Each country of the world is unique. Each has its own peculiar combination of climate, geology, ecology, landscape, politics, economics, and social perspectives. The problems and challenges are different for each. However, there are also similarities between many aspects for many countries. Consequently, one country's experiences in a particular sphere can be relevant to a number of others. However, in learning from a particular real life "model" it is important to recognize the subtle dependencies between factors which contribute to success, or otherwise.
In the global forestry sector considerable interest is shown in the New Zealand "model". There are several reasons for this, most notably because New Zealand's forestry "policy" encompasses an ideological framework possibly furthest to the right from the mainstream of countries. Plantation forestry, privatization, free-markets and sustainable management are all issues which can be closely associated with New Zealand. These topics, along with an understanding of the attempts to create a dichotomous forest estate, are those which should be of most interest to the reader. However, this paper also attempts to pick out some other strands on which this overall strategy is woven and create a more complete picture of the New Zealand forestry sector and, particularly, where it is headed.
However, it is useful to note at the beginning that the present model of New Zealand forestry is a recent phenomenon and not the result of any consistent policy direction. Until the 1980's New Zealand was one of the most protected developed countries in the world. Even twenty years ago New Zealand being one of the world's few open market log traders would have been a thought few would have countenanced. Similarly, most of the architects of the plantation forests did not, for many years, plan for a substantial export industry. They certainly did not plan for privatization and generally remain staunchly opposed to this "experiment". However, change has happened, and rapidly. The vast majority of people involved in the forestry sector believe prospects on almost all fronts are more positive than had change not occurred. New Zealand appears to making headway in solving many of its forestry-related economic, environmental and social difficulties. Nonetheless, the forestry star has risen only lately in New Zealand. There is some considerable time before the New Zealand model can truly be deemed a success.
