Celebrating the contribution of NZ’s forestsFriday 20 Mar 2026
When you look at the numbers - the jobs, the communities, the innovation tied to forestry - it’s clear we’re talking about one of New Zealand’s quiet economic engines. Forestry and wood processing support tens of thousands of people, generate billions in exports, and fuel industries from construction to manufacturing. Just as important are the benefits that don’t appear in GDP. Forests stabilise our soils, regulate water, protect wildlife, and store vast amounts of carbon. These aren’t nice-to-haves, they’re the long-term foundations of resilient economies. Few industries can simultaneously grow the economy, support national climate goals, and strengthen local communities. Forestry does all three. What makes this year’s theme especially resonant is the global shift already underway. As the world moves away from fossil fuels, the question isn’t whether economies will change, it’s how quickly and through what systems. Increasingly, forests are recognised as part of the solution, providing renewable materials and resources to support lower‑carbon development. A renewable, circular economy built on engineered timber, biomaterials, bioenergy, new fibre products, and other low‑carbon alternatives is no longer theoretical. These technologies are maturing, and New Zealand’s existing forestry estate and scientific capability give us a platform for growth. If we utilise these strengths, the bioeconomy could contribute significantly to our future economic development. Forests touch so many parts of our society: housing and construction, advanced manufacturing, energy, circular systems, regional development, Māori economic development, climate adaptation and mitigation, conservation and biodiversity. Forests aren’t single use, instead they’re multi benefit systems that support our wellbeing, our industries, and our national resilience. Momentum is also growing through international and domestic collaboration. Agreements with Viet Nam and India are opening opportunities for research, trade, and shared sustainability initiatives. At home, partnerships between government and industry - through joint investment, workforce development, and responsible forestry standards - are helping to create conditions for long‑term sector growth. This cooperation gives me confidence that New Zealand is not just participating in the emerging global forest economy, we are helping shape it. Ultimately, what excites me most about this year’s theme is it’s a reminder that forests are not only part of our economic history, they are central to our economic future. The International Day of Forests highlights that forests are a resource to grow with, an environment to protect, an innovation platform to build from, and a cornerstone of long‑term prosperity. If we nurture our forests, invest in innovation, and strengthen partnerships, New Zealand can lead the world in building an economy that is productive, sustainable, resilient - and distinctly our own. Source: Deputy Director General Sam Keenan, Te Uru Rākau – New Zealand Forest Services  | ||
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