ABSTRACT

Forestry is becoming one of New Zealand’s largest industries. New Zealand’s planted production forests total approximately 1.8 million hectares and represents 7% of New Zealand’s total land mass (New Zealand Forest Owners Association 2004). Forestry operations remain labour-intensive despite the increasing mechanisation of the industry. Approximately 11,000 people were employed in forestry and logging in 2003 (New Zealand Forest Owners Association 2004).