Protecting the forest for future generations

The globally-renowned Kaingaroa Forest Estate is New Zealand’s largest contiguous commercial forest, spanning 215,000 ha in the central North Island. It is a national treasure and it’s our business to ensure this giant ecosystem continues to flourish for future generations.

Our forests are a habitat for many rare species which live, feed or pass through them, including kārearea, kōkako, kākā, long-tailed bats, fernbirds and whitehead. Sustaining the ecosystem that these native species depend on means we work hard to protect the whenua, water, and air.

Falcon protection and the Wingspan Birds of Prey Trust

Kaingaroa Forest has a reputation for having the highest mainland density of kārearea - the New Zealand falcon. We work with and sponsor the Wingspan Birds of Prey Trust who actively protect these taonga by rehabilitating sick or orphaned birds of prey. The Trust studies the behaviour and breeding of captive birds and monitors populations to help preserve this rare species. 

Wingspan sponsorship

Improving freshwater quality

Better quality freshwater helps maintain a healthy ecosystem. We help protect streams within our forests with a minimum 10m setback when we replant, and our innovative stream monitoring methods send information directly back to our team, to monitor in-stream characteristics.

An innovative new culvert solution creates better outcomes

When the Waitaruna culvert needed to be replaced, our Forest Engineering Manager investigated a pioneering plastic pipe product made from recycled milk bottles as a sustainable alternative. The Culvert Construction Team undertook a pilot programme to test these plastic pipes and found a range of environmental and operational benefits. For example, plastic culverts are made in New Zealand and not imported as some other culverts are. These plastic culverts require smaller machines for installation resulting in reduced climate emissions. They are recyclable and once they reach end of life they can be remanufactured into new culverts or other products.