One billion tree plan to get $58m Budget boost

Thursday, 16 May 2019

Forestry Minister Shane Jones, pictured at the opening of a standalone forestry hub in Rotorua last year.

Forestry Minister Shane Jones says the Government's plan to plant one billion trees is ahead of target - and set to receive a $58 million Wellbeing Budget boost.

Speaking at the NZ Farm Forestry Conference in Rotorua on Thursday, Jones said the Wellbeing Budget will further transform New Zealand's forestry sector.

Wood products are New Zealand's third largest export earner, behind dairy and meat.

He said forestry played a key role in many priority areas for Government, including regional development, improving water quality, reducing carbon emissions, creating jobs and supporting Māori to realise the potential of their land.

'The One Billion Trees ambition is ahead of target. The Wellbeing Budget is delivering $58 million in funding to ensure this remains the case while also catalysing further transformation of such an important sector,' he said.

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'A key part to achieving our vision for the sector will be delivering in the regions and we will see a new premises built in Rotorua – the heart of the forestry sector – showcasing the use of wood in construction and accommodating Te Uru Rākau's growth.

'By growing the regional presence, we have a huge opportunity to work even more closely with landowners – particularly Māori and farmers – to revitalise our regions and create real benefits across the country.

'Forestry is a great choice which will help landowners to diversify their income, invest in a sustainable future and increase productivity through improved land-use, including tackling erosion.

'Along with this, we will see Te Uru Rākau lead important work to capture and add value to the sector. They have been tasked with strengthening the domestic market for wood products and working closely with the sector to support investment in forestry.

'One of the priorities for the wellbeing budget is to transform the economy. This announcement will help us to do this in a sustainable way.

'With forestry worth over $6 billion to our economy, the Wellbeing Budget gives clear and visible leadership to Te Uru Rākau to build a sustainable sector that delivers improved social, environmental and economic benefits for New Zealand,' Jones said.