Fast changing forestry sector retains strength in Hawkes Bay
There is a well-established forest growing industry in Hawkes Bay with over 130,000 hectares of forest plantations. Wood product exports are one of the regions largest export categories totalling over $270 million. Timber products always have a strong presence and are easily visible at the Port of Napier when driving by.
Pan Pac Forest Products Ltd is the dominant processor, with a large integrated TMP (thermo-mechanical pulp) mill and sawmill complex at Whirinaki, and a large remanufacturing plant in Napier.
Although sawmill numbers have reduced over the last number of years, a number of private sawmills remain spread throughout the region.
Radiata pine makes up around 98 percent of the wood resources, and Douglas-fir less than 1 percent of the forest area in the region. The small balance is comprised of other exotic hardwood and softwood species in Hawkes Bay.