A new strategy in Bay of Plenty region's forestry and wood processing sector is set to help support and accelerate the development of a market-led, globally-focused, high-value wood products industry in the region.
The Forestry and Wood Processing Strategy 2014 was developed under the Bay of Connections framework, following theinput of a significant number of industry representatives.
The original strategy was first launched in 2011 and had recently been updated to include the highlights and progress since then, as well as the areas of focus for the next three years.
The strategy was led by the Forestry and Wood Action Group (FWAG), whose key role was to support industry growth through advocacy, communication and collaboration and covered the wider Bay of Plenty region including Eastern and Western Bay of Plenty, Rotorua and Taupo.
FWAG chairman Bryce Heard said the focus of the strategy was to provide advocacy and strong leadership to maximise growth opportunities across the wider Bay of Plenty region.
"The wider Bay of Plenty's forestry and wood processing sector represents the central hub of the industry in New Zealand, producing 40% of the nation's harvest," he said.
"The region presents a number of opportunities including forestry and natural energy resources, research capabilities, and the increasing relevance of Maori as land and forest owners."
Mr Heard said there was significant input and support from industry representatives who attended a series of local sector workshops to update and refine the strategy to meet the changing needs of the industry and the evolving operating environment. He said their contribution was fundamental to the success of the strategy in the future.
