Māori Trustee backs beech research

Māori Trustee’s Richard Wickens says that close to nine million cubic metres of indigenous beech is currently standing on Māori-owned land, which can be sustainably used in furniture, flooring and high quality interior fit-outs.  “The report was commissioned to look at the potential markets for beech, and what is needed to bring this little-known timber to a wider market.”

The report “Expanding Economic Viability for Sustainably Managed Indigenous Beech Forests” was presented at a workshop at Canterbury University this week, where hot topics of discussion included how to brand indigenous beech to differentiate it from other hardwoods, how to engage builders, architects and furniture designers with the “new” timber, managing the big hurdle of sustainable certification, and how to ensure that land owners get a good price for their timber.

“It’s a great wood – it’s hard, easy to work, and as you can see in places like the new Supreme Court, truly beautiful,” says Richard.  “There is also plenty of it, so there is a great opportunity for joiners, furniture makers and architects to use this uniquely New Zealand resource in a sustainable way,” he says.

You can download a copy of the report from the University of Canterbury School of Forestry website news section.