Shot in the arm for NZ industry

THE New Zealand forestry industry is to receive an $18million (£6.8m) boost from government to promote the sector.

The country’s Forestry Minister Jim Anderson said the move was in recognition of the increasingly important role the forestry industry plays.

"Forestry is a very important industry for New Zealand. It has long been a major export earner, it is New Zealand's third largest in terms of the contribution to our merchandise exports and employer in the regions,” he said.

“It has the potential to become even more important economically and socially."

Interestingly some of the money is to be spent on research into construction design with the intention of increasing the amount of wood used in non-residential buildings.

The government will support the creation of two design posts at two New Zealand universities to try and increase awareness of timber use amongst engineering students.

Other areas within the industry that will benefit from government cash include marketing, bio-energy and skills and training.