In New Zealand, the Government is making a start on a more sustainable forestry industry with investments in a bioenergy plant, research into biomass, and better forestry practices in a bid to find a commercial use for harvest slash and post-harvest large woody debris (LWD).
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Alongside the NZ$10 million to immediately clean up slash and debris in Tairāwhiti and other areas hit by Cyclones Hale and Gabrielle earlier this year announced ahead of Budget 2023, the NZ Government is investing a further NZ$10.4 million into woody biomass research.
New Zealand Forestry Minister Peeni Henare made the announcement on June 8, 2023, and follows the receipt of the Panel for the Ministerial Inquiry into Land Use in Tairawhi and Wairoa report and recommendations presented to Minister Peeni Henare and Environment Minister David Parker on May 12, 2023.
The Ministerial Inquiry into Land Use recognized current forest harvest practices are not sustainable. In some parts of the country, like Tairāwhiti, there is an urgent need to create a commercial use for harvest residues, such as forestry slash and other woody debris. We want to look at how we can better manage slash through the forestry process and whether it can be used in bioenergy generation locally in Tairāwhiti, Forestry Minister Peeni Henare said.
According to Minister Henare, one of the aims of the research is to maximize the management of woody debris, including slash aka logging residues.
This includes a study into better slash recovery methods, transportation, processing methods, and market options so the resource is used rather than left to cause issues in our communities. The research will build an evidence base for investing in woody biomass supply, and help the government and the sector chart a sustainable way forward, said Minister Henare.
Slash to biofuels- and biopower pilot
One project underway will aid the consenting of a bioenergy plant in Tairāwhiti to increase the productive use of slash.
Through MPI (Ministry of Primary Industries), the Government is supporting the consent activity of a collective in the Tairāwhiti-Hikuwai region to develop a bioenergy plant that turns woody debris into a mix of biodiesel and electricity to support their local community. This project is designed to provide a self-sufficient slash management process to reduce the impact of slash on the community and environment. The plant is a pilot and if successful will become a model for other forestry regions across New Zealand, Minister Peeni Henare said.
Develop a continuous cover forestry business model
Another project is the development of business models for ‘continuous cover forestry’ in New Zealand, which means trees will be cut down on a rotation, as a viable alternative to ‘clear-felling’ or cutting them down all at once.
The inquiry also recommended restricting the practice of clear-felling of plantation forests in some areas, particularly on steep country with highly erodible soils. For this to be successful, new models need to be developed to ensure there is a viable alternative. That is why I am keen to look at continuous cover forestry initiatives that limit the volume of trees cut down in order to maintain canopy cover and protect soil from erosion. This project, and the bioenergy plant – which are part of seven projects funded to the tune of NZ$1.35 million by the Government – will help with building resilience in regions like Tairāwhiti where forestry is a significant contributor to the local economy. We are investing across the supply chain and looking at the whole system, so we can make changes for the better in this region and across New Zealand, ended Minister Peeni Henare.
