N.Z. timber industry tries to live down past

Press, 7 October 1988, Page 34

N.Z. timber industry tries to live down past

PA Nelson A timber industry export taskforce has been launched to ensure that a disastrous shipment to Britain 16 years ago is not repeated. A 1972 cargo of substandard New Zealand wood almost ruined the country’s export reputation and only now are exporters making progress into the lucrative British market.

During the Timber Industry Federation’s conference in Nelson the federation’s president, Mr Jack Butterworth, described the new export market taskforce as a

milestone for the industry. The taskforce will group timber exporters for a collective assault on world markets. This will allow shared marketing and shipping costs, and uniform standards. “One very bad cargo like that one which came in from New Zealand in 1972 will ruin your industry,” said Mr Brian Houghton, of the London timber firm, Gordon Watts and Company, Ltd. Mr Houghton was London agent for a shipment of timber this year which signalled New Zealand’s re-entry.

A Canterbury consortium sent a test load of radiata pine which was apparently well received. New Zealand’s senior trade commissioner in London, Mr Bill Sharp, told the conference the British market was rich and diverse. “It is ready for a huge range of our timber products,” he said. "There is a need to approach it by way of a consortium, putting a full New Zealand face on it.” One already at work is Pine Exporters, Ltd, which has been exploring the Indian market.