Planting & Renewal

6 September 2007

The sustainable practices of New Zealand’s plantation forests are supported by the recent introduction of the Environmental Code of Practice, developed by the New Zealand Forest Owner’s Association. The code sets out Best Environmental Practices for forest operations.

The New Zealand forestry and wood industry has long since recognised the importance of operating in an environmentally friendly and sustainable way. The 1991 Forest Accord, health and safety codes and the efforts to develop third party certification reflect the commitment of plantation owners to ensure that New Zealand is a world leader in environmental forest management practices.

The Environmental Code of Practice is a ‘how to’ guide for forestry owners that describes a range of management options for different situations, designed to be used in conjunction with legislation and technical information.

Protection of waterways, endangered species, historical sites, sediment control and the management of fuel, oil and wastes are just some of the situations covered by the code. The Environmental Code of Practice is a technical manual written by environmental managers for operations managers of plantation forests. It was officially launched by the Minister of Forestry at Parliament on 15 August 2007.

Best practice environmental management practices in action



Lake Taupo Forest Trust has implemented a number of best practice environmental management measures that protect soil, water, heritage sites and animal and bird habitats.

Approximately, 31% of the 32,000 ha of land which makes up Lake Taupo Forest remains unplanted, mainly to protect soil, water and fish habitat. In addition, regular water quality monitoring to assess the effect of forest harvesting on water quality in the Waimarino River and the Mangakowhitiwhiti Stream is undertaken. The results continue to show that harvesting operations are being managed in a way that avoids significant adverse effects on water quality.

Over 100 wahi tapu sites on the lands are fully documented and identified by GPS and strict protocols for operations on and around these areas are in place. Social impact assessments are also undertaken prior to clearfell harvesting operations in areas that are highly visible to the public.

Lake Taupo Forest Trust conducts regular re-measurement of indigenous forest plots to assess changes in vegetation and health, and also restores and protects high priority indigenous forest enclaves, including removing weed species and wildings.