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On this page:
- Sustainable forest management
- Biosecurity for New Zealand's forests
- Pests and diseases threaten forest health
- Pest management in forests
- Research and innovation in New Zealand forestry
Sustainable forest management
It's important to manage our forests in a way that has environmental, economic, and social benefits. Doing this helps our forests have a long future. It also helps us meet the demand for sustainably produced timber.
We monitor how sustainable our forest management is through the Montréal Process.
New Zealand and the Montréal Process
Sustainable native forestry
Part of sustainable forest management involves protecting our native (indigenous) forests. One way we do this is by managing the harvesting of these forests. To harvest or mill native (indigenous) forest, owners usually need a plan or permit.
We also regulate the harvesting, milling, and export of swamp kauri. Swamp kauri is timber that has been buried and preserved in what used to be swamps.
Find out more about requirements and swamp kauri
Requirements for harvesting or milling indigenous forestry
Biosecurity for New Zealand's forests
There are many pests and diseases outside of New Zealand that could damage our forests if they get in. Protecting trees from these threats is essential. It protects our natural environment and our primary industries.
We work with Biosecurity New Zealand, another MPI business unit, who manages these threats. Biosecurity New Zealand has identified priority threats to New Zealand’s trees.
Pests, diseases, and weeds threaten forest health
Pests, diseases, and weeds can cause major economic losses and damage to our forests. Eradicating these threats can be costly. The painted apple moth and white spotted tussock moth are examples of pests that we’ve eradicated.
Pine needle diseases
Dothistroma needle blight and red needle cast are pine needle diseases that are not yet eradicated. These diseases are expensive to treat and cause a loss of earnings.
Protecting kauri from disease
Kauri trees are under threat from Phytophthora Agathidicida (also known as kauri dieback disease). The pathogen that causes the disease spreads through soil. The disease threatens the species with extinction.
Give kauri space to grow – Tiakina Kauri (Kauri Protection Agency)
Wilding conifers
Wilding conifers are trees that are not native to New Zealand. The wind carries their seeds, and they spread easily outside managed plantations.
When they spread and are not managed, these conifers are a major threat. They can quickly infest farmland and native ecosystems. They out-compete native plants and wildlife for light and water, and they spoil natural landscapes.
There are programmes and partnerships to stop these trees from spreading.
Pest management in forests
Managing pests is an important part of caring for a forest. Pest animals like possums, goats, deer, and pigs damage our forests and wildlife. They destroy seedlings and native forests and kill indigenous birds and animals.
Regional pest management
Pests can differ between regions. All regional councils have pest management strategies. Many regional and district councils require landowners to manage and control certain pests and diseases.
National policy direction for pest management
Ask your council for information specific to your region, so you know how to protect your forest.
Where to get help
The New Zealand Farm Forestry Association has a database of forest-specific pests in New Zealand.
The Canopy website has information to help you manage pests and diseases in your forest.
Get advice about how to look after your forest from MPI's forestry advisers.
Forestry care partnership: the Government Industry Agreement
The Government Industry Agreement (GIA) is a partnership between the Government and industry groups to manage harmful pests and diseases. The forestry industry is part of the partnership. The Forest Owners Association works with MPI to manage and respond to these risks.
The agreement covers plantation forestry. It is the first of its kind for the forestry sector in New Zealand.
Forestry joins GIA biosecurity partnership – GIA media release
Research and innovation in New Zealand forestry
The government funds research and innovation for New Zealand’s forests and industry.
MPI funds the Sustainable Land Management and Climate Change Research programme. The programme helps the agriculture and forestry sectors with the challenges arising from climate change.
Sustainable Land Management and Climate Change Research Programme
Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures is an investment programme from MPI. It co-invests in initiatives that make a positive and lasting difference in the food and fibre sectors, including forestry.
Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures (SFF Futures)
The One Billion Trees Programme provided funding to develop new ideas that support and improve the way we plant and grow trees and forests.
