James Shaw: Our forests and our future are entwined – let’s get it right

The Whanganui National park. We’re developing a deeper appreciation of the intrinsic value of permanent, native forests, says James Shaw.

Most of us grew up in homes made of wood. We’re going to need a lot more of it for all the homes we so desperately need to build in next few years.

As a country, we’re also getting better at constructing large and multi-storey buildings out of wood, which are both beautiful and earthquake resilient.

Increasingly, we’re also turning to wood and forestry waste as a feedstock for biofuels and bioplastics. And, forestry is New Zealand’s fourth largest export earner. In other words, it’s a critical strategic industry.

As a country, we’re also developing a deeper appreciation of the intrinsic value of permanent, native forests.

– James Shaw is the Minister for Climate Change, and Associate Minister for the Environment (Biodiversity)