New Zealand Dryland Forests Innovation (NZDFI)

Our vision

New Zealand Dryland Forests Innovation (NZDFI) is a collaborative research and development project formed in 2008. Our vision is that New Zealand develops a sustainable multi-regional hardwood industry by planting 60,000 hectares of genetically improved eucalypt forests. These forest would be planted over the next 30 years in up to 12 regional catchments. Based on 2021 values this industry could  generate over $1billion GDP annually from 2050 onwards.

A national field day on the potential for a NZ durable hardwood industry
Wednesday 17th February 2027 - Hawke’s Bay

New Zealand Dryland Forests Innovation tree breeding and forestry research project has genetically improved drought-tolerant eucalypts that produce naturally ground-durable hardwood.

Research outcomes now provide a market- and science-based pathway for those who want to diversify.

Seed orchards have been developed and commercial sale of improved seedlings commenced in 2021.

Sustainable durable eucalypt forestry is feasible for many North Island regions plus Marlborough, Nelson and North Canterbury.

This field day is targeted at forest growers and farmers interested in the potential for durable hardwood forestry as a productive land use in areas where intense summer droughts are likely to become more frequent. There are multiple trials in the Hawke’s Bay region therefore a national field day will be held there on Wednesday 17th February 2027.

For more information https://nzdfi.org.nz/national-field-day-the-potential-of-a-nz-durable-hardwood-industry/

Why Australia's proposed Great Koala National Park presents market opportunity for NZ eucalypt growers

Eucalypts have long been a highly valued timber resource in Australia. Ever-tightening restrictions on harvesting native forests means supply is diminishing rapidly. New South Wales is the most recent state to propose increased native forest protection, following hard on the heels of Western Australia and Victoria.

The New South Wales proposal involves creating a 176,000 ha Great Koala National Park.

In a recent article, Paul Millen discusses why this presents an opportunity for New Zealand durable eucalypt growers.

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