New Zealand’s forestry sector receives a new website that will help find the needed information to plant, grow and manage trees, and to encourage investment across the wider industry.
Forestry Minister Stuart Nash said the digital hub, called Canopy, will be used by farmers, iwi and other forestry interests to help them recover from the impacts of the global pandemic and associated economic shocks for the primary sector.
‘The new Canopy website is a centralised online channel that aims to be the ‘go-to site’ for the most up-to-date guidance on forestry, as an investment,’ Minister Nash said.
‘Forestry will be a key part of our climate change response. It also offers huge potential for regional development, Māori economic aspirations, local jobs and training, and diversifying income streams in rural communities.’
The digital hub was developed by Te Uru Rākau – the NZ Forest Service alongside industry partners. Canopy provides credible information from leading forestry experts and shares data and research on growing and managing trees.
Canopy will be invaluable for investors who want to make the right decisions on whether a certain plot of land is suitable for planting. Industry partners can share insights and guidance with help from the site’s useful tools and support.
‘The Forest Service and the industry recognise that many people, businesses, farmers, investors and iwi involved in forestry need to find credible information in an accessible format, in order to make the best decisions for their circumstances,’ Minister Nash said.
‘Work is already underway to develop the next stage of the website, which will provide specific guidance for Māori landowners, information about regional and national events, training opportunities, and case studies and real-life examples of people and experts.’
Forestry is New Zealand’s third-largest primary exporter by value, and there are plans to enhance the planning and advisory services within the Forest Service. Minister Nash said Canopy will support this work and other initiatives such as MPI’s Fit for a Better World roadmap.