Forestry set to become top export earner?

Press, 13 October 1983, Page 27

Forestry set to become top export earner?

PA Wellington The Minister of Forests, Mr Elworthy, says he is disappointed at the attitude of some groups of people with a “jaundiced” view of forestry as a legitimate land use. Groups- such as local authorities and some elements of the pastoral farming industry might like to think they were protecting the interests of their region, he said. “But the truth is that they are being a barrier to future

economic growth and development of their regions. Such a view will not only inhibit the economic growth of their areas, but ultimately that of the nation,” said Mr Elworthy. “It is time that such barriers were swept away and prejudices cast off,” he said. Mr Elworthy made his comments in an address given at the planting of the millionth hectare of exotic forest north of Upper Hutt. Forestry had become an important part of the econ-

omy and was set to become possibly the leading export earner, Mr Elworthy said. The nation could not afford to slacken planting programmes now that the first million hectares had been planted and thus jeopardise the security and continuity of future supplies, he said. The shortage now afflicting the industry, especially in the North Island, was caused by the failure to follow up the initial planting boom of the 1930 s and 19405, he said.