Limits to NZ timber exports?Friday 6 Aug 2021 House building crisis: NZ Government could limit timber exports to ensure local supplyThe Government was warned its efforts to tackle New Zealand's housing affordability issues could be hampered by wood shortages. The issue has become so significant, Building and Construction Minister Poto Williams is considering limiting timber exports to ensure there is enough in the country. It's also caught the attention of Green MP Chlöe Swarbrick, who this week intends to call for a select committee inquiry into building products, with a specific focus on timber. This comes as the cost of building materials continues to rise, pushing up house prices. Newstalk ZB can reveal the alarm was raised in April, in an urgent briefing from Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment officials. Documents, obtained under the Official Information Act (OIA), show officials' concerns after timber giant Carter Holt Harvey cut distribution to ITM, Bunnings and Mitre 10. More >> And feedback on comments made by the Minister earlier in the week and potential impact on business confidence and investment can be read here. Source: NZHerald and NewstalkZB |
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