Editorial: Forestry plan gives hope to industry

Red Stag would rely on Labour winning September's election. Photo / Duncan Brown

The forestry industry hasn't had much good news lately, especially in the Rotorua region.

So it was interesting to talk to Labour leader David Cunliffe and Gisborne list MP Moana Mackey at Red Stag Timber yesterday about the party's Forestry and Wood Products Economic Upgrade policies.

Mr Cunliffe announced the policies at the ForestWood 2014 conference on Wednesday and so far it's had an overwhelmingly positive response from the industry.

At the conference, Mr Cunliffe spoke of his time working at a Kawerau mill as a consultant and the lessons he learned there.

He believes New Zealand needs to get better value from its trees, rather than just shipping them out in its raw form.

While I am no forestry expert, it is a message I have heard before when covering forestry conferences and events - as is the plea for our Government to lead the way by having pro-wood procurement policies.

Red Stag's Tim Rigter and the Bay of Connections Forestry and Wood Processing Action Group's Bryce Heard are among those welcoming the Labour package, saying finally someone is paying attention to what the industry has been asking for.

In fact, it's prompted Red Stag to announce it will invest $120 million into a new sawmill and plants should the policies come into effect - the plans are ready and waiting.

Of course, that would rely on Labour winning September's election.

If they do, that could spell great news for Red Stag and its workers who will have secure, more highly paid jobs. And as Mr Rigter said, Rotorua needs growth.

If National remain in power, at least the discussion seems to be gaining momentum.

Red Stag may still go ahead with the investment but to take such a big risk it needs confidence the Government - whichever party that may be - is on its side.

There will be many in our region watching with interest as this one unfolds.