With Wood

Working… with Wood - It’s natural, renewable, and climate-smart, so why the hesitation?

Wood’s not just a nice-to-have, it’s one of the most climate-smart materials out there. It locks in carbon, is fully renewable, and stacks up far better against materials like steel, concrete, and plastic when it comes
to sustainability.

The bigger picture

Forestry plays a massive role in
New Zealand’s economy, bringing in around $6 billion each year and supporting thousands of jobs, especially in regional communities. It’s our third-biggest export earner after dairy and meat—and just as important for our environment.

With 1.7 million hectares of plantation forest acting as carbon sinks, the sector offsets over half the country’s emissions. These forests also help with biodiversity, soil stability, water quality, and wildlife habitats, essential stuff for our ecological balance.

Tackling the myths

Despite all that, forestry still cops a
fair bit of flak. Concerns about safety, chemicals, and long-term viability are common, and often misinformed. To
shift the narrative, we need open, honest storytelling. That means lifting the lid on sustainable practices and backing it up with real-world examples that prove it works.

Talking to the right people

Getting the message across takes tailored strategies for each audience:

Landowners & investors:
Clear incentives, strong returns, and
support systems that demystified the investment journey.

Architects, designers & builders: Showing off the innovation, engineered timber, smart design, and standout projects that push what’s possible.

The public: Keeping it relatable. Telling the human stories and sharing how forestry supports communities, protects the environment, and shapes a better future.

Balancing growth
and guardianship

New Zealand has a deep well of forestry expertise and research to draw from. By addressing misconceptions and leading
with facts and heart, we can unlock the
full potential of our forests, supporting economic growth while doing right by
the environment and future generations.