growth trajectory and we need to develop effective strategies to ensure optimal economic gains are realised both locally and offshore”.

 Mr Ducker added:

“If we look at the domestic market, we need to be mindful that New Zealanders have options in terms of the construction materials they select. If we get our supply chain right, those involved in architecture, engineering and property development represent some of the key influencers in terms of how the sector increases its contribution to GDP”.

“With innovation, that reflected government policy to apply science and technology, New Zealand is now at the cutting edge of breakthroughs in engineering excellence and the application of engineered timber.  On this basis the forest and wood sector offers the potential to lift its manufacturing base but this will not happen without key influencers being enabled to specify such products.”

 In a recent series of Timber Design Seminars coordinated by NZ Wood, international architects highlighted the benefits of timber particularly in commercial construction and in post earthquake Italy.  Research carried out amongst the architects and engineers who attended the events highlighted the lack of knowledge and outdated Standards as two key drawbacks that limited the uptake of engineered timber in New Zealand.

NZ Wood’s Timber Design Advisory Centre has been established to overcome the first hurdle by helping improve local knowledge of timber options particularly with regard to engineered timber. There remains however an immediate need to update building standards so they are relevant to the materials that are available today and this is a critical issue.

NZIER Report: Key Findings

Export Revenue

In the year to March 2011, the combined exports of forestry and wood related products earned New Zealand $4.6 billion putting these combined exports in third ranking in terms of export value.

Forestry and wood-related products accounted for 13.3% of New Zealand’s total goods exports.

Over the past 5 years the real value of forestry primary products exports (largely logs) have grown by an average rate of 18.6% per year.  This is faster than any other grouping. 

Processed wood exports have grown by an average of 3.5% over the past 5 years.

Strong Direct Contribution to GDP

The sector’s GDP was $4 billion in the year to March 2011 – over two and a half times bigger than the contribution of the mining sector, seven times larger than the textiles and clothing sector and over twice as big as the accommodation, restaurants and bars sector.

The forestry and logging sector contributed $1.77 billion to New Zealand’s real GDP in the year to March 2011.  It has grown by an average of 2.2% over the past decade. In the year to March 2011, its GDP grew by 12.2%

The wood processing sector contributed a further $2.3 billion and has grown at an average rate of 0.3% over the past decade.

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Background re Standards

Standards are agreed specifications for products, processes, services, or performance.

New Zealand Standards are developed by expert committees using a consensus-based process that facilitates public input.

New Zealand Standards are used by a diverse range of organisations to enhance their products and services, improve safety and quality, meet industry best practice, and support trade into existing and new markets.

Standards New Zealand is New Zealand’s leading developer of standards and standards-based solutions.

Standards New Zealand is the operating arm of the Standards Council, an autonomous Crown entity operating under the Standards Act 1988.  The Standards Council, an appointed body with representatives from a wide range of community sectors, is the governing body for Standards New Zealand.

For more information please contact:

Doug Ducker Chairman Woodco 06 831 0100

Lees Seymour Chair NZ Wood 0274 882 409

Jane Arnott CEO NZ Wood 021 807 002