Marlborough's Future is Durable

A regional development case study on the potential for a durable hardwood industry in Marlborough

NZ Dryland Forests Innovation recently completed a case study on how investment in planting durable eucalypts could contribute to farm and forest diversification, improve wine industry sustainability, create jobs, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the Marlborough region.

The case study projected that, if around a total of 5,000 hectares of durable eucalypts are planted between now and 2055, this resource will sustainably support two processing hubs, one at Kaituna in north Marlborough, and one at the Riverlands industrial area near Blenheim (see map).

Around 175-225 hectares of new planting is required annually, likely to occur either on lower quality farmland or cut-over pine forest.  Between 250,000 and 350,000 seedlings would be needed each year - something that is easiy manageable at an existing Marlborough nursery.

The projected benefits of a small-scale regional hardwood industry in Marlborough include:

• $90million per annum contribution to GDP
• direct employment of 200 full-time equivalent jobs
• annual production of 500,000 naturally durable posts to replace CCA-treated posts in Marlborough's vineyards
• production of other solid wood and engineered wood products
• a new, valuable biofuel resource from harvesting and processing residues.

NZDFI is keen to support growers and others in Marlborough to bring this vision to reality. The case study is highly relevant to other northern and eastern regions where durable eucalypts are already proving their potential as a diverse land use.

Contributors to the study include the Marlborough Research Centre, University of Canterbury’s School of Forestry and the Bioenergy Association of New Zealand.

The project wa finded by the Ministry of Primary Industry's Sustainable Land Management and Climate Change Fund (SLMACC) and the University of Canterbury School of Forestry. 

 Latest News