BrowseWhat forestry data pagesmeans to New Zealand
New Zealand's forests
Data sets of land used for forestry, yield, log types, and deforestation area. Find out more >>
Wood processing
Data sets providing production and stock information of forestry products and an estimate of roundwood removals from New Zealand forests. Find out more >>
Wood product markets
Data sets showing the volume and value of forestry imports and exports, and indicative radiata pine log prices. Find out more >>
Forestry in New Zealand
New Zealand is a small player in the international forestry industry, contributing only 1.1% of the world's total supply of industrial wood and 1.3% of the world's trade in forest products.
However, forestry is a significant industry in New Zealand. It contributes
- an annual gross income of around $5 billion
- 3% of New Zealand's GDP
- directly employs around 20,000 people.
Wood products are New Zealand's third largest export earner – behind dairy and meat.
Exotic plantation forests form the base
The industry is based around sustainably managed exotic plantation forests, covering 1.751 million hectares – about 7% – of New Zealand's land area. Radiata pine ( Pinus radiata ) makes up 90% of the exotic plantation area, with Douglas-fir ( Pseudotsuga menziesii ) accounting for 6%, and the rest made up of eucalypts and other species.
New phase about to begin
The sector is entering an exciting new phase, as forests planted in recent decades reach maturity, increasing production volumes. Forests are also at the centre of New Zealand's climate change response efforts. There is also increasing realisation of the environmental and social benefits of forests.
Facts and Figures – NZ Forest Owners Association website
Who to contact
If you have questions about forestry statistics or would like to get them in a CSV format, email stats_info@mpi.govt.nz .
While New Zealand is a small player in the international forestry industry, (1.1% of the world's total supply of industrial wood and 1.3% of the world's trade in forest products), forestry is a significant industry in New Zealand. It contributes an annual gross income of around $5 billion, 3% of New Zealand's GDP, and directly employs around 20,000 people. Wood products are New Zealand's third largest export earner – behind dairy and meat.
The industry is based around sustainably managed exotic plantation forests, covering 1.751 million hectares – about 7% – of New Zealand's land area. Radiata pine ( Pinus radiata ) makes up 90% of the exotic plantation area, with Douglas-fir ( Pseudotsuga menziesii ) accounting for 6%, and the rest made up of eucalyptus and other species.
The sector is entering an exciting new phase, as forests planted in recent decades reach maturity, increasing production volumes. Forests are also at the centre of New Zealand's climate change response efforts, and there is also increasing realisation of the environmental and social benefits delivered by forests.