Celebrating how forests support sustainable food productionFriday 21 Mar 2025
Forests are a mainstay of the New Zealand way of life and natural environment, supporting our livelihoods and lifestyles. Globally, forests not only provide food, fuel, income and jobs, but also improve waterways and support biodiversity. These are only a few reasons to spend a moment on Friday 21 March, International Day of Forests, acknowledging the critical role of our forests. New Zealand has over 9.7 million hectares of forests – exotic and native – covering 38% of the land. Whether you live in rural or suburban areas or city centres, trees are part of peoples’ everyday lives. "Trees are not just part of a major industry in New Zealand, they are also a critical part of our wider landscape and production systems. They are essential for environmental sustainability because they help to protect against erosion and to maintain soil and water quality,” says Belinda Miller, Te Uru Rākau – New Zealand Forest Service. “I encourage everyone to take a moment and reflect on the value our forests add to our communities, culture, biodiversity, local economies and everyday lives and activities.” Te Uru Rākau – New Zealand Forest Service works to promote and grow New Zealand’s forestry sector and ensure the sector’s ongoing sustainability. The agency’s vision is for a future where forestry’s full potential is unlocked for New Zealand’s economy and environment. This includes growing the economic value of the forestry and wood processing sector, helping New Zealand meet emissions reduction targets, and strengthening sector resilience through climate change adaption and sustainable land use. We partner with local government, NGOs, and rural communities to achieve this.” says Belinda. A good example of this is Land for Life, a collaboration with farmers and farming communities in Hawke’s Bay. An important agricultural hub, Hawke’s Bay experiences high rates of soil erosion. Land for Life supports farmers to plant appropriate tree species in the right places to slow erosion, improve freshwater quality and build resilient farms.” “The hugely successful Hill Country Erosion Programme provides funding support in 4-year blocks to regional erosion-control projects. Beginning in July 2023, the funding is helping to protect over 21,000 hectares of erosion-prone farmland.” Loss of productive land through erosion has a significant impact on the environment, and the economy. Erosion and its effects in hill country areas alone are estimated to cost New Zealand's economy $100 million to $150 million a year – forests help reduce these losses. Another successful programme partnering with food producers and communities is Te Uru Rākau – New Zealand Forest Service working jointly with Beef + Lamb New Zealand to run workshops and events that support landowners to integrate trees into their farming system. “Trees support livestock by providing shelter, windbreaks, shade, feed during drought or feed shortages, and also can provide alternative income streams or support financial succession planning.” “The Growing Native Forests initiative focuses on landowners wanting greater success establishing native plantings. Native ecosystems have many benefits including mitigating erosion, enhancing biodiversity, improving soil health, and supporting native wildlife habitats. “This Friday 21 March let’s join other countries in celebrating the International Day of Forests while considering some of the unique and special aspects of New Zealand’s landscape and ecosystem. Together, we can ensure our forests continue to be enjoyed by future generations.” If you would like to learn more about planting trees go to canopy.govt.nz. Source & image credit: Te Uru Rākau – New Zealand Forest Service  | ||
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