Some of New Zealand’s international successes in the Wood, building and interiors sector have been:
- Verda New Zealand exports outdoor timber products that use patented technology developed in New Zealand to improve their durability and appearance. Key markets are Japan, the United States, China and Australia.
- Three New Zealand companies – Jenkin Timber, Pacific Timber and Taranaki Sawmills have joined forces as Bodyguard Wood Products to export exterior wall cladding to the United States.
The global opportunity
Wood is a vital commodity worldwide. Nearly 3.5 billion tonnes of wood are consumed annually, and average wood demand increases approximately 100 million tonnes a year. The OECD estimates that the global trade in timber is worth more than NZ$300 billion a year.
Although around a third of the country’s forest harvest is exported as logs, there are a number of opportunities to export processed wood products.
Value-added timber products
New Zealand-grown pine is used in the manufacture of a wide range of commercial products, including:
- joinery made from both solid-clear and finger-jointed and laminated wood;
- complete furniture and furniture components;
- outdoor decking, pergolas, fences and landscaping timbers
- construction material that includes framing, cladding, joinery and trim; and
- packaging such as pallets, crates, boxes and cable drums.
New Zealand supplies mouldings and millwork to the United States, for a range of interior fit-out products and is developing a strong position supplying dressed boards to “do-it-yourself” outlets. New Zealand suppliers are also developing a strong offering to the interior fit-out markets in the China market.
Building and construction
The main use for New Zealand pine is in the construction industry, which makes extensive use of sawn framing, cladding, millwork, joinery and engineered products. New Zealand manufacturers have also developed pre-fabricated domestic and commercial buildings, which are delivered ready for assembly. These pre-fabricated buildings use a range of different building systems, from insulated panel structures and log homes to convenient ‘2x4’ timber framing.
Sustainability challenges
Much of the global demand for timber and wood products is met with wood that is harvested unsustainably. New Zealand has approximately 1.8 million hectares of intensively managed, renewable, sustainable, production forest plantations, accounting for 7 percent of total land use. Nearly half of New Zealand’s plantation forests are Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified. Approximately 90 percent of these plantation forests are New Zealand Pine (pinus radiata), 6 percent Douglas Fir (pseudotsuga menziesii), and 4 percent other species.
New Zealand is one of few countries in the world with the ability to increase and sustain its total wood production. This is in contrast to the global situation, where harvesting rates are acknowledged as unsustainable.
How NZTE can help
New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) works with the industry to build capability and to identify new opportunities for growth internationally. This includes through partnerships with industry bodies in New Zealand and with international partners. NZTE also helps to promote the industry’s strength globally.
NZTE employs staff in strategic locations around the world with experience selling processed wood products. Much of our work with the industry is focused on opportunities to sell value-added processed wood products in Australia, India and China.
To find out more about NZTE’s work in the wood, building and interiors industry, or to talk with an NZTE representative about participating in initiatives in the industry:
We support initiatives that help companies capture greater value from New Zealand’s forest resource, through further processing within New Zealand and greater integration with export supply chains. Our particular focus is on market opportunities in Australia, India, China, and the United States.
More general information about New Zealand’s wood, building and interiors industry can be sourced through the following organizations:
