Forest Owners Association chief executive David Rhodes said that would account for a total area of 100,000ha over 10 years, an extra 50,000ha.
He could see benefits not only for regional economies but any inclusion of farming into emissions trading would also bring benefits to it and the adjoining forestry sector.
“The plantings need to be managed in a planned, strategic way to avoid some of the issues we currently face over wood supply,” he said.
He was heartened by Shane Jones overseeing forestry and also being the minister for regional development, with funds of about $1billion a year at his disposal.
“Clearly with Shane Jones overseeing regional development, he has a fair bit of money to play with and some of that is earmarked for forestry. Hopefully they will not be buying land but people who already have land such as iwi and farmers will be involved in the plantings.”
Rhodes viewed the Government indications agriculture might be included in the emissions trading scheme as a win-win for the country.
Carbon prices were about $19 a tonne and there would be a bit of wait-and-see on how prices moved as the Government worked to deliver on its goal of a zero carbon economy by 2050.
A Climate Commission would bring some independent accountability backed by legislation under the Zero Carbon Act, both strengthening the Emissions Trading Scheme.
“It’s worth noting there is no talk about dismantling the ETS.”
Rhodes said it was critical NZ moved towards a lower carbon level or it risked being left high and dry with a fossil fuel economy while other countries had made their move to lower carbon levels.
